Smart Factories − maximising opportunity, minimising risk

To coincide with Engineers Week (21 to 27 February) the University of Gloucestershire is hosting a free online event taking a critical look at smart factories.

Across the globe, operators are realising the efficiency, flexibility and quality benefits that smart factories can bring. However, for many organisations, moving into smart manufacturing still represents a step into the unknown. Perceived security risks associated with Internet of Things (IoT) systems, in particular, have resulted in a reluctance amongst many organisations to invest in smarter systems and machinery.

At this free online event hosted by the University of Gloucestershire, the speakers will provide an overview of the opportunities that smart factories present, as well as discussing how to mitigate the security risks.

The event will feature industry expert Tarquin Adams, Group Marketing Manager at global engineering technologies company Renishaw. Tarquin is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with over 15 years’ experience working in and around CNC machining and manufacturing industries. Tarquin will explain how organisations can use data to make their manufacturing smarter.

The event will also feature Cliff Wilson, a Director at Deloitte, where he is part of one of the world’s premier and fastest-growing security teams. Cliff has significant experience in Industrial Control Systems Security. He will be sharing this knowledge to help delegates understand how they can realise the opportunities of smarter systems, safely.

Prof. Kamal Bechkoum, Head of the School of Technology, University of Gloucestershire said:

“Smart manufacturing presents huge opportunities for engineering firms in terms of efficiency, productivity and quality. However, many local businesses have told us that they are yet to realise all these benefits because they are concerned about the investment levels required, or they have been deterred by potential cyber security risks.

“We are delighted that Tarquin Adams and Cliff Wilson will be able to join us at this important event, so they can share their knowledge and address some of the key questions. We hope that this is the start of an ongoing conversation that will enable firms throughout Gloucestershire to realise their growth ambitions and capitalise on the opportunities offered by Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things.”

The online is on Wednesday 24 February, 2.30pm to 3.30pm, and is free to attend. Please book your place here.

The University of Gloucestershire is already helping employers to access the skills needed for the smart factories of the future by offering innovative engineering apprenticeships, as well as a number of ground-breaking undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

You can find out more about the suite of Degree Apprenticeships offered on the University of Gloucestershire website, including the Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship.