We asked the FactoryTech 50 and judging panel to describe a particular trend they have noticed in manufacturing technology in the last year.
Judge Kevin Smith (below) is lead technology advisor at Made Smarter UK, which has engaged with 2,500 manufacturers on the benefits of tech and digital skills since launching in the North West five years ago.
“Over the past year, there’s been a significant move towards enhanced data collection in manufacturing, driven by the adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) technology and analytics,” he says.
“This trend is all about using data to make smarter decisions, improve efficiency and cut downtime.”
Accrol Group Holdings plc (LON:ACRL) is the UK’s leading independent tissue converter, producing toilet tissue, kitchen towel, facial tissue and biodegradable wet wipes. The UK soft tissue market is worth £1.6bn with private label products comprising circa 50%. Accrol is the leading supplier to the private label market, which is growing at over 8% year on year.