4IR focuses on the huge growth in connectivity between digital and physical assets, helping to turbo charge industrial and manufacturing processes. Tony McDonough reports

A leading expert from the University of Liverpool is to take part in an event designed to help manufacturers benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Dr Andy Levers, will share his latest insights on digital innovation in industry at Warrington’s Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC) on April 27. Dr Levers is the technical director of the VEC.

4IR focuses on the huge growth in connectivity between digital and physical assets, helping to turbo charge industrial and manufacturing processes.

Mersey firms gaining a market edge in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The Warrington event will give the region’s manufacturers an opportunity to hear from industry experts, share best practice and ideas about harnessing new technologies and seek answers to their 4IR questions or concerns.

It has been organised in conjunction with EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation. Also speaking will be Martin Strutt, the consultancy director at EEF.

Business transformation

They will discuss business transformation programmes that will help North West firms get ‘future fit’ and provide opportunities for businesses to network and solve problems together.

Firms attending will enjoy a tour of the centre and will also be able to get a free Lean benchmark report to help focus their future business improvements to achieve maximum value.

Dr Levers said: “Digital technologies are having a huge impact on the manufacturing landscape.

“For many firms the speed of change and the rapid advancement of new technologies are astonishing – it’s a struggle to keep up.

“This event is about pulling North West manufacturers together so that they can hear about these changes and learn from each other how best to implement them within their own business.

“We think this type of support will be vital if our region’s manufacturers are to stay at the forefront of the next industrial wave.” 

Fully equipped

Mr Strutt added: “4IR will lead to critical transformation both at a business and industry level. It’s vital that manufacturers feel fully equipped to adapt and take these huge changes in their stride. 

Firms interested in taking part can book their place here and can listen to a range of free Be Business Ready podcasts here.

To find out more about UK manufacturing and 4IR, visit: www.eef.org.uk/fourthindustrial