From: August issue NZ Manufacturer www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz

-Adam Sharman, Senior Partner, Dsifer

As New Zealand’s manufacturing industry continues to evolve in the face of global challenges, it’s crucial to look beyond our shores for inspiration and insights. In this article, we review the approach taken in Northern Ireland, where a pioneering initiative is reshaping the manufacturing landscape.

This case study offers valuable lessons for New Zealand manufacturers seeking to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and Industry 4.0.

In an ambitious move to boost the competitiveness of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector, a groundbreaking initiative called the Digital Factory Accelerator (DFA) has recently concluded its pilot phase.

This innovative program, spearheaded by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) and Invest Northern Ireland in partnership with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) and LMAC Group, aims to accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies across the region’s diverse manufacturing landscape.

The DFA pilot, which wrapped up in June 2024, involved 32 companies ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals. Using the internationally recognised Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) assessment tool, the program provided participating companies with a comprehensive evaluation of their digital maturity and a roadmap for future transformation.

One of the differentiators of SIRI is the ability to benchmark globally based on company size, and by sector.

The DFA pilot used the XIRI analytics platform provided by INCIT to develop meaningful insights that are crucial in shaping strategies for manufacturing within regions.

Key findings from the pilot revealed that Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector, while producing world-class products and services, lags behind international benchmarks in terms of digital adoption.

The average SIRI score for UK manufacturing companies was 1.12, significantly lower than the peer group average of 1.84 (on a scale of 0-5). This gap highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector as it aims to compete on the global stage.

The assessment identified several critical areas for improvement:

1. Leadership awareness: There’s a pressing need for business leaders to enhance their understanding of Industry 4.0 principles to drive transformation effectively.
2. Investment in technology: Northern Ireland manufacturers have opportunities to leverage better technologies to improve productivity and efficiency, potentially leading to lower labour costs in the back office and the shop floor.
3. Connectivity: Enhancing connectivity across manufacturing operations emerged as a key enabler for digital factories, with a focus on strategic data collection and analysis.

The program also revealed sector-specific insights. The agri-food industry, for instance, showed higher digital maturity due to its repetitive production processes and regulatory requirements. In contrast, sectors dealing with custom or engineer-to-order products faced unique challenges in digital adoption.

Despite the gaps identified, the DFA pilot has been met with overwhelming positivity from participants. Companies reported improved understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts, clearer strategic alignment, and a sense of direction for their digital transformation journeys.

As the global manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, programs like the Digital Factory Accelerator will play a crucial role in ensuring Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector remains competitive, innovative, and future-ready.

By bridging the digital divide and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Northern Ireland is positioning itself at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution.

For New Zealand manufacturers, the experiences of our Northern Irish counterparts offer both cautionary tales and inspiring possibilities. While our local context differs, many of the challenges—and opportunities—in digital adoption are universal.

As we in New Zealand continue to chart our own course towards a more digitally mature manufacturing sector, initiatives like the Digital Factory Accelerator provide a compelling model for collaborative, data-driven transformation.

By learning from international experiences and adapting them to our unique needs, New Zealand’s manufacturers can position themselves at the forefront of the global Industry 4.0 revolution, driving innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in the years to come.