WAREHOUSING/FACTORIES W
ith around 90 per cent of UK manufacturers planning or progressing with smart factory initiatives, it’s safe to say that technology is continuing to have a
marked impact by making firms more efficient than ever. AI remains a key focus for companies across many other sectors, and 53 per cent of UK manufacturers are already implementing or using AI or machine learning in their factories, with adoption expected to grow further throughout 2026. When it comes to implementing new
technology in your factories and throughout your supply chain, strategy remains a paramount concern. Adopting new technologies without a long-term plan is unlikely to yield the results you might have hoped for. With that to ensure your digitalisation strategy goes smoothly in 2026 and beyond, with insight from Basingstoke-based custom cable assemblies manufacturer, GTK UK.
INVESTING IN CONNECTED DATA INFRASTRUCTURE adopting smart manufacturing infrastructure involves using Internet of Things (IoT)- integrated items and smart sensors that can gather real-time data from machines and production lines. These data-driven insights are at the core of the smart manufacturing revolution, helping in various areas of your business. However, taking the correct steps in the earliest stages of adopting this tech remains vital in ensuring the scalability and long-term function of your IoT integration. Edge computing i.e. processing some of the
information from your sensors locally, close to your machines, rather than sending all data to the cloud for processing, helps reduce latency, enabling your machines to make split-second decisions when and where required. It also means you’re protected in the event of outages to your system.
FORECASTING OUTAGES AND MAXIMISING ROI Once you’ve established your data sources and your machinery, this can be used to help your business adopt predictive analytics. Applying AI machine learning models to parameters like machinery vibration, temperature and oil condition will help predict equipment breakdowns. Forecasting equipment breakdowns means
you can pre-empt maintenance and reduce, or possibly even eliminate, downtime. This is a great place to begin applying your newly acquired data-driven insight, as it yields a strong ROI. Correct AI application can help reap further enough data, it’ll be able to help advise on how to balance production runs with workforce
32
SMART MANUFACTURING: FIVE WAYS TO PROPERLY DIGITISE YOUR BUSINESS
By GTK, designers and manufacturers of custom cable assemblies
Manufacturing is one of the UK’s most ambitious sectors, having embraced digitalisation with open arms
availability, raw material supply and customer demand in near-real-time.
UTILISING SCALABLE CLOUD SECURITY Across industry, there is a growing Manufacturing environments can’t rely solely on cloud connectivity, as mentioned before, the risks associated with machinery downtime are simply too costly. However, as smart technologies continue to mature, a hybrid approach that utilises cloud storage and functionality for advanced analytics, simulation and data-sharing between sites will provide both speed and security. Cloud security should be paired with ongoing
employee training on phishing and best practices to protect company infrastructure, as human error can still lead to weak spots in your
FEBRUARY 2026 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
security system. Updating your security practices to integrate
cloud-based functionality gives your business a strong opportunity to future-proof in line with further growth. Aligning with international standards like ISO 27001 or the UK’s Cyber Essentials scheme will ensure high security standards, align with compliance as regulations tighten and also help drive
SUPPLY CHAIN OPTIMISATION AND DIGITALISATION Establishing smart functionality throughout your supply chain will help get the most out of your smart factory. Digitising your relationships with your suppliers, logistics and shipping partners, and customers will help them
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
