Analysis

AMA gets business-led ITP actions underway

Advanced Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA)* is a new cross-sector incorporated society representing manufacturing businesses across the country. It will be industry-driven and work alongside all stakeholders to coordinate business-led initiatives that help deliver Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) outcomes. Business-led ITP initiatives Initiative 15: Strengthening Advanced Manufacturing networks Initiative 6: Individual development plans Initiative 8: Attraction strategy to increase workers and diversity Initiative 13: Improving understanding and perceptions of Initiative 15. Strengthening advanced manufacturing networks is one of four priorities that AMA is responsible for leading. The process for proposals for programmes to meet Initiative 15. Strengthening advanced manufacturing networks is open until 5pm, Sunday, September 24, 2023. What is Initiative 15? Initiative 15 is designed to strengthen advanced manufacturing networks to ensure healthy, inclusive advanced manufacturing networks that collaborate to deliver on ITP priorities. The AMA is developing a preferred model to strengthen networks and collaboration. It is piloting a regional approach to ITP outcomes through leveraging what is already working, while enhancing connection with unions, research institutions, and organisations representing Māori and Pasifika manufacturers. There is $2m in the first year in seed funding allocated equally for national initiatives and across 10 Regional Manufacturing Working Groups to support those regions to develop, pilot and evaluate a preferred model. The proposal will outline the approach, programme, and activities to best deliver the outcomes. Ideas are also being sought for national initiatives to deliver Initiative 15 outcomes. Please contact the AMA interim Executive Director for more details. How will proposals be considered? AMA will seek proposals for, assess, and make recommendations to the ITP Steering Group, for each of the initiatives above. This will be done in conjunction with the AMA Council, which will co-ordinate 10 Regional Manufacturing Working Groups, participating industry associations, and the AMA Board, made up of […]

C-Suite Spot Podcast: Do you really have it under control? Lessons from the front line

In this episode Laura Air and Emily Svadlenak talk to California-based strategic communications expert Leeza Hoyt. Having worked on a wide range of issues – from the heart-breaking impacts of shootings, to helping corporates navigate some gnarly mishaps – we delve into some of the lessons she’s learnt over the years. We talk about the answers to questions including: Is there a common thread in managing far-ranging issues? How to stay calm…or, help clients to retain some sense of calm in the storm? What role does media training play in times of crisis? What can Leaders and Boards do to ensure their risk mitigation strategy is ready to roll at a moments’ notice? https://thecontentplace.podbean.com/ The c-Suite Spot Leaders. What keeps you up at night? Welcome to the C-Suite Spot, the podcast series that expands the traditional term of what a ‘boss’ is to tackle some of the most important issues in business from start-up, through step-up, succession planning and scaling a corporate or global business. https://alexanderpr.co.nz/the-content-place Leadership can be lonely. In this series we talk with and learn from inspiring leaders from all walks of life, touching on important topics about how to really live, successful business strategies, overcoming challenges, managing an issue or crisis, getting your company structure right and implementing well, making the tough calls, balancing life and work and getting our priorities right. From business as usual and growing your market to everyday leadership issues or handling 100-year events and everything in between – we aim to provide ongoing inspiration and education and a meeting place for CEOs, founders, management, shareholders and leadership. You can listen to the podcast on all major platforms including: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-c-suite-spot/id1538676422 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fRFUP5qeSeMj8dBCncSAK iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-c-suite-spot-73692882/#

Slow train coming: only a genuine shift to rail will put NZ on track to reduce emissions

-Philip Laird, Honourary Principal Fellow, University of Wollongong Both the Labour government and the opposition National Party have now released major transport polices that put the emphasis on maintaining and expanding roads. The cost and priority of various projects will clearly be an election issue. But at the heart of the debate lies an inconvenient truth about climate change: encouraging road transport while needing to reduce carbon emissions simply does not add up. We can see this tension in transport agency Waka Kotahi’s own policy statements: road safety and better travel options on the one hand, addressing sustainability on the other. But transport is responsible for 17% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, road vehicle use has been increasing, as has the popularity of larger cars and SUVs that create more emissions per kilometre. Road congestion has become worse, with the popular response being to expand road capacity. Hence the present government’s recently announced plans for a second harbour crossing in Auckland involving two road tunnels. And the main thrust of National’s Transport for the Future policy is on more urban and intercity roads. Both Labour and National favour a second Mount Victoria tunnel in Wellington. In the background sits the government’s Rail Plan, which sets out the “vision and priorities for rail over the next decade and beyond”. But given the clear need for New Zealand’s transport policies to change, the planned improvements need to be on a fast track. Light rail right next door Cars and planes are convenient, but both have low energy efficiency compared to rail. Data source: Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2019 A car’s carbon emissions per passenger kilometre can be around four times that of domestic rail (as shown by the graph above, based on UK data). The government’s transport plans for Auckland do include light rail, but National has promised to scrap the […]

