Transforming manufacturing SMEs into factories of the future
The EU-funded ADMA TranS4MErs project has launched its xChange Platform, an online marketplace that offers high-quality services and tools to European manufacturing SMEs aspiring to become Factories of the Future. The platform provides SMEs access to workshops, webinars, remote advisory services, virtual training and ad hoc remote support.
Bringing together SMEs, experts and service providers
Through the xChange Platform, innovative actors in the industry are gathered in a one-stop shop that facilitates knowledge exchange. Here, SMEs can receive tailored support on advanced manufacturing and digitalisation processes. Experts in digital and advanced manufacturing – the TranS4MErs – can offer their expertise to innovative European SMEs to guide them in their journey towards digital transformation. Last, digital and innovation service providers can help boost SME transformation by offering them their expertise, knowledge and cutting-edge tools. Provided by different service providers across Europe, the platform’s services and tools range from technical hands-on factory tours and sustainability and digitisation workshops to one-on-one coaching and networking events. The project’s certified TranS4MErs will guide SMEs in choosing the tools and services best suited to them. As part of the support provided through the xChange Platform, SMEs will be able to select a TranS4MEr with whom to collaborate in order to design their tailored plan to become a Factory of the Future. This work will include evaluating the SME’s digital transformation needs by means of a digital maturity level scan and benchmarking its performance based on seven areas of transformation identified by the European Advanced Manufacturing Support Centre: smart manufacturing; advanced manufacturing technologies; digital factory; ECO factory; end-to-end customer-focused engineering; human-centred organisation; and value chain-oriented open factory. It will also entail designing the SMEs’ custom-made transformation plan, identifying concrete and tailored key performance indicators and goals relating to the SMEs’ transformation and pinpointing the services and tools most suited to their needs.
Open calls to accelerate transformation
Manufacturing SMEs eager to embark on their digital transformation journey can therefore take part in the ADMA TranS4MErs Acceleration Programme by registering for its open calls. To be eligible, SMEs must be based in the EU, have up to 250 employees, make less than EUR 50 million in annual turnover and be active in the field of advanced manufacturing. Through the open calls, SMEs can take advantage of vouchers and direct funding to assist them on their journey towards becoming a next-generation factory in two phases: Design and Revamp. The registration deadline for the 1st Open Call: Design Phase is 18 January 2023. The application period for the 1st Open Call: Revamp Phase ends on 1 March 2023. ADMA TranS4MErs (Advanced Manufacturing assistance and training for SME Transformation) is coordinated by Irish Manufacturing Research, Ireland’s leading research centre for manufacturing solutions and new and emerging technologies. The project ends in September 2024. For more information, please see: ADMA TranS4MErs project website
Keywords
ADMA TranS4MErs, SME, factory, manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, digital marketplace, transformation, digital transformation, Factory of the Future