Today we meet GPTs LTD, a Bulgarian company with a primary focus on the printing and advertising industry. For the last 10 years, they have established themselves in the Bulgarian market, and recently have also been positioned in international online trading platforms. The company relies on a personal approach and the individualisation of manufactured products so that each product is unique and unrepeatable, and at the same time practical. GPTs strives to become an innovative enterprise with a main focus - digitisation of their products, which are currently only available physically. In recent years, they have succeeded in replacing conventional materials with those that are environmentally friendly.
We sat down with Gergana Obbova, main founder of GPTs, to dive deeper into the company's digital transformation journey and experience with the programme.
We found the ADMA TranS4MErs interesting from the point of view of the challenges and potential benefits presented to our company. The program is practically oriented to the business, and the TranS4MErs are mentors who manage to very methodologically prepare an appropriate plan and subsequent steps for its implementation. In our company, we value each of our employees and manage to create a working atmosphere in which all departments and units successfully collaborate with each other. We believe that ADMA TranS4MErs will help us generate more innovative ideas to implement in our future innovative transformation.
With a very positive attitude, we recommend the program to other businesses because this is a new opportunity to get feedback on the services and products that a company offers through the eyes of an independent expert. Very often, great technological leaps happen because of the small steps we take. The ADMA TranS4MErs programme is a step towards a new future development of small businesses and enterprises.
Companies that decide to join ADMA TranS4MErs can expect only benefits for their future development. The platform is made to be easy to handle, the specific steps to be followed are indicated, and the selected mentor spends a lot of time and effort to predispose the specifics of the company and manages to precisely and accurately analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the company's processes.
As a company manufacturing advertising materials, gifts, notebooks, wooden ornaments, etc., it is our responsibility and mission to reduce paper products over time and replace them with completely eco-friendly and biodegradable ones. We use recyclable paper in many of our products. Through digital transformation, we will be able to optimise, improve, and change part of our product range into a digital palette of accessible products. By creating applications and converting a physical product into a digital one, our customers will be able to quickly, easily, and affordably (from anywhere in the world) get the desired product. At this stage, we foresee the digitisation of our unique organizer notebooks and greeting cards for every occasion.
The specific topics we focused on were related to workflow optimisation and the implementation of new technologies. What is specific about our products is that we first create the idea and the project, then we use digital printing technologies in the production process, and in the end, everything is done by hand and passes quality control. At the end of the year, we will analyse the company's performance on an annual basis, and, depending on the reported results, we will work towards improving the quality in the individual departments. We believe that ADMA TranS4MErs will help us improve this process and make it more automatic and digital.
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call is accepting applications! Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Learn more at trans4mers.eu/open-calls
]]>Today we meet GPTs LTD, a Bulgarian company with a primary focus on the printing and advertising industry. For the last 10 years, they have established themselves in the Bulgarian market, and recently have also been positioned in international online trading platforms. The company relies on a personal approach and the individualisation of manufactured products so that each product is unique and unrepeatable, and at the same time practical. GPTs strives to become an innovative enterprise with a main focus - digitisation of their products, which are currently only available physically. In recent years, they have succeeded in replacing conventional materials with those that are environmentally friendly.
We sat down with Gergana Obbova, main founder of GPTs, to dive deeper into the company's digital transformation journey and experience with the programme.
We found the ADMA TranS4MErs interesting from the point of view of the challenges and potential benefits presented to our company. The program is practically oriented to the business, and the TranS4MErs are mentors who manage to very methodologically prepare an appropriate plan and subsequent steps for its implementation. In our company, we value each of our employees and manage to create a working atmosphere in which all departments and units successfully collaborate with each other. We believe that ADMA TranS4MErs will help us generate more innovative ideas to implement in our future innovative transformation.
With a very positive attitude, we recommend the program to other businesses because this is a new opportunity to get feedback on the services and products that a company offers through the eyes of an independent expert. Very often, great technological leaps happen because of the small steps we take. The ADMA TranS4MErs programme is a step towards a new future development of small businesses and enterprises.
Companies that decide to join ADMA TranS4MErs can expect only benefits for their future development. The platform is made to be easy to handle, the specific steps to be followed are indicated, and the selected mentor spends a lot of time and effort to predispose the specifics of the company and manages to precisely and accurately analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the company's processes.
As a company manufacturing advertising materials, gifts, notebooks, wooden ornaments, etc., it is our responsibility and mission to reduce paper products over time and replace them with completely eco-friendly and biodegradable ones. We use recyclable paper in many of our products. Through digital transformation, we will be able to optimise, improve, and change part of our product range into a digital palette of accessible products. By creating applications and converting a physical product into a digital one, our customers will be able to quickly, easily, and affordably (from anywhere in the world) get the desired product. At this stage, we foresee the digitisation of our unique organizer notebooks and greeting cards for every occasion.
