At the start of June, Birmingham played host to Smart Manufacturing Week (SMW), an event that brings together industry leaders, technology providers, manufacturers and innovators for a packed agenda of talks, networking and forward-thinking conversations. The week was marked by a strong focus on data, AI, and digital transformation, but also revealed some deeper reflections on the state of manufacturing today.
Here are some of the key themes and takeaways shared by our team:
1. Data: From collection to connection
One of the standout topics across the event was the growing push to integrate shop floor data with broader digital systems, production planning, supply chain, finance, and beyond.
"Data was the buzzword of the day and how organisations can leverage their data to drive actionable insights" - Jack Dawson
“Many manufacturers have realised an improvement in OEE ratings of 10–15% simply through insights gained in production processes and bottleneck activities.” – Kevin Bull
"Lots of organisations are looking to use data they are already capturing, and data they have yet to work out how to capture, to help with operational efficiency, with many focussing on preventative maintenance." - Glen Bignall
This surge in data connectivity is creating real results, enabling better decision-making and productivity gains. The conversations highlighted a shift from simply collecting data to truly connecting it across systems and using it to unlock real business value.
Find out more about storing and organising your raw manufacturing data in our recent article 'From Sensors to Insights - Why Raw Manufacturing Data Needs Transformation' by Nicholas Lea-Trengrouse.
2. The role of AI: Ambition meets customisation
Artificial intelligence undoubtedly remains a hot topic. From simulations using digital twins to predictive maintenance and custom AI applications, SMW showcased just how varied the AI journey is for manufacturers.
“Everyone wants to go in a slightly different direction, trying to utilise the customisability of what AI can do, based on the existing state of their data.” – Freddie Plenderleith
"What I find really fascinating is to think where this could go next, with AI being able to trawl huge datasets, to find patterns and trends that would be hard for the human observer to achieve, and to make predictions and recommendations." - Kevin Bull
That flexibility is both a strength and a challenge. While some companies are ready to deploy AI across operations, others are still figuring out how to build the right data foundations to support AI use effectively.
3. Process, people, and tech must align
Despite all the high-tech promise, several attendees echoed a common concern: technology alone won’t fix broken systems.
“While there’s a lot of focus on integrating advanced technologies—AI, digital twins, real-time data—there’s still a big gap in how people, process, and tech actually work together... It’s as if technology is being layered on top of existing assumptions, rather than used to challenge and redesign the system itself.” – Michael Jacobs
Digital tools can offer incredible potential, but only if they’re paired with process redesign and inclusive involvement from the people doing the work. Without that, there's a risk of solving the wrong problems, just more efficiently.
4. Culture of openness and collaboration
The event fostered a spirit of shared learning, particularly in the roundtable discussions. Companies across sectors, from enterprise to SME, openly shared their challenges, strategies, and ideas.
“The roundtables created a safe space... it was really interesting to see the variety of organisations taking part, all sharing experiences and information openly.” – Glen Bignall
"I found it an interesting, friendly, open and well-organised event." - James Willett
This culture of openness is essential as the sector works toward common goals like standardised communication, predictive maintenance, and data-driven operational efficiency.
5. A hub for discovery, networking, and opportunity
Beyond the sessions and showcases, SMW 2025 was a valuable space for networking and partnership building. From interactive exhibits to candid conversations, the event enabled real connection.
“It was clear this was one of the most important events in the manufacturing calendar.” – James Willett
“Supporting the sector through live events enables us to meet customers and open new business opportunities.” – Matt Drewett
Attendees left not only with insights but also with ideas for future collaborations and clearer paths toward digital maturity.
6. Finding value in doing more with less
A recurring theme was the pursuit of efficiency, not just in cost savings, but in smarter resource usage, tighter integration, and deeper insight.
“Doing ‘more for less’ was high on all agendas... many companies have a ‘control’ on their data but no idea how to take the next step.” – James Willett
SMW served as a catalyst for those next steps, helping companies think beyond the buzzwords and start shaping real strategies.
Interested in hearing from experts across the sector about the strategic trends in manufacturing and how to get ahead? Take a look at our comprehensive industry report 'Mastering manufacturing: How to harness the strategic trends for 2025'.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on Smart Manufacturing Week 2025, it’s clear that using data and AI effectively is central to the future of the industry, but so are people, processes, and purposeful implementation. The technologies are ready, but their true value will come from how they are used: thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with a sharp focus on where value is actually created.
Whether you attended the event too or are now catching up, one thing is certain: the smart manufacturing revolution isn’t just coming, it’s already here. And it’s being built by the conversations, ideas, and connections happening at events like SMW.
We’re already looking forward to what 2026 will bring.
Were you at Smart Manufacturing Week? What were your key takeaways? Share your thoughts with us!
