______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Digitization
2. Virtual to physical – digital connectivity allows machines and processes to be controlled remotely, e. g. CNC machining, Robotics or 3D printing turn digital data into physical processes.
3. Data to insight – Unlike paperbased records, digital data can be combined and analyzed to identify patterns and support better decisions. Software tools can improve production scheduling or optimize designs for manufacturing. The possibilities are almost endless – just think about the difference between digital photos and old-fashioned snapshots!
So, what stops SMEs from taking advantage of the possibilities digital technology offers? Most would cite lack of resources and skilled staff, limited infrastructure or time. Collaborating with the right academics i, through a partfunded KTP project can help. Firstly, the funding support helps to carve out time, provide dedicated resources, benefit from a university’ s infrastructure and knowledge as well as recruiting a talented graduate. Academics will also help with the less obvious but arguably trickier challenges relate to data, processes and people:
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