Made Smarter Programme – now in Dorset

Manufacturing leaders in the pan-Dorset area (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Dorset Council areas) are invited to accelerate their digital transformation through the Made Smarter Adoption Programme.

This Government-backed programme offers expert advice, leadership training, digital interns and up to £20,000 technology grants.

Eligible Dorset manufacturers can access resources to support their digital transformation efforts.

To be eligible for the Made Smarter Programme support you must be:

Before April 2025, Dorset was not eligible for the Made Smarter Adoption Programme. The government initially launched the programme in the North West of England. Then they expanded it to other regions, including the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and East Midlands.

In April 2025 they launched the Made Smarter South West Programme. Now it encompasses Dorset, allowing manufacturing SMEs in the area to access its support.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) and the National Composites Centre (NCC) delivers the South West Programme.

Eligible small and medium-sized manufacturers in Dorset can access a range of support measures, including:

Start your Made Smarter journey here.

Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, which puts smart technologies, automation, and data exchange into manufacturing and other industries.

EPICOR have a great Industry 4.0 article to help you understand how we got to Industry 4.0 and what it means for manufacturing.

But in summary, here are a few examples:

Factories that use IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, AI, and automation to optimise production, leading to increased efficiency and reduced downtime.

Using AI and machine learning to predict when a machine will fail before it actually does. Often called Digital Twinning, it is used to simulate different scenarios and optimise processes.

Robots that can work independently or collaborate with humans to increase efficiency.

Machines equipped with sensors that collect and analyse data to improve processes.

Technologies that assist in training, maintenance, and remote support. This leads to improved workforce skills and reduced errors in manufacturing.

Building parts layer by layer, reducing material waste and production time.  3D printing can also be used for prototyping and small-batch production, allowing for rapid design iterations and customisation.

Using AI and computer vision to detect defects in products.

Loop Technology are themselves specialists in industrial automation and robotics. Based in Poundbury, they have worked with the National Composites Centre for a while now. They use a cutting-edge composite inspection system that uses 3D laser profile technology and segmentation algorithms to provide highly accurate ply placement monitoring.  They also produce robots that can work independently or with humans to increase efficiency, like RoboPRIME produced for Thales UK.

Donaldson BOFA based in Poole, produce machines that will enable Industry 4.0 factories to reduce waste and increased productivity, such as their fume extraction operating platform that keep production lines working by protecting equipment from process dust, thereby helping to avoid unplanned downtime. 

Sealpac, also based in Poole, design and project manage the installation of bespoke machines across the full food production line, including automated label, food leak and seal inspection.

Bournemouth-based software development company Spyrosoft (according to the Financial Times is one of the fastest growing technology companies in Europe) help companies begin, continue or finalise their Industry 4.0 IoT journey.