Report primes manufacturers for 4th industrial revolution

The move follows a series of focus groups with manufacturers across the UK and research showing that just 4 in 10 (42 per cent) have a good handle on 4IR. At the same time, manufacturers are aware that 4IR will lead to crucial transformation both at a business and industry level.

Over 6 in 10 manufacturers (61 per cent) say digital technologies will boost productivity, while three-quarters (74 per cent) say that 4IR will fundamentally change customers' expectations. This in turn will require firms to change and adapt in order to meet marketplace needs.

Almost 7 in 10 (68 per cent) manufacturers say that 4IR will happen faster than previous changes in manufacturing. And while most are seemingly confident about managing the pace of change, almost 4 in 10 (39 per cent) are concerned about their firms' ability to keep up.

The report says that 4IR will herald smarter production, relationships and products and will boost the number of high-skilled jobs in the UK. But, it warns that the speed of change will be unprecedented, leaving little room for complacency. Without industry and supply chain leadership, coupled with a supportive industrial strategy, the UK could be left behind.

EEF's report identifies a need for greater communication across supply chains and industrial sectors about the benefits. And, while the 4IR journey may start with optimising existing business processes, there are steps beyond technology that manufacturers need to take to prepare their business. These include applying visionary thinking, changing the internal culture towards innovation and boosting the role of IT and technology in decision making.

The case studies centre on smarter relationships, smarter production and smarter products. They include creating a digitised warehouse using RFID tracking of inventory to create a smarter inventory management system, using production line simulation or virtualisation to identify the most efficient layout for production and the use of always-connected products that allow predictive maintenance.

This report is part of EEF's wider drive to get UK manufacturers 4IR ready. This involves providing firms with support and information along with practical tips and case studies of how other manufacturers are adapting to the new industrial age.

Lee Hopley, Chief Economist at EEF, says: "4IR is happening and the UK's success in this global industrial transformation will hinge on manufacturers' strategies and ambitions. It goes far beyond simply investing in new technologies and techniques - this new era requires cultural shifts, new business models and the ability to adapt and innovate.

"This report is about sharing this insight with manufacturers but, more importantly, also providing practical examples so that 4IR stops being about theory and starts being about something that manufacturers can genuinely see how and why to apply. By helping to connect principle to practice, we aim to put our sector in the driving seat, building confidence and awareness so that UK manufacturers can be at the forefront of this new industrial wave."

Vikram Singla, Product Innovation and Supply Chain Apps Leader at Oracle, says: "It is very encouraging to see UK manufacturers have taken note of the major changes coming to their industry and the role of technology. The technological element of this transformation is critical as it will mean change happens at unprecedented pace.

"Cloud computing in particular and the scale, speed, flexibility and agility it enables will mean businesses will very quickly be able to make changes to everything from production processes to the way they manage their supply chains, product innovation and customer relationships. Similarly, in a smarter, more technological age of manufacturing, cloud will help businesses to collect and analyse the data created by their business processes, instilling a culture of constant improvement, refinement and efficiency."

The report - The 4th Industrial Revolution - a primer for manufacturers - can be downloaded here. To find out more about UK manufacturing and 4IR, visit: www.eef.org.uk/fourthindustrial.