The specific topics we focused on were related to workflow optimisation and the implementation of new technologies. What is specific about our products is that we first create the idea and the project, then we use digital printing technologies in the production process, and in the end, everything is done by hand and passes quality control. At the end of the year, we will analyse the company's performance on an annual basis, and, depending on the reported results, we will work towards improving the quality in the individual departments. We believe that ADMA TranS4MErs will help us improve this process and make it more automatic and digital.
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call is accepting applications! Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Learn more at trans4mers.eu/open-calls
]]>Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the best way to start your advanced manufacturing transformation journey.
ADMA TranS4MErs supports small to medium manufacturing enterprises to digitally transform into factories of the future. We help them identify priority areas for transformation, and fund services to support their transformation journey through the ADMA SCAN.
The SCAN is based on seven key transformation areas related to the themes of Industry 4.0.
Today we are focusing on the seventh and last area, Value Chain-Oriented Open Factory, guided by Boel Wadman, TranS4MEr – an expert advisor on hand to guide manufacturing companies – from our partner institution RISE, in Sweden.
Boel Wadman is working with several industry networks, creating proposals for innovation projects and programs, and resilient supply of materials. One example is the Manufacturing R&D Clusters with a yearly conference where results on innovation projects are shared. You are welcome to join us May 22-23, 2024, in Skövde Sweden!
This transformation sees the entity as part of a self-organising network interlinked to organisations that generate, acquire, and integrate specific knowledge and skills to co-create new solutions, products, and/or technologies.
This means that co-creating innovations together with customers and suppliers within the value chain is important for a knowledge-dense organisation. For an SME, it is important to both show capabilities of agility and innovation, and also to assure its own data protection and IP protection. To ensure resilience towards changes in climate, business relations or regional conflicts, a knowledge management system including external expertise and alternative suppliers is needed for specific projects or situations.
The ADMA TranS4MErs network spans the whole of the EU, bringing together expert service providers to create a comprehensive catalogue of services, focussed on digital transformation for manufacturing companies.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the start of an advanced manufacturing transformation journey. Suppose the result of the scan shows that the SME needs to focus on this area. In that case, the next step is to select suitable services from Service Providers and integrate them into the Transformation and Implementation Plan.
Such services available on the TranS4MErs xChange Platform and funded through the programme could include, for example, the following:
Title | Description | Funding available |
---|---|---|
Open platform to support production networks' reconfiguration for resilient manufacturing value chains | Virtual lecture on Reconfiguration Management through the digitalization of the production, characterized as Industry 4.0, by allowing for information sharing between value chain stakeholders | Yes, 4 h workshop |
Business Intelligence | The participants will be able to understand concepts about data analytics, apply the use of business intelligence tools such as Power BI... to visualise data and the generation of customized dashboards easily | Yes, 8 h service |
Resilient and sustainable production | Action plan outlined and prioritised tasks in the direction of resilient manufacturing | Yes, 12 h workshop/seminar |
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call for Design Phase was launched on April 3, 2023. Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Do you want to know more? Reach out to our TranS4MEr Boel Wadman on the ADMA TranS4MErs xChange Platform.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the best way to start your advanced manufacturing transformation journey.
ADMA TranS4MErs supports small to medium manufacturing enterprises to digitally transform into factories of the future. We help them identify priority areas for transformation, and fund services to support their transformation journey through the ADMA SCAN.
The SCAN is based on seven key transformation areas related to the themes of Industry 4.0.
Today we are focusing on the seventh and last area, Value Chain-Oriented Open Factory, guided by Boel Wadman, TranS4MEr – an expert advisor on hand to guide manufacturing companies – from our partner institution RISE, in Sweden.
Boel Wadman is working with several industry networks, creating proposals for innovation projects and programs, and resilient supply of materials. One example is the Manufacturing R&D Clusters with a yearly conference where results on innovation projects are shared. You are welcome to join us May 22-23, 2024, in Skövde Sweden!
This transformation sees the entity as part of a self-organising network interlinked to organisations that generate, acquire, and integrate specific knowledge and skills to co-create new solutions, products, and/or technologies.
This means that co-creating innovations together with customers and suppliers within the value chain is important for a knowledge-dense organisation. For an SME, it is important to both show capabilities of agility and innovation, and also to assure its own data protection and IP protection. To ensure resilience towards changes in climate, business relations or regional conflicts, a knowledge management system including external expertise and alternative suppliers is needed for specific projects or situations.
The ADMA TranS4MErs network spans the whole of the EU, bringing together expert service providers to create a comprehensive catalogue of services, focussed on digital transformation for manufacturing companies.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the start of an advanced manufacturing transformation journey. Suppose the result of the scan shows that the SME needs to focus on this area. In that case, the next step is to select suitable services from Service Providers and integrate them into the Transformation and Implementation Plan.
