Industry 4.0: Overcoming common roadblocks and creating business value for manufacturing SMEs

With traditional manufacturing value chains being disrupted and customer expectations constantly shifting, more businesses are exploring Industry 4.0 technologies and looking for smart, cost-effective ways to integrate these within their organisation. Whilst COVID-19 has seen many businesses accelerate their digital thinking, the gap between initial exploration and subsequent adoption and investment is still evident.

Hosted by Georges River Council, and in collaboration with UTS and Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC) this seminar is designed for leaders of SME manufacturing businesses to explore how they can adopt and implement Industry 4.0 technologies and principles across their organisation to create business value.

Learn how you can work with UTS, through SME@UTS, a unique customised program that utilises IMCRC’s futuremap® platform to help you gain exclusive access to innovation expertise, research capabilities and world class technology facilities that will allow you to underpin your business growth.

Speakers:

Simon Dawson, Director Industrial Transformation, IMCRC
Simon Dawson is an experienced manufacturing operations executive who has worked in his 35-year career across a range of different industry sectors including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), industrial, automotive, rail and medical devices.

Prior to joining IMCRC, Simon led the establishment of Walkinshaw Automotive’s new facility in Victoria. Over a two-year period, he delivered significant improvements to both the financial and people sides of the business.

He holds a Manufacturing Engineering Degree and an MBA as well as being Chartered Engineer and Lean Management expert.

John Szabo, Director (Acting), Corporate Relations Centre
John is currently acting in the position of Director in the Corporate Relations Centre. His main role is setting the Centre's strategic direction in relation to managing existing and growing new whole of university strategic partnerships.

Prior to joining UTS, John’s career spanned close to 20 years in the health industry. His early career was spent as a senior health consultant and later as the National Business Development Manager for one of Australia’s leading corporate health providers serving both the federal government and private sector. He has also worked for Executive Health Solutions, Australia’s leading executive health provider, driving business development and client relationships with a diverse range of national clients.

A strong advocate for higher education and its impact on industry, government and the wider community.