In 2016, the British High Commission in New Delhi announced that leading UK companies in the field of smart grids were showcasing their innovative work at India’s Smart Grid Week.
The stress was on both country’s shared objectives of energy security and using sustainable, reliable and affordable energy to support economic growth.
The UK companies participating, along with BEAMA, a leading trade body representing electrical infrastructure and products, were looking to bring a combination of technology and expertise to the Indian market.
“Smart technologies and the internet of things (IoT) offer the potential of scalability for UK manufacturers,” observes Jeremy Hacking of Finch Electronics.
Smart Cities of the Future
The fully functioning smart city is the future culmination of the spread of the internet of things. Energy efficiency is a one part of this, but the current implications for UK manufacturers are significant.
“While the focus might be more on gadgets at present, the internet of things has an enormous potential to boost manufacturing, and export, in the UK”
“The future uses of smart technologies will be more widespread,” predicts Jeremy, “and you can already see the spread of smart buildings, where energy efficiency in lighting and heating is a reality.”
“The interconnectedness of the world around us has stretched beyond the boundaries of computers and mobile devices and is now coming packaged in everyday manufactured items,” Jeremy continues.
Are UK Manufacturers Ready?
There is a degree of hesitancy surrounding the internet of things when it comes to manufacturing, with average investment hovering somewhere around 8%.
Some of this is due to a lack of awareness or understanding of what is involved. There is also concern about the current lack of widespread, reliable fast internet speeds across the UK.
“The recognition of the potential for the internet of things is at least there,” Jeremy observes. “What’s vital now is to educate people about the benefits, both here and in markets overseas.”
“The manufacturing landscape is rapidly undergoing a shift. Smart technologies will affect what we manufacture, and how we manufacture it”
“There is a temptation to prefix many things with smart, from buildings and cities to transport and health,” suggests Jeremy, “but these are set to become the new realities, from driverless haulage vehicles to remote communications for robotic surgery.”
“Businesses must be prepared for change,” concludes Jeremy, “and ready to adopt new methods.”
To discover how smart technologies can improve your business, please call Finch Electronics on 01282 838 779 or visit finchelectronics.co.uk.
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