Such services available on the TranS4MErs xChange Platform and funded through the programme could include, for example, the following:
Title | Description | Funding available |
---|---|---|
Open platform to support production networks' reconfiguration for resilient manufacturing value chains | Virtual lecture on Reconfiguration Management through the digitalization of the production, characterized as Industry 4.0, by allowing for information sharing between value chain stakeholders | Yes, 4 h workshop |
Business Intelligence | The participants will be able to understand concepts about data analytics, apply the use of business intelligence tools such as Power BI... to visualise data and the generation of customized dashboards easily | Yes, 8 h service |
Resilient and sustainable production | Action plan outlined and prioritised tasks in the direction of resilient manufacturing | Yes, 12 h workshop/seminar |
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call for Design Phase was launched on April 3, 2023. Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Do you want to know more? Reach out to our TranS4MEr Boel Wadman on the ADMA TranS4MErs xChange Platform.
The support will be provided in two sequential phases:
In case of interest, companies must take the following steps:
The support will be provided in two sequential phases:
In case of interest, companies must take the following steps:
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the best way to start your advanced manufacturing transformation journey.
ADMA TranS4MErs supports small to medium manufacturing enterprises to digitally transform into factories of the future. We help them identify priority areas for transformation, and fund services to support their transformation journey through the ADMA SCAN.
The SCAN is based on seven key transformation areas related to the themes of Industry 4.0.
Today we are focusing on the fourth area, End-to-end Customer Focused Engineering, guided by Doris Pryjma. Doris is a TranS4MEr – an expert advisor on hand to guide manufacturing companies – from our partner institution DIMECC, in Finland. As a customer service-oriented materials engineer, Doris wants to make sure that the customer is the key to product development and service delivery of manufacturing SMEs.
This transformation area deals with using customer expectations as the key driver and starting point for all developments and processes. It also focuses on using a fully integrated, cross-functional, and cross-departmental design approach.
The goal of end-to-end customer-focused engineering is to provide products and services that truly match the needs of the customers, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. To fully embrace end-to-end customer-focused engineering, it is important to address all aspects related to the customer relationship. This includes first and foremost, having a customer-centric mindset. In practice, this means listening to the customer so that their needs can be met effectively through adjusting engineering efforts.
To find out the customer’s needs different methods of user research can be carried out, such as surveys, interviews, usability testing etc. This background research helps to gather the customer requirements for product or service features. Cross-collaboration between engineers, designers, product managers etc. is key to guarantee that the customer expectations are understood and therefore met. In addition, enabling the customer to give feedback at each stage of the design process, using agile development methodologies creates an iterative process for prototyping.
Furthermore, companies may want to reassess their customer support channels to make sure that e.g., reporting issues or launching new features is as smooth and timely as possible to guarantee effective communications with the customer. Therefore, continuous improvement is an essential part of end-to-end customer-focused engineering.
The ADMA TranS4MErs network spans the whole of the EU, bringing together expert service providers to create a comprehensive catalogue of services, focused on digital transformation for manufacturing companies.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the start of an advanced manufacturing transformation journey. If the result of this scan shows that the SME needs to focus on this area, the next step is to select suitable services from Service Providers and integrate them into the Transformation and Implementation Plan.
Such services available on the TranS4MErs xChange Platform and funded through the programme could include, for example, the following:
Title | Description |
---|---|
Customer centricity and persona creation training (IMP³ROVE) |
This is a one-day-training course on customer-centricity. Participants will learn to identify and analyze their customer groups, their needs and how to efficiently address them in order to widen their customer base. |
A 360 tour of your facility will be created. You can use this for increased visual-led collaboration, reduced on-boarding time for new staff, reduced guide time (how do I get to ….), show customers around your facilities online. | |
Business Coaching (Fasttrack) | The overall goal of these coaching sessions is to provide insights about the development of a successful, viable and future-proof business model. This service will be structured as coaching / mentoring sessions. The SMEs will have up to 4 individual coaching sessions with a business expert. |
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call for Design Phase was launched on April 3, 2023. Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Do you want to know more? Reach out to our TranS4MEr Doris Pryjma on the ADMA TranS4MErs xChange Platform.
]]>Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the best way to start your advanced manufacturing transformation journey.
ADMA TranS4MErs supports small to medium manufacturing enterprises to digitally transform into factories of the future. We help them identify priority areas for transformation, and fund services to support their transformation journey through the ADMA SCAN.
The SCAN is based on seven key transformation areas related to the themes of Industry 4.0.
Today we are focusing on the fourth area, End-to-end Customer Focused Engineering, guided by Doris Pryjma. Doris is a TranS4MEr – an expert advisor on hand to guide manufacturing companies – from our partner institution DIMECC, in Finland. As a customer service-oriented materials engineer, Doris wants to make sure that the customer is the key to product development and service delivery of manufacturing SMEs.
This transformation area deals with using customer expectations as the key driver and starting point for all developments and processes. It also focuses on using a fully integrated, cross-functional, and cross-departmental design approach.
The goal of end-to-end customer-focused engineering is to provide products and services that truly match the needs of the customers, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and loyalty. To fully embrace end-to-end customer-focused engineering, it is important to address all aspects related to the customer relationship. This includes first and foremost, having a customer-centric mindset. In practice, this means listening to the customer so that their needs can be met effectively through adjusting engineering efforts.
