TWO manufacturers in Bury are ready to meet the challenges of the pandemic head-on after taking advice from digital innovators.

Bosses at Multiwood Products and DRM Industrial Fabrics, based in Bond Street, are the latest to sign up for the Made Smarter initiative's transformation workshops.

Each was given an advisor, to provide tailored advice, and staff took part in two online sessions, and a two-hour diagnostic of the business’s product, services, processes and people.

This is then followed by a one-hour ‘findings’ presentation to make recommendations for practical solutions to overcome business challenges.

Ben Allan, creative director at Multiwood, a distributor and producer of kitchen door and components based in Roach Bank Road, Pilsworth, said: “The digital transformation workshop helped identify systems and processes that could be improved to help drive the success of the business.

“These ranged from continuous improvement methods through to reviewing and introducing new management processes.

“Made Smarter also helped create a roadmap that will guide the company towards achieving some of its goals, specifically associated with digitalisation.”

A technology roadmap and an easy-to-use digital guide are just two of the outputs generated by the workshops, alongside a printable wall graphic, which can be shared with the wider workforce.

Kevin Smith, Made Smarter technology expert and one of the specialists running the new workshops, said: “The use of technologies is becoming essential in order to cut costs and enhance the customer experience.

"Without capitalising on digital tools, SME manufacturers risk getting left behind.

“A digital transformation workshop will ultimately help a business gain a competitive advantage.’