Automating the Supply Chain From the Top Down - BARA Conference Panel Discussion

In this compelling panel discussion, industry leaders from AMRC, Cummins, Cyberworld LTD, and Schneider Electric explore the urgent need to deploy basic automation across UK manufacturing supply chains—and why advanced manufacturing alone won't solve our competitiveness challenge. In this video, you will learn: 🔹 Why basic automation should be the immediate priority, not complex advanced manufacturing 🔹 How large OEMs like Cummins are driving automation adoption through strategic partnerships with local integrators 🔹 The critical barriers SMEs face: risk aversion, skill shortages, and complex procurement processes 🔹 Why UK manufacturers favor foreign equipment despite higher maintenance costs, and how to support domestic OEMs 🔹 How to de-risk innovation by identifying real business problems before automating 🔹 The essential role of collaboration and transparency across supply chains—from tier 1 to tier 4 suppliers 🔹 Practical support available: catapult centres, growth hubs, trade associations, and grant funding 🔹 Defence sector challenges and opportunities for supply chain development The panel emphasizes three critical calls to action: education across all stakeholder levels, collaboration to break down cultural barriers, and simplification of bureaucracy to empower SMEs. Perfect for manufacturers, system integrators, supply chain professionals, policymakers, and anyone invested in strengthening UK industrial automation and manufacturing resilience. #Automation #Manufacturing #SMEs #SupplyChain #UKManufacturing #Robotics #Industry40 #AutomateUK #DefenseManufacturing #Innovation