A data-driven approach to reducing operating costs

-Adam Sharman, Senior Partner, Dsifer In New Zealand these cost pressures are compounded by high shipping costs and unfavourable exchange rates that impact New Zealand manufacturers’ price competitiveness and/or margins. All of which is contributing to a contracting in manufacturing performance in New Zealand and most of the world. In challenging times, most organisations look to reduce production costs and non-essential spending. However, too often we see organisations making knee-jerk approaches to cost cutting, resulting in short-term decisions that constrain their ability to improve or accelerate when the economic environment improves. Whilst it may seem paradoxical, challenging cost environments can be the foundation of future growth, if managed through an evidence-based, future-focused approach. In this article we will explore three key ways a data-driven approach to managing through challenging economic environments can help balance the need for short-term cost reduction with long-term performance. Understand the true drivers of production costs Most organisations already collect a huge amount of data at multiple stages of the manufacturing process. However, a significant proportion do not use this data to inform process efficiency, asset optimisation and waste reduction. A data analytics approach that identifies trends in process, machine and people data can identify correlations between multiple factors that explain the drivers of production efficiency, bottlenecks or opportunities to optimise. Having identified these drivers, scenario modelling can then be used to play out different combinations of variables identifying the optimal combination. For example, identifying the root cause of systemic asset failures, and modelling out an optimal maintenance schedule to mitigate future unplanned downtime. Evaluate the true impact of cost reduction decisions Building on the ability to understand the drivers of production costs, a data-driven, evidence-based approach allows for the interrogation of cost reduction strategies to understand their true impact on production and prioritise them accordingly. […]

Showcasing the marvels of modern manufacturing

By Catherine Lye Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Export Communities EMA Manufacturing in New Zealand is full of clever, practical people solving complex, challenging problems with ingenuity and relentless hard work, making something from nothing and then making it better. There is some really smart stuff being made and we have got to get better about telling the stories that will inspire the next generation and greater diversity into this incredible, innovative sector of the NZ economy. The future of work was on display last week at the Canvas Careers Expo in Tauranga. Secondary school students saw innovation in action including high-end titanium road bikes produced through 3D Printing machinery, and the intricate and complex designs that are not possible with traditional manufacturing methods. The EMA and seven Tauranga manufacturers collaborated in a joint effort to build awareness, shift perceptions, and raise the profile of the manufacturing sector with students, educators, parents, potential and current workers. Manufacturing offers interesting and diverse opportunities to all people. Advanced Manufacturing has been prioritised for industry transformation due to its scale and potential to significantly increase productivity, higher wage jobs and a globally competitive low emissions sector. “Advanced” manufacturing refers to the use of modern technologies and processes, rather than whether the final products are high tech or not. The vision of the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan is “a thriving Aotearoa NZ manufacturing sector of world-class creators, innovators, and makers, delivering quality products, sustainable solutions, and intergenerational well-being.” One of the priorities developing and attracting a diverse high-skilled and high-wage workforce and showcasing the industry at events like the Canvas Careers Expo highlight the possibilities. The EMA had the support of twenty representatives from manufacturing companies Trimax Mowing Systems, Bluelab, Powerglide Elevators, Florentines Patisserie, Bay Blinds, RAM3D and Oasis Engineering. The expertise and capability […]

World class applies to government too!

From August issue NZ Manufacturer -Ian Walsh, Argon & Co Over the last few years, I have written about the need for business, government, and educational institutions to come together to address NZ’s productivity crisis. Recent actions by government show the extent of the work to be done. Funding has been cut for trade training and apprenticeship funding (TTAF) and fees free funding is nigh on impossible to access if you have ever done any level 3 or above training or a degree anywhere. These funds have now been redirected to universities to help with their funding gaps due to lower overseas enrolments etc. Whilst I understand the need to support institutions through this post covid period as they re-establish their new reality and business models it should not be at the expense of training and developing our future leaders in productivity! It is instructive to note that the UK is funding productivity training directly and reviewing university funding based on contribution to the economy. Of course, this creates arguments about how you value this, but the UK is clearly prioritising the need to build capability to ensure they can be more productive and competitive in future. They have stiff competitors, Ireland is setting new benchmarks, Brexit has challenged traditional relationships. It could be argued this is not relevant to NZ so for a more local comparison, Australia. On a per head basis, they train twice as many people in post graduates diplomas as we do! Over 15 years ago the UK drove the adoption of lean as a key strategy of Highways England, with documented savings as an outcome. Over the last few years, they have delivered significant projects on time and on budget with billions of pounds of savings. The key point to this is government and the […]

