Recently, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) joined the Made Smarter East Midlands team on a visit to some of the region's manufacturers benefitting from the Made Smarter programme.
The visit provided a unique opportunity to see firsthand how SMEs and micro-manufacturers are adopting digital technology to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and drive growth.
We were welcomed by Quartz TSL, Datalink Electronics Ltd, and Viking Signs, who shared their experiences and insights into the challenges and successes they’ve encountered. This direct feedback is invaluable, helping Made Smarter continue to deliver measurable benefits for local manufacturers.
Quartz TSL highlighted how grant support and ERP training helped the business compete with global rivals. By investing in a one-year-old ex-demo MEK machine through Made Smarter, Quartz achieved enhanced speed, improved software performance, and faster identification of errors. Combined with ERP guidance, the business has reduced repeated problems, accelerated production, and strengthened long-term client relationships. Read the full Quartz case study here.
Datalink Electronics Ltd showcased the impact of digitising production documentation and integrating VKS step-by-step work instructions, reducing human error, improving standardisation, and accelerating staff learning. Participation in leadership and lean manufacturing courses equipped staff to spot bottlenecks, plan production accurately, and adapt to market demands, driving efficiency and preparing the business for expansion into sectors such as aerospace.
The Datalink team reflected on the changes themselves, highlighting the tangible improvements since implementing Made Smarter support:
“It was a real pleasure welcoming you into our facility and walking through the improvements made possible through the Made Smarter grant. Moving from traditional paper-based route cards to fully digital route cards with integrated SOPs has already transformed the way our team works - boosting efficiency, improving consistency, and giving us stronger visibility across our operations. The Made Smarter support has played a key role in helping us modernise our processes and continue building a smarter, more scalable manufacturing environment.”
Meanwhile, Viking Signs demonstrated how digitalisation, system integration and error-proof workflows allowed them to maintain their reputation for rapid, on-demand manufacturing. During the visit, we also saw the print work in action, creating branded Made Smarter coasters! The improvements have maximised throughput, enhanced consistency, and mitigated operational risk.
The visits underlined a key insight: digital adoption works best when paired with expert guidance, targeted funding, and staff development. As Paul Mousley, Project Director at Quartz TSL, said: “Made Smarter isn’t a one-hit wonder; it delivers short, medium, and long-term benefits, helping us work smarter, learn faster, and plan for growth.”
Dr Chris Owen, Programme Director for Made Smarter East Midlands, commented: “It was fantastic to see our programme beneficiaries in action and witness the tangible difference Made Smarter is making for these manufacturers. Visits like this demonstrate how tailored support, from grants to training and digital roadmapping, can transform operations.
“As manufacturers head into 2026, my advice is to take the first step in embracing digital technology, optimise what you already have, and leverage expert guidance to maximise efficiency and growth. Importantly, don’t digitise bad processes, fix them first, then make them digital. Made Smarter East Midlands is here to help you do just that!”
We would like to thank Quartz TSL, Datalink Electronics Ltd, and Viking Signs for their time, for demonstrating what their businesses do, and for sharing how Made Smarter has helped them succeed.
If your business is considering introducing new digital technology or optimising existing systems, Made Smarter can provide tailored support to boost efficiency, reduce errors, and scale with confidence.
Start your digital journey today: https://www.madesmarter.uk/start-your-digital-manufacturing-journey/