To find out the customer’s needs different methods of user research can be carried out, such as surveys, interviews, usability testing etc. This background research helps to gather the customer requirements for product or service features. Cross-collaboration between engineers, designers, product managers etc. is key to guarantee that the customer expectations are understood and therefore met. In addition, enabling the customer to give feedback at each stage of the design process, using agile development methodologies creates an iterative process for prototyping.
Furthermore, companies may want to reassess their customer support channels to make sure that e.g., reporting issues or launching new features is as smooth and timely as possible to guarantee effective communications with the customer. Therefore, continuous improvement is an essential part of end-to-end customer-focused engineering.
The ADMA TranS4MErs network spans the whole of the EU, bringing together expert service providers to create a comprehensive catalogue of services, focused on digital transformation for manufacturing companies.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the start of an advanced manufacturing transformation journey. If the result of this scan shows that the SME needs to focus on this area, the next step is to select suitable services from Service Providers and integrate them into the Transformation and Implementation Plan.
Such services available on the TranS4MErs xChange Platform and funded through the programme could include, for example, the following:
Title | Description |
---|---|
Customer centricity and persona creation training (IMP³ROVE) |
This is a one-day-training course on customer-centricity. Participants will learn to identify and analyze their customer groups, their needs and how to efficiently address them in order to widen their customer base. |
A 360 tour of your facility will be created. You can use this for increased visual-led collaboration, reduced on-boarding time for new staff, reduced guide time (how do I get to ….), show customers around your facilities online. | |
Business Coaching (Fasttrack) | The overall goal of these coaching sessions is to provide insights about the development of a successful, viable and future-proof business model. This service will be structured as coaching / mentoring sessions. The SMEs will have up to 4 individual coaching sessions with a business expert. |
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call for Design Phase was launched on April 3, 2023. Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Do you want to know more? Reach out to our TranS4MEr Doris Pryjma on the ADMA TranS4MErs xChange Platform.
]]>Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the best way to start your advanced manufacturing transformation journey.
ADMA TranS4MErs supports small to medium manufacturing enterprises to digitally transform into factories of the future. We help them identify priority areas for transformation and found services to support their transformation journey through the ADMA SCAN.
The SCAN is based on seven key transformation areas related to the themes of Industry 4.0.
Today we are focussing on the second area, Digital Factory, guided by Chiara Lazzaroni. Chiara is a TranS4MEr – an expert advisor on hand to guide manufacturing companies – from Quantra in Italy, a consulting firm focused on small-medium manufacturing enterprises. The main mission as a consultant is to support SMEs in the digital transformation process, in particular with reference to:
This transformation deals with SMEs using digital technology to transform the development of products and/or processes into physical products, systems, or services, and all employees being supported by digital and integrated processes.
We can define digital transformation as the path taken by individuals and organizations towards a definitive technological revolution, using new digital trends to facilitate the achievement of new levels of excellence and to create innovative models. The key element of digitization is the ability to fill processes, actions and resources of the business system with meaning.
The digital transformation path is built on 4 important steps:
The information design represents a critical success factor for companies as it allows the enabling of digital ecosystem infrastructures. Through the new digital infrastructure, it is possible to collect and give meaning to the data, essential for the activities of decision-making with the aim of maximizing process efficiency. The last missing piece is the people who, if made aware of the potential of digitization, lead the company towards excellence.
So the digital factory is the intersection of technologies, processes and people. The combination of technologies and processes generates automation, processes and people generate organization, technologies and people generate efficiency. All of this together leads to the improvement of empowerment, skills and productivity.
The ADMA TranS4MErs network spans the whole of the EU, bringing together expert service providers to create a comprehensive catalogue of services, focussed on digital transformation for manufacturing companies.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the start of an advanced manufacturing transformation journey. If the result of this scan shows that the SME needs to focus on this area, the next step is to select suitable services from Service Providers and integrate them into the Transformation and Implementation Plan.
Such services could include, for example, the following:
Title | Description |
---|---|
Digital operation | To optimize the transition to Industry 4.0, identifying the processes to be followed, the resources to be allocated, and the investments to be made, it is essential to adopt a management and production method that minimizes costs and waste. |
Manufacturing 4.0 | The Manufacturing 4.0 course is intended to be an introductory course to all the leading technologies that enable companies to digitise their industrial processes, highlighting industry trends and the opportunities they can offer companies. |
Digitalisation of production operations: design and identification of possible tools | Design of digitisation of production operation, integrating digital technologies and systems into the production operations of an organization, guarantee to optimize and streamline production processes, increase efficiency, and improve overall performance. |
Digitalisation of production operations: analysis and needs definition | A program designed to make the company aware of the use of digital tools and technologies to optimize and automate various aspects of the company's production operations. |
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call for Design Phase was launched on April 3, 2023. Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Do you want to know more? Reach out to our TranS4MEr Chiara Lazzaroni on the ADMA TranS4MErs xChange Platform.
]]>Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the best way to start your advanced manufacturing transformation journey.
