BFPA Directory 2019

Foreword As President of the BFPA, I would like to extend to our readers and all members a very warm welcome to this edition of the BFPA/BFPDA Yearbook and Members’ Directory, particularly in this the Trade Association’s 60th year. When I look back to last year, this same foreword talked about uncertainty (both in terms of the political and technological landscapes) and the challenges and opportunities that this provided. More so now than possibly ever before, our role is to absorb, redesign as necessary our Companies’ strategies, and look to either capitalise or at the very least optimise our businesses in reaction to these changes. Clearly, Brexit has dominated last year and will continue to do so for some quite considerable time to come – with doubtless many twists in the road ahead. I hope that any mitigation steps you have chosen to implement will prove to be adequate if called upon – as we all strive to keep our Customers satisfied. However, I would rather talk about changes we have more control over, and in particular the journey we will all need to make in light of technological innovation. We are all aware that technology is progressing at an unrivalled rate, but what is substantially less clear is what we are going to do about that. Clearly, everyone’s businesses are different in their make up; in terms of levels of technological adoption, available skills and indeed funding accessibility to address the heralded changes. So what value therefore of all of this talk of Industry 4.0/digitalisation/convergence of technologies/Cloud technology/Big Data analytics/modularity/enhanced Business Intelligence/cooperative robotics and many more? Firstly, it is crucial to recognise that, in our quest for a long-term profitable future, we are all starting this journey in a different place. Irrespective of where we begin however, our businesses need optimised production and logistics processes that not only ensure high quality products and services in an efficient and cost-effective way, but that are transparent and, crucially, agile and adaptive in nature. This starts with us thinking through where we want to go – as the old addage says, “if you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there”. Starting with what drives our business and then focusing on how best to optimise these, we have to critically review our current processes and identify where improvements have to be made, before we even start to look at adopting new technologies to help meet these needs. We all want improved information quality, delivered more quickly, to enable faster and better decision-making. Ideally, we find solutions that make the day-to-day work easier for employees (by eliminating or at least substantially reducing repetitive tasks), as well as improving our overall efficiency. But let’s have a grown-up discussion, as this ever-present quest for increasing efficiency will fundamentally affect people’s roles, challenge existing skills levels and possibly even affect job numbers unless we can generate growth in our businesses. Whilst connected solutions are achievable and scalable for companies of all sizes today, covering single production machines right through to complete, fully integrated value streams, it is absolutely essential that we find something that works for and is appropriate for our business needs. With an ever-increasing importance expected in stronger technical and business links with our Customers and Suppliers alike, the vision that is being promoted is one of full integration across the supply chain. For me, what is important is that we are not put off by the enormity of this, but rather that we take the first/next steps focussed on where we see the opportunity for real tangible benefits. This is a long and challenging (potentially complicated) journey, and certainly one that one which shouldnt be underestimated, but I believe that by embracing the opportunities that this presents, we can significantly improve our businesses. Whether it be in terms of working conditions, environmental impact, product quality and availability, or simply the ability to use the ever-developing smart technologies to enhance our bottom line. The BFPA works tirelessly to support its members in these endeavours and we continue to develop a suite of membership services that are in tune with both member needs and current business trends. Our mantra of ‘helping members to improve their businesses’ is even more true today in our 60th year than ever before, and I would encourage members to contact the BFPA Executive staff if there is any aspect of their business lives, commercial or technical, with which they would like support. Challenges and opportunities www.bfpa.co.uk 1 Alastair Johnstone – President of the BFPA and Managing Director of Bosch Rexroth Ltd.