With the manufacturing industry facing increasing cost pressures, skills shortages and quite often, rising customer expectations, digitalisation has become a key priority. If companies make investments in key areas such as data analytics, automation and digital tools, they’ll be able to see improved productivity levels, resilience and safety, whilst being able to make more informed decisions in real time.
At the recent 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Summit, digitalisation was a key discussion topic, with manufacturers starting to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation can support their growth towards smarter factories.
I believe that a smarter factory is one that uses digital technology and data to create greater visibility. In practice, this means improving data accessibility and introducing live reporting, so teams can quickly understand performance whilst identifying any issues and act when needed. Instead of relying on retrospective analysis, teams can monitor production in real time, which will enable faster decision-making and better problem-solving.
Robotics can also play a vital role within a smarter factory environment. At Portakabin, robotics is approached in a phased and practical way, ensuring that automation prioritises safety, reliability and return on investment.
It’s important to note that the shift towards smarter factories is not about immediate and large-scale transformations, it’s about taking incremental steps and focusing on targeted improvements that enhance day-to-day operations.
For Portakabin, the shift towards smart technology is about using digital tools in a purposeful and practical way so it strengthens manufacturing performance of modular buildings and delivers tangible benefits for customers. Technology is viewed as an enabler that supports people, not a tool that’s going to replace them. It must also deliver clear value across the factory.
Any investment in digital tools, must also align with the five core operational priorities of Portakabin:
Smart technology and AI in manufacturing environments, must directly support one of more of these core priorities, whether that’s enhancing quality through tighter process control, or supporting more reliable delivery. It must add value day-to-day and meaningful improvements, rather than being adopted for its own sake.
Technology improves planning and provides greater visibility across manufacturing operations. This is really important, as it helps teams stay on track and respond quickly to any issues. Production schedules will also benefit, as modular buildings will be delivered on time, allowing customers to use their facilities without unnecessary delays.
Successfully introducing new technology, such as AI in manufacturing environments, depends as much on leadership and culture as it does on equipment. To maintain a succinct delivery schedule, people must understand the technology in play, as well as believing in it. At Portakabin, we involve our teams from the start to build understanding and ownership.
Whilst success is dependent on technology, it’s also important that people and leadership have a shared knowledge and understanding of what’s being implemented. Engaging with teams early on the use of AI and automation will only have positive outcomes for both the manufacturer and the customer.
An investment in skills and practical training is also critical to ensure new tools and processes are used effectively and deliver long-term value.
Manufacturing is undergoing a significant shift, with digitalisation and smart technology playing a central role in improving importance. At Portakabin, the transformation is focused on practical, incremental changes that uses data, automation and real-time insights to enhance safety, quality and delivery.
