At this year’s Scotland Manufacturing and Supply Chain Expo in Glasgow, industry leaders gathered to showcase new cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping how the industry operates. From AI-driven warehouse solutions to sustainable practices, the event offered a wealth of knowledge for companies ready to embrace the future. Optimum PPS was there to deep dive into the latest trends and insights from the show. Here are five key trends we believe will have a profound impact on the future of manufacturing and supply chains.
1. AI: Revolutionising Warehouses and Workplaces
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept – it is a tool that is right now actively driving productivity and efficiency in manufacturing and supply chain operations. Cathy Woods, from the investment firm Ark Invest, highlighted in a recent TED Talk that AI could contribute up to $200 trillion in economic growth across technology platforms over the next decade.
The exhibition was full of examples showing how AI is making businesses smarter, faster, and more efficient:
SMARTR AI demonstrated their latest technology, which uses existing warehouse security cameras to track the movement of pallets in real-time. This innovation not only helps locate goods but also suggests optimal storage locations to maximise space efficiency. Additionally, the same system can track employee movements, providing insights that optimise workflows and improves health and safety. Beyond manufacturing, SMARTR AI’s system can be adapted for use in care homes, alerting staff if a resident falls or requires assistance.
Shubert’s demonstrated how their AI-supported image processing TOG.519 Co-Bot can revolutionise picking and packing. This robot can pick and pack unsorted items at high speeds, learning new tasks by generating depth maps via an artificial learning model. This means quicker packaging processes with fewer errors—transforming the efficiency of packaging operations.
2. 3D Printing for Fast, Flexible Manufacturing
The rise of 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is revolutionising how manufacturers produce components, parts, and prototypes. The ability to design and print products on demand and when needed is a game changer for companies. Their ability to generate almost any 3-D shape allows businesses the freedom to create parts that perform better and cost less than conventional alternatives. There was a wide variety of businesses at the show displaying their latest innovations and discussing the compelling advantages for switching to 3D printing. These included:
- No tooling costs: Unlike traditional methods that require expensive moulds, 3D printing allows for cost-effective production.
- Faster lead times: Products can be printed within hours or days, speeding up the prototyping and production process.
- Reduced MOQs: Small-batch manufacturing is now more feasible, enabling businesses to be more responsive to customer demand.
- Lower inventory costs: Since 3D printing can be produced on-demand, companies no longer need to maintain large inventories of parts or tools.
With these benefits, 3D printing is enabling manufacturers to manage their supply chains with greater agility and responsiveness. There were many examples demonstrating how businesses are cutting down production times, reducing costs, and delivering highly customised solutions to their clients at the exhibition.
3. Turning Data Into Action: The Power of Analytics
Data analytics is quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools in the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. It helps businesses turn raw data into actionable insights, driving more strategic decision-making and improving operational performance. Exhibitors at the conference demonstrated how they are leveraging data to help businesses:
- Drive real-time decision making: With advanced analytics, businesses can monitor operations in real time, responding to issues instantly and keeping production lines moving smoothly.
- Optimise labour usage: Analytics can reveal inefficiencies in workforce management, helping companies allocate resources more effectively, improving productivity.
- Predict failures and reduce downtime: Predictive analytics uses historical data to forecast when equipment is likely to fail, allowing for preventative maintenance and minimising downtime.
- Simplify supply chain complexities: From inventory management to logistics, analytics helps businesses reduce complexities and streamline operations, leading to improved overall efficiency.
Companies that embrace data analytics will find themselves better positioned to react quickly to market changes and operational challenges, ensuring they remain competitive and agile.
4. Sustainability in Action: Building a Greener Manufacturing Future
Sustainability is now an imperative part of modern manufacturing strategy. The transition to a circular economy—where waste is minimised, and resources are reused—is not only a way to reduce environmental impact but also a smart business decision that can reduce costs and foster innovation.
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, transitioning to a circular economy could unlock $4.5 trillion in economic opportunities by 2030. Here are some of the most significant sustainability trends from the show:
- Resource efficiency: Manufacturers are adopting processes that minimise material use and energy consumption, significantly cutting costs while reducing their environmental footprint.
- Circular supply chains: More businesses are finding ways to extend the life cycle of their products by recycling materials and designing products for reuse or refurbishment. This reduces waste and makes supply chains more resilient.
- Green manufacturing: Companies are investing in renewable energy and eco-friendly production techniques, ensuring that they meet both regulatory demands and consumer expectations for sustainable products.
5. Engineering the Future: How the World’s Fastest Boat is Inspiring the Next Generation
The UK’s engineering sector faces a growing challenge: fewer young people are pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. Currently, the average age of an engineer in the UK is 50, and unless more young talent enters the field, the sector faces a skills shortage that could stifle innovation and growth.
Sir Richard Noble, MBE, and his team at THRUSTWSH are tackling this issue head-on by engaging young minds through an awe-inspiring project—the quest to break the World Water Speed Record. The current record of 318mph could be shattered as THRUSTWSH aims to reach an incredible 450mph using cutting-edge jet hydrofoil technology.
By involving schoolchildren in this record-breaking attempt, the team hopes to inspire the next generation of engineers. This initiative demonstrates the exciting opportunities STEM careers can offer, from solving complex problems to being part of ground-breaking technological innovations.
Conclusion: Ready to Embrace the Future?
The Scotland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Expo made one thing clear: the future of manufacturing is here, and it is powered by technology, sustainability, and innovation. If your business is ready to take the next step, then Optimum PPS is here to help.
Contact us today to find out how we can guide your digital transformation and ensure your business stays ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing industry.