ADMA TranS4MErs supports small to medium manufacturing enterprises to digitally transform into factories of the future. We help them identify priority areas for transformation and found services to support their transformation journey through the ADMA SCAN.
The SCAN is based on seven key transformation areas related to the themes of Industry 4.0.
Today we are focussing on the second area, Digital Factory, guided by Chiara Lazzaroni. Chiara is a TranS4MEr – an expert advisor on hand to guide manufacturing companies – from Quantra in Italy, a consulting firm focused on small-medium manufacturing enterprises. The main mission as a consultant is to support SMEs in the digital transformation process, in particular with reference to:
This transformation deals with SMEs using digital technology to transform the development of products and/or processes into physical products, systems, or services, and all employees being supported by digital and integrated processes.
We can define digital transformation as the path taken by individuals and organizations towards a definitive technological revolution, using new digital trends to facilitate the achievement of new levels of excellence and to create innovative models. The key element of digitization is the ability to fill processes, actions and resources of the business system with meaning.
The digital transformation path is built on 4 important steps:
The information design represents a critical success factor for companies as it allows the enabling of digital ecosystem infrastructures. Through the new digital infrastructure, it is possible to collect and give meaning to the data, essential for the activities of decision-making with the aim of maximizing process efficiency. The last missing piece is the people who, if made aware of the potential of digitization, lead the company towards excellence.
So the digital factory is the intersection of technologies, processes and people. The combination of technologies and processes generates automation, processes and people generate organization, technologies and people generate efficiency. All of this together leads to the improvement of empowerment, skills and productivity.
The ADMA TranS4MErs network spans the whole of the EU, bringing together expert service providers to create a comprehensive catalogue of services, focussed on digital transformation for manufacturing companies.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the start of an advanced manufacturing transformation journey. If the result of this scan shows that the SME needs to focus on this area, the next step is to select suitable services from Service Providers and integrate them into the Transformation and Implementation Plan.
Such services could include, for example, the following:
Title | Description |
---|---|
Digital operation | To optimize the transition to Industry 4.0, identifying the processes to be followed, the resources to be allocated, and the investments to be made, it is essential to adopt a management and production method that minimizes costs and waste. |
Manufacturing 4.0 | The Manufacturing 4.0 course is intended to be an introductory course to all the leading technologies that enable companies to digitise their industrial processes, highlighting industry trends and the opportunities they can offer companies. |
Digitalisation of production operations: design and identification of possible tools | Design of digitisation of production operation, integrating digital technologies and systems into the production operations of an organization, guarantee to optimize and streamline production processes, increase efficiency, and improve overall performance. |
Digitalisation of production operations: analysis and needs definition | A program designed to make the company aware of the use of digital tools and technologies to optimize and automate various aspects of the company's production operations. |
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call for Design Phase was launched on April 3, 2023. Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Do you want to know more? Reach out to our TranS4MEr Chiara Lazzaroni on the ADMA TranS4MErs xChange Platform.
]]>ADMA TranS4MErs is here to provide support, services and tools to help European SMEs achieve their business digital transformation and become successful and efficient Factories of the Future.
]]>In the European Union, SMEs make up over 99% of businesses and employ 65.2% of the total workforce. The contributions of these innovative enterprises, particularly in the manufacturing sector, cannot be overstated. With their entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability to market demands, manufacturing SMEs have emerged as vital drivers of economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement across the European Union.
European Manufacturing SMEs foster regional development, sustain supply chains, and bring innovative solutions to current challenges like resource efficiency and digitalisation. They are central in the EU’s twin transitions towards a sustainable and digital economy and in boosting Europe’s prosperity, international competitiveness, and resilience to external shocks.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, manufacturing SMEs – especially those active in the advanced manufacturing industry – face unique challenges testing their resilience and adaptability. These organisations hold immense potential to bolster the European economy and drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation. However, they often struggle to access the resources and expertise needed to thrive in a highly competitive market.
Fortunately, there is a solution at hand. The TranS4MErs xChange platform offers a comprehensive range of services designed specifically to support SMEs in the advanced manufacturing sector.
One of the critical hurdles SMEs face in advanced manufacturing is limited access to specialised knowledge and expertise. The TranS4Mers xChange platform bridges this gap by connecting SMEs with a diverse network of industry experts, researchers, and consultants. These professionals possess valuable insights, technical know-how, and industry-specific experience. By tapping into this vast pool of expertise, SMEs can gain a competitive edge, enhance their operational capabilities, and overcome technical challenges.
Staying informed about market trends, customer demands, and emerging technologies is crucial for SMEs aiming to remain competitive. The platform provides access to market intelligence and business development services tailored to the needs of SMEs in the advanced manufacturing sector. By leveraging this resource, SMEs can gain valuable insights into market dynamics, identify new business opportunities, and make informed decisions.
Access to adequate funding is often a significant barrier for SMEs in realising their growth potential. The platform offers support in navigating the funding landscape, connecting SMEs with relevant funding sources, grants, and investment opportunities.
The advanced manufacturing industry is characterised by constant technological advancements and evolving skill requirements. To remain competitive, SMEs must invest in upskilling their workforce. Therefore, we offer a range of training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to enhance the capabilities of SMEs. By equipping their teams with the latest industry knowledge and technical skills, SMEs can adapt to changing market demands and drive innovation within their organisations.
SMEs form the backbone of the advanced manufacturing industry, and their success is crucial for economic growth and innovation. The TranS4MErs xChange platform offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of SMEs in this sector. By leveraging the platform's expertise, market intelligence, funding support, and training initiatives, SMEs can unlock their growth potential, drive innovation, and compete globally. Embracing these services is a strategic step towards a thriving future for SMEs in the advanced manufacturing industry.
Take the chance and browse our services yourself on www.trans4mersxchange.eu
Becoming a Factory of the Future starts NOW! Apply to our Open Call and get exclusive access to tokens to spend on your selected services.
ADMA TranS4MErs is here to provide support, services and tools to help European SMEs achieve their business digital transformation and become successful and efficient Factories of the Future.
]]>In the European Union, SMEs make up over 99% of businesses and employ 65.2% of the total workforce. The contributions of these innovative enterprises, particularly in the manufacturing sector, cannot be overstated. With their entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability to market demands, manufacturing SMEs have emerged as vital drivers of economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement across the European Union.
European Manufacturing SMEs foster regional development, sustain supply chains, and bring innovative solutions to current challenges like resource efficiency and digitalisation. They are central in the EU’s twin transitions towards a sustainable and digital economy and in boosting Europe’s prosperity, international competitiveness, and resilience to external shocks.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, manufacturing SMEs – especially those active in the advanced manufacturing industry – face unique challenges testing their resilience and adaptability. These organisations hold immense potential to bolster the European economy and drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation. However, they often struggle to access the resources and expertise needed to thrive in a highly competitive market.
Fortunately, there is a solution at hand. The TranS4MErs xChange platform offers a comprehensive range of services designed specifically to support SMEs in the advanced manufacturing sector.
One of the critical hurdles SMEs face in advanced manufacturing is limited access to specialised knowledge and expertise. The TranS4Mers xChange platform bridges this gap by connecting SMEs with a diverse network of industry experts, researchers, and consultants. These professionals possess valuable insights, technical know-how, and industry-specific experience. By tapping into this vast pool of expertise, SMEs can gain a competitive edge, enhance their operational capabilities, and overcome technical challenges.
Staying informed about market trends, customer demands, and emerging technologies is crucial for SMEs aiming to remain competitive. The platform provides access to market intelligence and business development services tailored to the needs of SMEs in the advanced manufacturing sector. By leveraging this resource, SMEs can gain valuable insights into market dynamics, identify new business opportunities, and make informed decisions.
Access to adequate funding is often a significant barrier for SMEs in realising their growth potential. The platform offers support in navigating the funding landscape, connecting SMEs with relevant funding sources, grants, and investment opportunities.
The advanced manufacturing industry is characterised by constant technological advancements and evolving skill requirements. To remain competitive, SMEs must invest in upskilling their workforce. Therefore, we offer a range of training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to enhance the capabilities of SMEs. By equipping their teams with the latest industry knowledge and technical skills, SMEs can adapt to changing market demands and drive innovation within their organisations.
SMEs form the backbone of the advanced manufacturing industry, and their success is crucial for economic growth and innovation. The TranS4MErs xChange platform offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of SMEs in this sector. By leveraging the platform's expertise, market intelligence, funding support, and training initiatives, SMEs can unlock their growth potential, drive innovation, and compete globally. Embracing these services is a strategic step towards a thriving future for SMEs in the advanced manufacturing industry.
Take the chance and browse our services yourself on www.trans4mersxchange.eu
Becoming a Factory of the Future starts NOW! Apply to our Open Call and get exclusive access to tokens to spend on your selected services.
In this blog, we want to delve into the concept and shed light on the very concrete and tangible advantages digital transformation can bring to a company, in terms of productivity, international competitiveness, and efficiency.
The European Factories of the Future Research Association (EFFRA) defines the Factory of the Future as "an environment where technology, people and processes come together in a smart way to create more flexible, efficient and sustainable manufacturing systems”. In other words, it is a highly automated and digital factory that can adapt to the fast-paced international markets and ever-changing customer needs.
The Factory of the Future represents the next step in the evolution of the manufacturing industry, enabling companies to improve productivity, competitiveness, and efficiency through the adoption of digital technologies. While the transition to a Factory of the Future may seem to be challenging for companies, the benefits are significant, particularly for SMEs looking to compete on the global stage. With the right investments in technology, training, and process engineering, SMEs can successfully make the transition to a Factory of the Future and benefit from improved efficiency, increased productivity, and enhanced competitiveness.
