Educational Content - Smart Factory Expo

Embedding Digital Technology to gather critical reliability and environmental data on your production processes to monitor, manage and mitigate failure in critical process related equipment.

Centralisation of data streams into one easy to use and understand dashboard for predicting failures

Analytics carried out by AI within the platform to accurately detect failures, demonstrated by using a live demonstration of the ARSL test rig and developed digital twin.

Is your factory data telling the whole story? This session explores how integrating frontline worker insights with traditional machine data through Connected Worker applications unlocks a new level of visibility. We'll delve into the AI capabilities that drive Optimal Agility, Efficiency, and rapid Time-to-Value. Hear a compelling customer story from Barry Callebaut showcasing the power of this integrated data strategy.

A new report, Future Factory: Supercharging digital innovation in food and drink manufacturing, released by the Food and Drink Federation in partnership with strategic delivery consultancy Newton has found that there is an untapped growth opportunity of up to £14bn in the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. This session will cover:

- the barriers to investing in AI, digital and automation in food and drink

- potential solutions and collective action being taken through the newly formed Food and Drink Technology Taskforce

• The true value of a trusted MSP as your infrastructure evolves (and why a vendor/MSP partnership matters)
• How the attitude to network and Security has not kept up with modern times. We work different so need different security. 
• Why you cannot afford to neglect the security risk presented by both OT/IoT and legacy technologies… and what to do about it

Our presentation explores how to manage data effectively for successful Digital Twin implementations. At FLAGS Software we know a Digital Twin is only as good as the data it relies on. We will discuss:

• How organisations collect excessive data, much of which remains at best, unused, or at worst, a diversion from the true picture.
• How data lakes promise a unified repository, but often turn into disorganised "data swamps."
• How without standardisation and clear parameters, AI-driven insights become unreliable.

1. Making the economics of Digital Manufacturing work across all your plants, instead of limiting to the most profitable/ largest plants

2. Open data platform approach - converting manufacturing data into business benefits

3. Data to 'AI & Execution' and everything in between

In today’s evolving manufacturing landscape, secure and reliable connectivity is no longer optional; it’s essential.

This session will explore the critical building blocks of a secure and resilient data and communications infrastructure tailored to the needs of manufacturing environments.

Whether your preferred deployment model is on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid, we’ll cover solutions that align with the performance, scalability, and security demands of modern manufacturing organisations.

Key topics we’ll cover include:

• Ubiquitous connectivity with Industrial Wi-Fi & Private 5G

• IoT Enablement

• Secure Network Deployment

• Industrial Switches

• Cloud Communication & Collaboration

• Emergency Communication Solutions

This session is designed for manufacturing organisations looking to drive operational efficiency and future-proof their infrastructure and technology, while maintaining control over security and compliance.

 

 

 

Robotics is transforming manufacturing, but how can we ensure we are unlocking its full potential across the whole supply chain? Quentin Wylie, Robotics & Automation Consultant at Schneider Electric, explores how smart factories can integrate automation with sustainable practices to optimise energy use and reduce waste.

This is the key to both closing the industry wide skill gap and growing the UK manufacturing sector. Join Quentin to explore the role of automation and robotics in a circular economy and how the whole supply chain can work together to create a more resilient industry.

We offer powerful, flexible solutions for every need, no matter the complexity. Simply put, we’re built to scale. That means more growth for you.

Understanding where an ERP system integrates with your business.

How to prepare and what to expect when implementing an ERP solution.

Leveraging established ERP systems to provide better value to your business.

Are you drowning in data? Do you struggle to separate what's important from the white noise? Do you need to accelerate production, enhance quality and reduce wastage? Do you want to make work easier for your teams, while saving money? If so, come and find out how:

• Race-inspired sensors and analytics are generating the insights manufacturers need to spearhead process improvements
• F1 prototyping and simulation techniques improve testing and demonstrate real-world benefits

We'll help you build, scale and embed solutions that accelerate change and drive results. We're here to solve your manufacturing challenges. At pace.

The rise of the smart factory is shaping the future of manufacturing. Smart machines help speed production and lower costs by automating tasks and supporting workers. Using sensors, AI, and machine learning, these machines can navigate their environments, avoid obstacles, and make real-time decisions.

In this panel discussion, experts from Hitachi Rail, Slalom, Cypher Robotics and Ericsson will share real-world applications of autonomous things in manufacturing using 5G.

A first of its kind, dedicated to businesses who make for the makers, this framework presents a methodology for integrating strategic thinking and practical application across all aspects of marketing communications in any industrial sector. It enables businesses to consider their sector and audience context within a marketing ecosystem of 9 key principles, and to identify clear areas for improvement making planning and tactical decision-making straightforward. The Marketing for Industry framework helps Marketing, Sales and C-Suite speak the same language.

