In the ever-evolving landscape of British industry, technological investments are paramount for staying competitive. However, there's an equally powerful asset that often goes underutilised: tacit knowledge. This unwritten, experience-based wisdom, when shared within a community, becomes a catalyst for innovation and productivity.
At today's online industry meet-up hosted by Made in Yorkshire and Made in the Midlands, members gathered to exchange insights and best practices. The event featured three inspirational talks, followed by themed roundtable discussions. Jason Pitt chaired the session on Technological Investments, where the spotlight was on how collective intelligence can address sector challenges.
Harnessing Experience for Technological Advancement
Chris Houston of Tadweld shared how his company invested in laser welding equipment, a move that not only enhanced their capabilities but also lowered the barrier for less-experienced workers. "Laser welding is quite a new and upcoming technology within the welding industry," he noted. By adopting this technology early, Tadweld is capturing market share while addressing the shortage of skilled welders. This underscores how tacit knowledge and technological investment go hand in hand to improve productivity.
Similarly, Jordan from EFS Global discussed their significant investment in modernising their fleet with electric vehicles. While the transition poses challenges like charging infrastructure, the collective wisdom shared among industry peers helps navigate these hurdles more efficiently.
Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation
Roy Taylor of Malthouse Engineering highlighted their unique blend of older and modern machinery. With equipment ranging from CNC machines to grinders built in 1986, they exemplify how traditional methods can coexist with cutting-edge technology. This fusion is possible thanks to the tacit knowledge held by experienced employees who understand the nuances of both worlds.
Jackie from Hyfore emphasised the importance of integrating new technology with human expertise. By introducing touchscreens and advanced software to their design and fitting teams, they enhanced efficiency while ensuring that long-standing employees could adapt and thrive. "We're always striving for more effective, more precise solutions," she said, illustrating how collective intelligence fosters innovation.
Community Collaboration: A Solution to Common Challenges
The roundtable also delved into the industry's responsibility to cultivate the next generation of skilled workers. With concerns about the education system's focus on practical skills, businesses like Tadweld are taking matters into their own hands by running apprenticeship programs. "We have to be responsible for producing those people," Chris Houston asserted, highlighting the role of tacit knowledge in training and development.
Discussions on workflow optimisation, such as those shared by Jack from Recol, demonstrated how companies can reduce waste and improve efficiency through collective learning. By reconfiguring their shop floor to minimise unnecessary movement, they saved time and resources—a testament to the power of shared insights.
Embracing AI and Technology Through Shared Wisdom
The conversation also touched on the adoption of AI and other advanced technologies. While tools like AI can analyse patterns and optimise processes, it's the human element—the tacit knowledge—that maximises their potential. Jackie mentioned using AI for data analysis but stressed the necessity of human oversight to interpret and act on the findings effectively.
Your Invitation to Engage and Elevate
The meet-up reinforced that while technology is a critical asset, it's the collective intelligence and tacit knowledge within our community that truly drives progress. By sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions, we create a knowledge base that benefits everyone.
Now is the time to engage. Visit your dashboard to RSVP for our upcoming events, including our annual Westminster visit, factory tours, and thought leader discussions. These events are more than just networking opportunities; they're platforms where you can contribute to and draw from the collective wisdom of industry peers.
Together, let's harness our shared knowledge to overcome challenges, boost productivity, and shape the future of British industry.
Join us in this collaborative journey—your insights and participation make all the difference.