Considering the crucial need to accelerate the transformation towards Industry 4.0 and 5.0, the European Union established a €1.15 billion public-private partnership (PPP) for advanced manufacturing research and innovation to realise the next industrial revolution. Factories of the Future brings together pan-European SMEs, universities, research organisation and associations to promote the development of new and innovative production technologies and strengthen their technological base.
At the heart of EFFRA’s strategy, the “Factories of the Future Roadmap” lays down five key priorities:
Transforming an SME into a Factory of the Future can bring several advantages:
Overall, transforming an SME into a factory of the future can lead to improved efficiency, quality, flexibility, resource utilization, and competitiveness, which can help them succeed in today's fast-changing business environment.
While the benefits of digitalisation are clear, transforming a company into a Factory of the Future can be a complex process, particularly for SMEs. To successfully transition to a Factory of the Future, companies need to adopt a holistic approach that considers all aspects of the manufacturing process, from product design to delivery. This requires a significant investment in technology, training, and process reengineering.
Here is where the ADMA TranS4MErs project comes into play. As one of the biggest European transformation programmes, ADMA TranS4MErs offers a comprehensive and dynamic approach to digital transformation, helping companies across the continent achieve their full potential. The Transformation Programme offers vouchers to design and implement your Digital Transformation Plan and boost your journey towards becoming a Factory of the Future in two stages: Design and Revamp.
Up to 800 selected SMEs will receive funding to work with our certified knowledge brokers, the TranS4MErs, to build their tailored digital transformation journey.
We are now accepting applications to the second Open Call, with the first selection deadline coming up on June 7, 2023. Vouchers are allocated on a first come first serve criteria, so do not wait to apply!
To learn more about the eligibility criteria, vouchers available per country, and the application process visit www.trans4mers.eu/open-calls
In this blog, we want to delve into the concept and shed light on the very concrete and tangible advantages digital transformation can bring to a company, in terms of productivity, international competitiveness, and efficiency.
The European Factories of the Future Research Association (EFFRA) defines the Factory of the Future as "an environment where technology, people and processes come together in a smart way to create more flexible, efficient and sustainable manufacturing systems”. In other words, it is a highly automated and digital factory that can adapt to the fast-paced international markets and ever-changing customer needs.
The Factory of the Future represents the next step in the evolution of the manufacturing industry, enabling companies to improve productivity, competitiveness, and efficiency through the adoption of digital technologies. While the transition to a Factory of the Future may seem to be challenging for companies, the benefits are significant, particularly for SMEs looking to compete on the global stage. With the right investments in technology, training, and process engineering, SMEs can successfully make the transition to a Factory of the Future and benefit from improved efficiency, increased productivity, and enhanced competitiveness.
Considering the crucial need to accelerate the transformation towards Industry 4.0 and 5.0, the European Union established a €1.15 billion public-private partnership (PPP) for advanced manufacturing research and innovation to realise the next industrial revolution. Factories of the Future brings together pan-European SMEs, universities, research organisation and associations to promote the development of new and innovative production technologies and strengthen their technological base.
At the heart of EFFRA’s strategy, the “Factories of the Future Roadmap” lays down five key priorities:
Transforming an SME into a Factory of the Future can bring several advantages:
Overall, transforming an SME into a factory of the future can lead to improved efficiency, quality, flexibility, resource utilization, and competitiveness, which can help them succeed in today's fast-changing business environment.
While the benefits of digitalisation are clear, transforming a company into a Factory of the Future can be a complex process, particularly for SMEs. To successfully transition to a Factory of the Future, companies need to adopt a holistic approach that considers all aspects of the manufacturing process, from product design to delivery. This requires a significant investment in technology, training, and process reengineering.
Here is where the ADMA TranS4MErs project comes into play. As one of the biggest European transformation programmes, ADMA TranS4MErs offers a comprehensive and dynamic approach to digital transformation, helping companies across the continent achieve their full potential. The Transformation Programme offers vouchers to design and implement your Digital Transformation Plan and boost your journey towards becoming a Factory of the Future in two stages: Design and Revamp.
Up to 800 selected SMEs will receive funding to work with our certified knowledge brokers, the TranS4MErs, to build their tailored digital transformation journey.
We are now accepting applications to the second Open Call, with the first selection deadline coming up on June 7, 2023. Vouchers are allocated on a first come first serve criteria, so do not wait to apply!
To learn more about the eligibility criteria, vouchers available per country, and the application process visit www.trans4mers.eu/open-calls
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the best way to start your advanced manufacturing transformation journey.
ADMA TranS4MErs supports small to medium manufacturing enterprises to digitally transform into factories of the future. We help them identify priority areas for transformation, and fund services to support their transformation journey through the ADMA SCAN.
The SCAN is based on seven key transformation areas related to the themes of Industry 4.0.
Today we are focussing on the third area, ECO Factory, guided by Paulo Lissa. Paulo Lissa is a TranS4MEr – an expert advisor on hand to guide manufacturing companies – from Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). As an Energy Technologist, he is responsible for planning, development, and execution of the Sustainable manufacturing research roadmap under the area of renewables and energy efficiency to assist companies on their journey to net zero manufacturing.