Pailton Engineering’s adoption of automation demonstrates that it's not about replacing workers, but about transforming their roles to focus on creativity, problem-solving and making the workplace safer and more inclusive.
• Empowering workers
• Reducing fatigue and improving safety
• Expanding and future-proofing automation

What’s the one key take away attendees will get from your presentation?:

Automation isn’t about replacing workers, but about elevating their roles by removing repetitive, physically demanding tasks and creating space for them to contribute their skills and creativity to continuous improvement and future innovation.

 

Many large manufacturing companies operate across multiple sites and countries. These companies struggle to maintain efficiency and competitiveness because they lack real-time visibility and standardised processes. Many organisations still rely on manual data collection and disconnected systems, which lead to inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities.
 

In this session, Simon Johnson—Principal Engineer at HiveMQ and Chair of the MQTT-SN committee—explores how organizations can unlock the full potential of their industrial data by building an open, standards-based data backbone from edge to cloud. He will discuss the critical role of MQTT in enabling scalable, real-time, and interoperable communication across distributed systems. Attendees will learn how to architect data infrastructure that supports decentralized computation, integrates legacy assets, and breaks down silos using technologies like MQTT, MQTT-SN, and Sparkplug. The talk highlights practical patterns and real-world strategies for driving efficiency, insight, and innovation in industrial environments.

This session delves into the journey of automating small ingredient dispensing, from manual methods to advanced Cobot-driven solutions. We will explore the challenges of accuracy, consistency, and integration, along with innovative approaches to overcoming them.

- Understanding key challenges in small ingredient dispensing.

- Exploring Cobot automation for precision and efficiency.

- Real-world applications and future advancements.

AI is only as good as the data behind it. In industrial settings, the journey from raw sensor data to AI-driven insights depends on a robust modern data platform. This session explores how data architecture, storage, and compute impact AI performance, ensuring models deliver accurate, real-time decisions. Learn best practices for designing scalable, high-performance platforms that bridge the gap between operational data and AI-driven automation.

Manufacturing commerce has evolved away from disconnected, cumbersome systems to a seamless experience that integrates business logic to create a digital sales factory.  

Going digital for the B2B Commerce (r)Evolution is critical to converting the rising number of digitally native B2B buyers into loyal customers. But what exactly do they value – and how can you provide a seamless digital experience that engages new buyers without alienating your existing customer base?  

Our session will show you how integrated e-commerce platforms like Sana Commerce eliminate manual processes, reduce inefficiencies, and provide seamless customer experiences to enhance operational agility and meet the evolving expectations of the modern B2B buyer.  

Discussion Points:  

• New Generation(s) of buyers: reaching digitally native buyers and building relationships   
• Seamless, integrated commerce: how integrated commerce helps your business scale and evolve  
• Real-world success: how Moto Direct evolved e-commerce for the digital era 

This session will explore how additive manufacturing is enabling manufacturers to overcome modern supply chain challenges, reduce production costs, and accelerate lead times by digitising tooling and spare part workflows. Drawing on recent real-world examples, we’ll highlight how technologies like FDM and SAF are helping organisations embrace localised, on-demand production to drive efficiency, resilience, and competitive advantage.

Deploying IoT at scale doesn’t have to be a leap of faith. Learn how to ensure your devices connect reliably and securely, giving you the confidence and flexibility to drive ROI and boost operational efficiency.

Join us as we share real-world examples, proven strategies, and practical deployment tips to help you avoid common pains and pitfalls.

The Truth About the Manufacturing Growth Plateau

Growth in manufacturing businesses isn’t just about getting more leads—it’s about attracting the right customers, converting them efficiently, and keeping them long-term. However, many businesses struggle at every stage of the buyer journey due to misalignment, poor processes, bad data, and an ineffective tech stack.

Here's what no one's telling you. It’s not your people. It’s not the market. It’s the hidden blockers baked into your strategy.

Most manufacturing growth challenges aren’t caused by one problem—they are a combination of the following, yet nearly always businesses try to fix their growth challenges by throwing more money into lead generation at the bottom of the funnel.

• Poor branding & differentiation
• Ineffective demand generation
• Lead nurture & conversion challenges
• Sales process inefficiencies
• Customer churn & lack of retention strategies
• Lack focused product & service development
• Bad data
• Disconnected tech stack

Join Paul to unpick what this looks like and how to break through the glass ceiling.

The manufacturing sector is facing a dual challenge: a widening skills gap and the prevention of technical downtimes. The presentation shows how smart maintenance solutions can address both. By leveraging data-driven insights, manufacturers can optimize maintenance strategies, reduce unplanned downtime, and empower existing personnel to work more efficiently.

