Manufacturing in the digital age: are you being left behind?

25 July, 2025

You may know that we recently attended the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit, which was held at NEC Birmingham. Organised by The Manufacturer and held over three days, the 2025 summit focus was on AI-driven transformation in the manufacturing sector.

Featuring keynote speakers from global organisations such as Jaguar Land Rover, AstraZeneca, Rolls-Royce and General Motors to name just a few, the summit provided an opportunity to make connections, whilst giving attendees meaningful insights on all things to do with digital and artificial intelligence (AI) in the global industry.

Digitalisation: The hot topic

As the UK’s largest and longest established independent SYSPRO ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) partner , HIT Technology hosted a round table discussion, entitled ‘Practical Steps for Implementing a Digitalisation Strategy’. The discussions were very useful, and attendees were engaged and invested in the topic, learning from each other and taking away actionable steps to further implement digital transformation initiatives in their organisations.

MDS was organised as part of Smart Manufacturing Week which is the UK’s largest gathering of industry leaders, so we were honoured to have been invited to participate.

Continuing the theme of digitalisation our Head of Business Development, Paul Hartshorn, was invited to speak at the Made Smarter East Midlands (MSEM) Technology Transfer Workshop event. Paul highlighted how implementing a good ERP system can make a massive difference to organisations, in terms of eliminating waste and working smarter, not harder.

MSEM also gave advice to organisations on hosting funded digital internships, and access to road-mapping support and grant opportunities. It was clear that there is an appetite for digital growth in the sector, and the day was well attended with businesses from across the East Midlands Area.

Digital is here to stay

Digitalisation is not going away, and AI is becoming more prevalent with each day that passes. We recently wrote a blog that focused on AI and machine learning (ML) and how it has reimagined the future of manufacturing ERP. The feedback that we received from readers pointed overwhelmingly to the fact that firms in the sector know they’re going to have to keep up with technological advances or be left behind.

AI and ML is already helping manufacturers to make faster decisions, better predict maintenance requirements, improve customer service and streamline inventory management. Small to medium-sized manufacturers are under increasing pressure to stay competitive whilst having to manage costs, improve performance and keep their operations running smoothly.

There’s never been a more crucial time to dive into the digital world.

How can we help?

As the leading UK SYSPRO ERP partner, at HIT Technology we know that the biggest challenge that manufacturers are facing right now is upgrading their ERP system to ensure it’s meeting the changing needs of the sector. The second biggest challenge is for those firms who haven’t yet made the switch to an ERP to optimise their current systems and processes.

Given all of the events that we’ve recently attended, and all of the people we’ve spoken to and their concerns about the current climate, we wanted to create something for those businesses who aren’t sure how to approach these challenges.

Free Systems Evaluation

That’s how we came up with the Free Systems Evaluation, specifically for two groups of manufacturing businesses:

  • If your current systems and processes are under-performing or holding you back.

  • If you’re considering investing in an ERP solution but aren’t sure where to start.

We understand that deciding whether to invest in a new ERP system or to optimise your current systems and processes can be a significant decision that should not be taken lightly.

To help streamline your decision-making process, we're offering a free, no-obligation systems evaluation.

We will come to your business and dedicate half a day to fully understand your unique challenges and pain points. This time will be spent listening to your issues, analysing your current workflows, and exploring whether a new ERP system (or improvements to your current system) could help solve them.

There are no strings attached and no pressure. We’re offering expert advice that’s based on professional insight and years of experience. We’ll provide you with a written report of our findings, honest opinions and recommendations.

To book, click the link in the text above, or drop us an email at office@hit-tech.co.uk

If you’re hosting an event that’s focused on ERP support, or how digital and AI are transforming the manufacturing sector, we would be delighted to discuss speaking opportunities; we’re passionate about the subject and we are industry experts. Reach us on the above email with more information.

For more information about Made Smarter and the industry specific help that you may be able to access, click here: https://www.madesmarter.uk

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