This transformation area builds on eco-production, offering companies advantages such as cost reduction, risk reduction in raw material and energy supply, and a company's social responsibility image.
These advantages can be achieved through different initiatives. For instance, more sustainable materials can be used as an alternative replacement in the production process, which can have a better recycling and re-use rate compared to the previous material, thus reducing waste. Moreover, it may have the potential to reduce transportation costs as the scrap disposal is lower, and also in case the new material can be lighter and easy to transport.
Another important part of eco-factory is smart resource management. An integrated production process can be designed to reuse water, waste heat, or other resources, from another process in the chain. As an example, the waste heat stream from a frying process in the food industry can be used to heat water, which can then be used for different purposes such as heating a building. Another alternative for waste heat is using it for cooling purposes through absorption chiller technologies, or even converting it to electricity.
Energy is always an important topic for Eco Factory, and understanding how to operate the production process in the most efficient way may be a challenge. The increasing number of renewable energy production on-site adds complexity to the overall energy system, but users can get costs and carbon emissions reduction if self-consumption is leveraged to balance energy consumption and production, through the use of smart energy management.
The ADMA TranS4MErs network spans the whole of the EU, bringing together expert service providers to create a comprehensive catalogue of services, focussed on digital transformation for manufacturing companies.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the start of an advanced manufacturing transformation journey. If the result of this scan shows that the SME needs to focus on this area, the next step is to select suitable services from Service Providers and integrate them into the Transformation and Implementation Plan.
Such services could include, for example, the following:
TITLE | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
Energy profile
|
Assessment of energy production and consumption to identify optimisation opportunities. |
Reuse/Recycle materials | Assessment of alternative materials in a specific production process |
Resources management | Understand the use of resources, such as water, waste heat, exploring potential for reuse. |
Carbon emissions assessment | Identify the main source of carbon emission and possible alternatives for reduce it. |
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call for Design Phase was launched on April 3, 2023. Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Do you want to know more? Reach out to our TranS4MEr Paulo Lissa on the ADMA TranS4MErs xChange Platform.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the best way to start your advanced manufacturing transformation journey.
ADMA TranS4MErs supports small to medium manufacturing enterprises to digitally transform into factories of the future. We help them identify priority areas for transformation, and fund services to support their transformation journey through the ADMA SCAN.
The SCAN is based on seven key transformation areas related to the themes of Industry 4.0.
Today we are focussing on the third area, ECO Factory, guided by Paulo Lissa. Paulo Lissa is a TranS4MEr – an expert advisor on hand to guide manufacturing companies – from Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR). As an Energy Technologist, he is responsible for planning, development, and execution of the Sustainable manufacturing research roadmap under the area of renewables and energy efficiency to assist companies on their journey to net zero manufacturing.
This transformation area builds on eco-production, offering companies advantages such as cost reduction, risk reduction in raw material and energy supply, and a company's social responsibility image.
These advantages can be achieved through different initiatives. For instance, more sustainable materials can be used as an alternative replacement in the production process, which can have a better recycling and re-use rate compared to the previous material, thus reducing waste. Moreover, it may have the potential to reduce transportation costs as the scrap disposal is lower, and also in case the new material can be lighter and easy to transport.
Another important part of eco-factory is smart resource management. An integrated production process can be designed to reuse water, waste heat, or other resources, from another process in the chain. As an example, the waste heat stream from a frying process in the food industry can be used to heat water, which can then be used for different purposes such as heating a building. Another alternative for waste heat is using it for cooling purposes through absorption chiller technologies, or even converting it to electricity.
Energy is always an important topic for Eco Factory, and understanding how to operate the production process in the most efficient way may be a challenge. The increasing number of renewable energy production on-site adds complexity to the overall energy system, but users can get costs and carbon emissions reduction if self-consumption is leveraged to balance energy consumption and production, through the use of smart energy management.
The ADMA TranS4MErs network spans the whole of the EU, bringing together expert service providers to create a comprehensive catalogue of services, focussed on digital transformation for manufacturing companies.
Completing the ADMA TranS4MErs Scan is the start of an advanced manufacturing transformation journey. If the result of this scan shows that the SME needs to focus on this area, the next step is to select suitable services from Service Providers and integrate them into the Transformation and Implementation Plan.
Such services could include, for example, the following:
TITLE | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
Energy profile
|
Assessment of energy production and consumption to identify optimisation opportunities. |
Reuse/Recycle materials | Assessment of alternative materials in a specific production process |
Resources management | Understand the use of resources, such as water, waste heat, exploring potential for reuse. |
Carbon emissions assessment | Identify the main source of carbon emission and possible alternatives for reduce it. |
The 2nd ADMA TranS4MErs Open Call for Design Phase was launched on April 3, 2023. Join the Transformation Programme and take the first step towards becoming an efficient, resilient, and globally competitive Factory of the Future!
Do you want to know more? Reach out to our TranS4MEr Paulo Lissa on the ADMA TranS4MErs xChange Platform.