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place entirely in-house, utilising power networking technologies and 5G Developed and delivered by the
existing teams to create new ideas and wireless facilities. Arguably, the two Digital Catapult NETV, the Digital
then successfully deploy them. There main areas these technologies can be Manufacturing Programme has been
are a myriad of agile SMEs capable adopted in the gas industry are asset created to support not just those within
of developing and deploying new tracking and asset monitoring. the manufacturing sector, but also wider,
solutions. While working with SMEs can traditionally non-digital industries
require changes to internal processes Managing innovation seeking to experience, explore and adopt
(particularly around procurement) the In order to successfully implement emerging technologies.
benefits that come from working with emerging technologies such as these, The programme has been designed
small, external companies can be huge. and to work successfully with SMEs, to introduce companies to the latest
it is important to manage innovation emerging technologies. Led by industry
Artificial intelligence perhaps projects in the right way. Transparency specialists, delegates can explore how
offers the greatest potential is key. Firstly, it is vital to identify a emerging technologies will impact
for increased productivity, clearly defined problem, something their industry and how to harness
them in order to improve productivity,
that is a genuine challenge within
efficiency, safety and customer the business, rather than a broad, efficiencies and competitiveness.
service. Ultimately, by leveraging changeable brief. There should also be The Digital Manufacturing Programme
existing data, artificial an agreed budget, outlined at the start includes four workshops delivered by
of the project. Any assumptions made
industry experts, followed by six days of
intelligence has the potential when budgeting need to be made clear direct one-to-one support. These industry
to drive entirely new business to potential SME suppliers. specialists will work to understand
models in an organisation Likewise, it is important to outline the productivity and efficiency of your
realistic and agreed timescales. If a current company processes, along
project is likely to take 24 months with challenges, barriers to growth and
The scope of technology to deliver, this should be outlined digital requirements.
There are numerous emerging digital from the start. This should include Delegates leave the programme with
technologies that have the potential to communicating any internal a wide understanding of the current
improve processes, competitiveness procurement onboarding processes and future technology landscape and
and efficiencies. Immersive and initial minimum viable product an in-depth understanding of the
technologies, for instance, including deployment. Significant internal areas most relevant to their business.
virtual reality (VR), augmented reality buy-in is critical, both from senior To ensure this learning is put into
(AR), mixed reality (MR) and haptics, management and all relevant teams. practice, Digital Catapult NETV also
have the potential to revolutionise This is the only way to ensure projects works with the organisations to
complex design and operations are approached strategically and not develop and implement a bespoke,
processes. Companies are already just as a standalone task. Educating and actionable plan to help implement any
beginning to embrace the use of including key stakeholders from the necessary changes.
immersive technologies on the shop start – be them internal or external – To help companies implement
floor as training aids and to simplify or helps to reduce perceived risk, changing
de-risk complex operations by guiding mindsets and driving ideas forward. Led by industry specialists,
the user or operative through the It’s important to clearly outline
process in real-time. your company’s intentions and/or delegates can explore how
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the create a roadmap for partnerships emerging technologies will
theory and development of computer in order to set expectations around impact their industry and
systems that have the ability to implementation plans for legitimate
perform tasks normally performed and scalable solutions. Lastly, it is how to harness them in order
by humans. Artificial intelligence vital there is open dialogue around to improve productivity,
perhaps offers the greatest potential intellectual property and who owns efficiencies and competitiveness
for increased productivity, efficiency, it, as this can be a deal-breaker for
safety and customer service. attracting small companies. Making
Ultimately, by leveraging existing data, your position on IP clear from the onset the recommendations outlined in
artificial intelligence has the potential can mitigate concerns from either party a bespoke digital needs analysis,
to drive entirely new business models later down the line. our experts outline potential cost,
in an organisation. timescales, plus internal and external
For future networks, such as the Getting started skills requirements and advise on how
internet of things (IoT), 5G and low- Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley best to implement any new technology.
powered wide area networks (LPWAN), (NETV) helps organisations of all sizes The programme is suitable for project
leveraging existing data is key. This transform their business through digital managers, innovation officers, staff
enables the advanced machine learning innovation by accelerating the practical members with responsibility for
operations capable of driving better application of emerging technologies, strategic and business views, and senior
decision making across a company. such as IoT, 5G, AI and immersive management teams.
The rapid fall in the cost of sensor technologies. We work with businesses
technology is enabling the exponential to identify issues that are affecting For further details on the Digital
collection of information, which has the their productivity and competitiveness, Manufacturing Programme, contact
potential to greatly improve efficiencies then apply our knowledge of the digital Sophie Craggs, Programme Engagement
across gas distribution networks. This SME marketplace to help identify Manager, by emailing sophie.craggs@
is also driving the requirement for low possible solutions. sunderlandsoftwarecity.com

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