UPDATE FROM THE AEMT SECRETARY

THE DAWN OF 2023 MARKED A DISTINCT PARADIGM shift that few could have predicted. As we waved farewell to the previous year, whispers of a technological innovation known as ChatGPT by OpenAI began circulating in the halls of social media. Now, in retrospect, it seems we may have underestimated the transformative potential of this revolutionary software.

As we now stand on the threshold of a new era, we're collectively striving to comprehend the true essence of artificial intelligence (AI) and its myriad applications within our commercial operations. A recent LinkedIn poll shed light on the fact that many of us are still in the early exploratory phase, cautiously navigating the uncharted territories of this game-changing technology. And this is exactly where the indispensable role of a trade association comes into play.

We're eagerly anticipating the collaborative journey ahead as our community pools their collective experiences, learning together to harness the power of AI. Despite the prediction that it will take years for firms to fully adopt and integrate this technology, early adopters are set to reap unprecedented benefits.

An illuminating study by MIT underscores this point: daily business activities like crafting emails, drafting sales proposals, or creating social media posts were completed 37% faster when aided by AI, with a marked 20% increase in overall effectiveness. Additionally, the study noted increased levels of job satisfaction upon completion of tasks.

Consider this food for thought: if you choose to overlook this technology, you risk your competitors surging ahead, leaving you trailing in their wake, struggling to compete with their speed and efficiency.

Annual general meetings provide a mirror, reflecting back on the accomplishments and the progress we have made in the preceding year. As we look back on our recent AGM in June, the reflection is heartening. Despite being a lean team, we've shown the ability to be agile and responsive to our members' evolving needs, consistently exceeding our own expectations.

2022 was indeed a landmark year for the AEMT, laying the cornerstone for our ambitious five-year growth plan. Our strategy revolved around creating value and fostering growth for our members, appealing to businesses poised to transcend boundaries. Our vision to establish an online academy dedicated to professionalising repair, overhaul and reclamation of hazardous area rotating electrical equipment came to fruition within just one year – a feat we initially anticipated would take double that time.

However, we weren't blind to the financial pressure that escalating costs were placing on businesses and employees. Rising energy prices, increasing grocery bills, and soaring living costs called for a decisive response, leading to the creation of AEMT Advantage – an exclusive membership portal offering cost-saving benefits to our members.

As we welcome our new President, Mr James Stevens of Preformed Windings, we're infused with a renewed sense of excitement. His global experience and expertise in business growth, coupled with his tenure with the AEMT since 2019, positions him perfectly to steer the ship. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with him to unlock the potential of our international membership, thereby infusing UK businesses with fresh perspectives and insights.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, this article was written with the help of AI!

Guide Helps Motor Users Cut Costs And Reduce Environmental Impact

THE ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL Trades (AEMT) has published a new guide designed to help users calculate their industrial motors' total cost of ownership (TCO). With a focus on assisting organisations to reduce costs and improve their motors' environmental impact, the free guide can be downloaded from the AEMT website.

Despite a slight improvement in recent weeks, today's energy prices are more than double the pre-2021 historic average, and forecasts suggest they will remain so for some years to come. As a result, the lifetime cost of running an electric motor is an increasing focus for many users. However, we are still some way from a motor's TCO becoming a standard factor in most purchasing decisions.

The purchase price of a typical industrial motor can be just 2% of its lifetime cost. So, to help end-users benefit from a greater focus on a motor's TCO, the AEMT's new guide outlines the variables which need to be considered when calculating the overall cost and offers recommendations for how it can be reduced. Areas covered in the guide include using variable speed drives, higher efficiency motors and improving motor reliability.

Commenting on the AEMT's new guide for industrial motor users, Thomas Marks, the AEMT's Secretary and General Manager, said: "Our members are experts in advising motor users on the most efficient and effective solutions for their applications and we want to highlight the positive impact users can have on their bottom lines and the environment." bit.ly/AEMT_TCO

According to research from the World Energy Council, electric motordriven systems are estimated to account for almost 50% of all global electricity consumption. Alongside the potential for significant financial savings, if that consumption dropped by just 10%, that could reduce the global demand for electricity generation by 1,425TWh, equivalent to the total amount of electricity used by India, the world's third largest consumer.

Focusing on a motor-driven system's TCO can help realise these benefits, and this new guide from the AEMT has been designed to support the process.

Wire Electric Supplies Ltd