Ways to decarbonise heavy industry

Heavy industry in the world’s most advanced economies can become carbon neutral – if governments implement the right policies in the next five years. Chemical,steel, cement and other heavy industries are critical to everyday things we rely on, like vehicles, buildings and surgical supplies, the IEA explains. But producing these materials involves vast amounts of energy and heat. This means it’s harder for heavy industry to reach ‘net zero’ – carbon neutrality – with steel and cement producers facing particular challenges. What to do Set a clear direction Ambitious plans with clear targets should be developed for industry sectors by no later than the mid-2020s, backed by clear policies that promote innovative technologies and the efficient use of materials. Show industry what works Demonstration projects in different regions would show how industries can operate with near-zero CO2 emissions. Governments should be deciding in the next one to two years how to finance these and reduce any risk. At least two or three methods should demonstrate ways to produce both steel and cement with near-zero emissions, the IEA suggests. Finance innovation in heavy industry Grants, low interest loans and other types of finance could help fund the roll-out of near-zero emission technologies. Funding would help new and existing industrial plants and related areas like transport and storage. Boost demand for near-zero technologies Governments can help boost demand for materials made with near-zero emissions. This might include long-term support for first mover commercial plants in different technologies. Public sector procurement contracts that span a number of years are an example of government support. Work together An international industry decarbonisation alliance could include agreeing “concrete commitments” with the main aim to accelerate industry’s transition to net zero. Adjust measurement tools Carbon emissions from industry differ across plants, sectors and countries. For this reason, […]

Will digital enablement make our company less human?

-Scott Adams, Argon & Co The answer is a clear “no,” quite the opposite, as it will require clever design, selection, implementation, and maintenance. And if you have done it right it will provide you with more time to do human things like strategy, talking with clients and colleagues, and with increased overall productivity rather than less time working, and more time enjoying life. The automation of routine, complex or dangerous activity is an inevitable and logical path forward for New Zealand businesses. We should be increasingly looking first to a digital solution for any problem or opportunity and always one that is easy to use and maintain. For instance, there is a vast amount of software solutions that are easy to buy, and use, and if we have done well the software will even integrate with other software to digitally enable an end-to-end process. Therefore, we can make our working life much easier if we understand our business processes and therefore our requirements. Many of us in business are getting quite practiced at this new and necessary skill set. Right now, depending on your role you are doing a good proportion of your work without having to think too hard. You, and NZ, would be better off if a larger proportion of our working time was spent thinking hard. Solving big problems, dreaming up new designs, creating rich content, crafting a chair, and writing songs. For most of us we would need that harder work compensated for with more rest and leisure time. So, this might seem like a logical and forgone conclusion of increasing digitisation, but the journey and destination are not certain at a company level. It would be best to prepare well to approach this increasingly digital future with more confidence. Firstly, start by educating the […]

Maori in Engineering podcasts proving popular

Alyce Lysaght, a graduate water engineer at WSP, produces and hosts Maori in Engineering podcasts, that are proving to be very popular. This is an ideal way to influence and reach community and provide a popular picture of the engineering profession through storytelling. The podcasts can all be viewed on the one site https://www.maori-in-engineering.com/podcast

Electrical apprentice challenge back for 2023

With the annual challenge to find New Zealand’s best electrical apprentice back for 2023, the winners of the 2022 challenge have some sage advice for those considering entering, and for the employers of the young sparkies about to be put to the test. Exposure to all the varied elements of the industry that the competition provides is invaluable, says Mathew Masters, who won the Industrial Award in last year’s Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge, sponsored in part by Schneider Electric. “Taking part in the challenge is a rewarding way to upskill. The team at Dalton Electrical supported me with my learning going into it, and I was given opportunities many apprentices wouldn’t get to touch. “There’s a lot I didn’t know about the expanse of the industry when I came into it; I just wanted to do something hands-on after university, and now I’ve found what I’m good at. “I come from a programming background and the challenge was a catalyst for me to learn my way up. People want homes that run off their phones, but automation is becoming applicable in so many contexts now – including industrial – and I’ve been able to see the technical side of it, which opens up a whole new space in the electrical industry for me to explore.” Mathew’s advice for young people is “not to be afraid of the trades,” a sentiment shared by Palmerston North-based Thomas Mitchell, who recently completed his apprenticeship with Hedley Electrical and was the Domestic/Commercial Award winner in the 2022 Challenge. “I left school with an Excellence in NCEA but wasn’t overly excited about any of the careers that seemed to stem from university education. I came up against a bit of stigma about the trades being held in less esteem as a viable professional path, but […]

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