Innovation excellence conference

SmartFutures 13 December 2017  

Industrial services provider ERIKS has hosted its first conference on the future of UK manufacturing at the MTC, Coventry.

The Innovation Excellence Conference, which brought together a range of manufacturing experts and representatives across industry, sought to address how the UK can adapt to developments and changes within manufacturing, including Industry 4.0, data sharing and advanced maintenance practices to improve operational efficiency.

Overall, the aim of the event was to encourage manufacturers to embrace the “digitalisation” of industry, and develop a more collaborative mindset in order to increase the UK’s productivity and global competitivity.

Speakers included representatives from a number of ERIKS suppliers, including Festo, Xylem and Rexnord. The event also welcomed two keynote speakers: the MTC’s head of technology strategy for digital manufacturing, Dr Lina Huertas, and international businessman, Lord Digby Jones.

Dr Heurtas considered how businesses could harness the value of Industry 4.0 and Big Data, while Lord Jones discussed how collaborative working, embracing technology and leadership could all kick-start positive change in industry.