This presentation will showcase practical examples of smart maintenance customers from Scable. Companies like Siempelkamp, A+E Keller and CATL have reduced their technical downtimes by up to 73% as well as they have been able to onboard more than 100 maintenance employees in a short time.

Manufacturers are under constant pressure to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and respond to challenges on the factory floor in real time. But disconnected systems, manual logs, and delayed insights often stand in the way. Sound familiar?

In this session, we’ll explore how a simple, scalable approach to manufacturing intelligence can help teams move from raw data to real improvement—faster. Learn how Factbird enables production teams to gain visibility, engage operators, and act on performance issues without the complexity of traditional systems. It’s a practical path to smarter operations—one that scales quickly and painlessly.

Does your ERP strategy support your business objectives? Learn from our industry experts and explore the top 8 things to consider when looking to invest in, or upgrade to a smart and scalable ERP solution.

A manufacturer’s Digital Thread holds the potential to drive greater automation, efficiency and agility within a business. Kept intact, it can support a product throughout its lifecycle and enable enhanced services - including live updates to aftersales platforms, predictive maintenance solutions, closed loop manufacturing, and more.

In this talk, Sam Burgess from Partful will advise SMEs how to avoid the pitfalls that can lead to a Digital Thread being broken and highlight ways to take advantage of the huge benefits it can provide.

Learn how to elevate your waste management strategy with Smart 365 from Biffa. Our cutting-edge technology harnesses data to transform your manufacturing sustainability and operational efficiency. Smart 365’s modular solution offers unparalleled visibility of waste across multiple sites, empowering manufacturers to monitor performance and pinpoint areas for improvement.

*Enhanced Visibility and Monitoring: Smart 365 offers unparalleled visibility of waste across multiple sites, empowering manufacturers to monitor performance and pinpoint areas for improvement.

*Advanced Features: Including waste reporting by weights, types, production lines, and shifts, along with seamless data export and alarm setup for proactive management and continuous improvement.

*Tailored Insights: By integrating data from diverse sources and delivering tailored insights to stakeholders, Smart 365 drives meaningful improvements in sustainability, efficiency, and maximising value from waste.

About Women in Manufacturing. The Women in Manufacturing UK Initiative (WiM UK) is a non-profit network of academics, practitioners, and professionals working within and with the manufacturing sector to promote greater diversity and inclusion.

Manufacturers play a critical role in shaping the future of inclusive economies. As the sector adapts to digitalisation, decarbonisation, and global supply chain shifts, there is a growing need to ensure that these transformations do not leave workers and communities behind. This panel will explore how manufacturers can embed inclusivity into their operations, workforce development, and innovation strategies.

Unlock the future of inventory management with exclusive insights from Netstock's Global Benchmark Report, featuring data from 2,400+ customers and 300+ survey participants. Alastair Taylor, VP of Sales (EMEA) at Netstock, will reveal key trends like nearshoring, supplier challenges, and excess inventory while showcasing AI-driven strategies to enhance forecasting and demand planning.

Gain actionable tools to overcome barriers such as data inconsistencies and low AI adoption.

Learn how plant managers and Compliance teams are saving time and money by:

- Proactively detecting health and safety issues, reducing costly liabilities

- Streamlining OSHA compliance efforts, including incident record keeping

- Auditing PPE and safety compliance with AI-powered search

- Mitigating near misses and injuries with smart alerts

- Increasing visitor security

This speaker session explores the critical role of data-driven leadership in manufacturing excellence, delving into key performance indicators crucial for success and how to align manufacturing metrics with your business purpose. 

Join Toby Mankertz and Michael Jacobs from Columbus and hear about how effective leadership is essential for ensuring your business goals are embedded into your organisational culture.  

They will talk through a practical roadmap for delivery, which focuses on translating theoretical understanding into actionable strategies, treating changes as structured projects, and recognising milestones. The discussion will also highlight the importance of clear communication, stakeholder engagement and coaching for effective cultural shifts in your organisation. 

5G-enabled, precise indoor positioning in a smart factory can revolutionize operations. Imagine real-time inventory tracking, ensuring materials and products are always where they should be. Geofencing enhancing security by restricting access to sensitive areas and preventing expensive tools from leaving designated workshops.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) navigating efficiently, optimizing routes and reducing delays. In this session, Ericsson will explore real-world examples of private cellular network factory deployments and how they deliver advantage with the positioning feature of 5G.

Oliver will lead a discussion around how UK OEM robot manufacturers work with automation solution providers (System Integrators) to ensure resilience and capacity in the automation supply chain.

