The province of North Brabant and consultancy firm TMC are launching the Digital-Circular Working Roadmap. The tool supports SMEs in the manufacturing industry in combining digitalisation with more efficient resource management.
The roadmap was developed on behalf of the province of North Brabant and aimed at SMEs in the Dutch manufacturing industry. It guides SMEs towards a data-driven and circular way of working. Entrepreneurs gain insight into logical steps to apply digitalisation for more efficient processes, less waste and new business models.
Smarter resource management
The province of North Brabant and TMC point to a growing need for smarter resource management. Geopolitical tensions, disruptions in international supply chains and rising raw material prices show the dependence of European industries on global chains. For instance, many raw materials for the manufacturing industry come from a limited number of countries outside the Netherlands.
In addition, extracting new raw materials is becoming more expensive and complex. By using products for longer, reusing parts and keeping materials in the chain, companies can reduce their international dependence while working more sustainably.
Digitalisation as a basis for circular working
The province and TMC call the role of digitalisation in circular working crucial. For instance, data helps companies better track where products are, how they are used and when maintenance is needed. This makes it possible to keep products in use for longer, plan maintenance more efficiently and reuse components.
Many SMEs want to work circularly, according to the province of North Brabant and TMC, but run into practical obstacles. For instance, data are often stored scattered in different systems, Excel files or even in employees themselves. In addition, digitisation projects require time and capacity, which is often not available.
Where to start?
The Digital-Circular Working Roadmap is aimed at SME entrepreneurs who want to digitise but don't know where to start. It helps companies set priorities and link digitisation directly to more efficient working and more sustainable resource management.
Using the roadmap, entrepreneurs first map the level of data and digitalisation their organisation is at. They then gain insight into logical next steps, such as improving data quality, insight into material flows and applications such as maintenance, inventory management and product life extension.The roadmap also refers to partners, programmes and support that can help entrepreneurs in Brabant to implement.
The roadmap is available for free to SMEs in the Dutch manufacturing industry after registration.
