CBI FINDS 2/3 OF FIRMS ARE COMPLETELY OPERATIONAL


If the global pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we need to embrace the concept of flexible working and utilise fully the technology that is available to us. Interestingly, the Managing


Board at industry giant Siemens, has decided to adopt mobile working, two or three days a week, as the global standard for over 140,000 of its employees. The company’s new permanent mobile working model means more than just working from home. Instead, ‘employees – in consultation with their supervisors – are to choose the work locations where they’re most productive. As a result, the hybrid working model specifically includes working environments such as coworking spaces. Work in person at the office is to supplement mobile working as appropriate.’ “The coronavirus crisis has


triggered a surge in digitalization. We’ve always had mobile working at Siemens, but now we’re taking it a step further...These changes will also be associated with a different leadership style, one that focuses on outcomes rather than on time spent at the office,” explained Roland Busch, Deputy CEO and Labour Director of Siemens AG. “We trust our employees and empower them to shape their work themselves so that they can achieve the best possible results. With the new way of working, we’re motivating our employees while improving the company’s performance capabilities and sharpening Siemens’ profile as a flexible and attractive employer.” Revolutionary stuff - which may


not only increase productivity as employees concentrate on results rather than hours, but also make Siemens an attractive proposition for potential employees, helping to promote the overall image of a career in engineering. Michelle Lea


Private sector activity fell sharply in the three months to July, but at a slower pace than last month (-57% from -71%). That’s according to the CBI’s monthly Growth Indicator. The composite measure, based on


752 respondents (between 25 June and 15 July 2020), saw business and professional services activity (-50% in July from -77% in June) and distribution sales decline at a slower pace than last month (-47% from - 57%). Manufacturing output (-59% from -57%) and consumer services activity (-88% from -89%) continued to fall at broadly similar rates. Looking ahead, the pace of decline


is expected to ease further over the next three months (-19%). Manufacturers expect output to grow (+15%), marking the first time that expectations have been positive since lockdown measures were introduced. Distribution (-16%), consumer services (-49%) and business & professional services


(-23%) expect activity to fall at a slower rate. Supplementary COVID survey


questions revealed: ･ Only 6% of firms remain non-


operational (down slightly from 9% in June), whilst 21% are partially operational (from 35%). Around two-thirds of firms (67%) are


completely operational. ･ A one-metre social distancing


rule on average allows firms to operate at 85% capacity, compared


to 72% under a two-metre rule. ･ The proportion of firms citing


low demand as an operational challenge remained high (68%) but eased slightly from June (74%). Alpesh Paleja, CBI Lead Economist,


said: “With businesses gradually reopening, this month’s data seems to indicate a turning point for the economy. Yet activity is still falling sharply, particularly for those in consumer-facing sectors. “It’s clear that many businesses remain in acute financial distress.


The Chancellor’s Summer Statement was a good start in addressing the growing economic legacies of COVID, but there’s more to do. More immediate direct support for firms, from grants to further business rates relief, is still urgently needed.” Supplementary COVID-19 specific


questions: ･ Perceived challenges related to


workforce absences have subsided somewhat, with fewer firms concerned about absences from school closures (22% from 37%), transport difficulties (9% from 23%)


and illness (9% from 15%). ･ 37% of firms are conducting, or


planning to conduct, conversations with landlords/managing agents to review office space requirements because of increased levels of


remote working. ･ 26% of firms now see half or less


of their office space as essential. 65% of firms see at least 20% of their office space as non-essential. www.cbi.org.uk


Want to keep up to date? Then follow us on Twitter: @CI_process and/or ‘Like’ us on Facebook!


DEDICATED ROBOT TRAINING CENTRE REOPENS


As the UK lockdown begins to ease, RARUK Automation has reopened the UK’s first Universal Robots (UR) Authorised Training Centre at its headquarters in Shefford. RARUK Automation has


issued a statement on Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 confirming that they have complied with the Government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19. Social distancing will continue to be standard throughout the building and for training visitors they can expect to have no more than two people training at any one time. There will be a temperature check on arrival before being escorted to the designated training area. The reopening allows the RARUK


Editor


Automation certified UR trainers to continue to provide tuition in collaborative robot programming.


With its Authorised Training Centre Network, of which RARUK Automation is a part, UR training modules can be delivered in a local, classroom environment once more. They cover core to advanced cobot programming, including cobot scripting, preventative maintenance, system troubleshooting and parts replacement. You can check for upcoming


courses here: https://academy.universal- robots.com/raruk-automation/ www.rarukautomation.com


RS Components has introduced the RS PRO SMART-Q queue management system, a robust configurable beacon tower that manages the flow of customers and staff, by helping them to move around safely and efficiently in a wide range of retail, commercial and industrial environments, as well as at live events such as conferences and exhibitions. SMART-Q uses green and red LED


lights and an acoustic signal to indicate 'loudly and clearly' when it is safe for people to proceed. The system is entirely self-contained, which makes it quick and easy to position practically anywhere, such as at doorways or hallway junctions. It requires no wiring, as it is powered via an internal, rechargeable battery, but it can also run from a mains power supply if available. The queue management system can


be configured to operate at specified periods of between 2 -12 seconds.


uk.rs-online.com


4 JULY/AUGUST 2020 | PROCESS & CONTROL


/ PROCESS&CONTROL


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52