Oliver will lead the audience though how financial, and technical risks can be measured and assessed when choosing the right partner. With every solution provider working with one or multiple robot brands how do you choose who will fit your needs?

Our connectivity solution, featuring IO-Link and other protocols, ensures seamless sensor integration. The intelligent IO-Link master SIG300 offers additional features and protocols, enhancing solution integration. SICK's Smart Compressed Air Solution uses intelligent connectivity for high data transparency, eliminating algorithm bottlenecks.

- Seamless sensor integration with IO-Link and other protocols.

- High data transparency and no algorithm bottlenecks.

- Identifies leaks and excess usage for a lower carbon footprint.

Nowadays, (gen)AI is a buzzword that dominates the media. But what has AI concretely contributed to supporting production and maintenance teams in a manufacturing environment so far? Orise sheds light on this in their lecture, showcasing various successful use cases. Orise is committed to leveraging AI to support production and maintenance teams by reducing energy and raw material consumption, minimizing waste, and increasing efficiency. Our practical examples demonstrate how smart software solutions can contribute to a greener and more profitable future. Be inspired by our lecture and discover how you can achieve more sustainable production with AI.

The factories of 2025 hum with autonomous robots, edge analytics and 5G-connected sensors. This connectivity is unlocking unprecedented productivity, but it is also turning every production line into a target. In this session I will review the cyber threats that are eyeing up the manufacturing industry, from ransomware that halts steel furnaces to malware that overrides safety-instrumented systems. We will decode the fast-approaching regulatory wave: the UK Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime, the NCSC’s OT Cyber Assessment Framework, and the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act that hard-wires supply-chain accountability into law. Drawing on real incident data and hands-on research, I will demonstrate how converged, advanced Threat Detection & Response, delivered through a hybrid SOC model, shrinks detection windows from days to minutes, without throttling innovation. Attendees will leave with a practical roadmap for embedding security-by-design, satisfying auditors and investors, and keeping the digital factory running safely at full speed. The opportunity is vast; with the right controls, it can also be secure.

AI is the current cross-industry buzzword, but how can today's smart factories use it to advance improvement across frontline workers and beyond?

We'll explore the potential and steps to take to create real competitive advantage using technology.

AI-Manufacturing is revolutionising engineering, dramatically accelerating project timelines. Platforms like Xometry connect engineers with vast manufacturing networks, offering instant quoting, rapid prototyping, and diverse production capabilities. Dorien Sarsby will share the story of the Hilo One e-scooter, showcasing how AI-powered manufacturing enabled a startup to produce complex parts quickly and efficiently.

Engineers gain significant advantages, including reduced lead times and enhanced design flexibility. Embracing AI technologies is crucial for staying competitive, allowing engineers to focus on innovation and shape the future of manufacturing.

Technology can enhance manufacturing business operations and its implications for insurance. We will delve into various strategies businesses can employ to optimise their sales processes and drive efficiencies.

- Unleashing the power of technology and AI: Discover how digital advancements can supercharge your results.

- Scala's impact on manufacturing: Learn why Scala is just the beginning of the automation journey and how it has transformed the manufacturing landscape.

There is a systemic problem in global manufacturing. The established business model is having a negative impact on the financial performance of both manufacturers and the solution provider ecosystem. This situation is inefficient, ineffective and unsustainable for all parties.

The Quorum Principle™ is a new strategic approach that has the potential to release significant bottom line value. In his opening keynote, John will explain the systemic problem, present the solution and the global traction that has culminated in this ground-breaking event.

The global manufacturing industries have made significant strides in recent years. New technologies, including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and smart automation, have transformed traditional linear manufacturing supply chains into intelligent, dynamic, and flexible systems. One key technology driving these changes is private wireless networks. With a private network, manufacturing facilities can create intelligent, dynamic, and flexible systems that offer a range of benefits, including speed, reliability, security, mobility, and full site coverage. The presentation will discuss the following items:

Introduce the Alliance for Private Networks and the deployment tools to ease deployment of private networks for manufacturing companies,

Explore the benefits of private networks for manufacturing facilities, and

Highlight successful deployment case studies.

Through the right blend of both hard and soft power, the UK is becoming one of the safest places to invest in the future of sustainable and responsible manufacturing. The Made in Britain trademark signposts buyers to products that are assured as manufactured in the UK that are also some of the most exciting businesses in the world – pioneering useful and essential solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.

AI agents are ready to transform your business. But to take action, you need seamless orchestration of all your workflows, data, applications, and agents. Join this session to hear from Weir Group on their AI & Data Transformation and to discover MuleSoft’s blueprint for the multi-agent enterprise to jumpstart your journey to an agent-first future today.