The UK manufacturing sector is experiencing a digital revolution, but many SME manufacturers still face significant barriers to adopting new technologies. Made Smarter is helping businesses navigate these challenges and successfully implement digital transformation.
Claire Victoria Scott, a Digital Transformation Specialist at Made Smarter, recently shared her thoughts on the challenges SME manufacturers face when adopting new technologies, at the 2025 Robotics and Automation Show.
Drawing on her experience working directly with businesses across the UK, Claire highlights common hurdles, inspiring success stories, and the practical ways Made Smarter is helping manufacturers embrace the future of digital.
The Challenge: Why SMEs Struggle with Digital Adoption
While digital technologies promise increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved productivity, many SME manufacturers find it difficult to take the leap. The biggest challenges they face include:
1. Time Constraints
Running an SME often means wearing multiple hats, leaving little time for strategic planning and exploring new technologies. Many business owners acknowledge the importance of digital transformation but struggle to prioritize it alongside daily operations.
2. Lack of Knowledge and Expertise
With a vast array of technologies available—from automation and AI to additive manufacturing and IoT—many SMEs simply don’t know where to start. Without guidance, they risk choosing the wrong solution or failing to implement it effectively.
3. Confusion from Sales Pitches and Vendor Pressure
The technology market is flooded with options, and vendors often push solutions with complex technical jargon. SME leaders need unbiased, expert advice to cut through the noise and make informed decisions.
4. Workforce Resistance and Skills Gaps
Many employees fear that automation and digital tools will replace jobs, leading to resistance. Others may lack the skills to use new technology effectively. Upskilling and fostering a culture of adaptability are crucial for success.
5. Financial Barriers and Investment Risks
SMEs operate on tight budgets, and investing in new technology can seem risky. Even when the long-term benefits are clear, upfront costs can be a significant hurdle without access to funding or grants.
6. The Need for a Clear Roadmap
Many SMEs struggle to align digital transformation with their business strategy. Without a clear roadmap, they may face disjointed implementations that fail to deliver real value.
Success Stories: How SMEs Are Overcoming These Challenges
Made Smarter has worked with hundreds of businesses, helping them tackle these barriers and unlock the benefits of digital transformation. Here are two standout examples:
McKinnon & Saunders: Transforming Stop-Motion Animation with Digital Tools
This renowned stop-motion animation studio needed a faster, more efficient way to create puppets for their films. Traditional methods were time-consuming and limited creativity. With support from Made Smarter, they integrated 3D scanning and additive manufacturing, allowing them to produce high-quality puppets at a fraction of the time and cost. This innovation contributed to the success of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which went on to win an Oscar.
Sandstone Wirral: Cutting Prototype Production Time from 14 Days to 1 Day
A dental manufacturing SME faced long lead times for prototype production, delaying product development and increasing costs. By adopting 3D scanning and printing, supported by Made Smarter, they reduced their prototype production time from 14 days to just 1 day. This not only improved efficiency but also enhanced their ability to customize products and respond to market demands.
How Made Smarter Helps SMEs Overcome Barriers
Made Smarter provides tailored support to SME manufacturers, ensuring they can navigate digital adoption effectively. Key areas of support include:
- Expert Guidance – Helping businesses identify the best technologies for their needs.
- Workshops & Assessments – Providing digital readiness evaluations and strategy development.
- Skills & Leadership Training – Ensuring teams are equipped to implement changes.
- Grant Funding – Assisting SMEs with the financial aspects of digital adoption.
- Ongoing Support – Offering long-term guidance for continuous improvement.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Manufacturing
With the Made Smarter programme expanding across all of England from April 2025, more SME manufacturers will have the opportunity to embrace digital transformation.