Programme Description

Successful implementation of automated or robotic systems can drive productivity, reduce waste, improve precision and ultimately increase the competitiveness of companies. This government funded programme provides the opportunity for UK manufacturers to benefit from independent, impartial expertise to assist in the implementation of appropriate automation solutions.

The programme is managed by the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA), on behalf of UK Government. The independent experts, delivering the programme, have been carefully selected by BARA, on the basis of their knowledge and expertise, to ensure they will provide valued support to the clients.

1. Programme
   The programme commenced on the 1 September 2011 and will run through to the 31 March 2013. Support is available in two stages, firstly an overview of manufacturing operations to identify potential opportunities to apply automation and secondly more detailed support to develop these opportunities through to implementation.
• Manufacturing Review
  Support will commence with a review or diagnosis of the manufacturing operation focused on identifying realistic opportunities to improve some of the production operations by the application of automation.
  This will comprise:
  
  • A visit to tour the manufacturing facilities, and initial scoping discussion with client staff.
  • Preparation of a report identifying the opportunities and providing initial recommendations for the development of each opportunity.
  • A follow up meeting with the client to present the report, including the opportunities and the next steps, to answer any client questions and identify future actions.
• Implementation Support
  The second stage provides a more detailed intervention to develop the outcomes from the Manufacturing Review to bring the client to the point where he has the knowledge and information required to plan and successfully implement the automation solution. An offer will be provided to detail the proposed work programme.
  The work involved will be dependent on both the specifics of the automation opportunity and the internal expertise of the client. This may include:
  • Outline specification.
  • System concept and budget costing.
  • Business case preparation (including identification of savings, such as increased yield, reduced waste and energy savings) and system integration risk review.
  • User Requirements Specification development defining system performance.
  • Identification of a number of appropriate suppliers.
  • Systems integration and implementation plan.
  • Quotation assessment and supplier selection.
2. Timing & Costs
   The Manufacturing Review is free of charge to the client. The initial visit will typically require half of a day on site. The review meeting would normally be arranged at the time of the initial visit and would normally take place within 2 weeks of the initial visit.
   The need and content of any Implementation Support will be determined at the follow up meeting which completes the Manufacturing Review. The charge to the client will be £400 per day (including any expenses) for a maximum of 20 days of support. For any further work the full charge of £800 per day will be made.
3. Eligibility
   The programme is open to all manufacturing companies within the UK who:
   
   • Have a potential, justifiable requirement for automation.
   • Where the support can add value.
   • Are willing to invest in automation.
   
   Eligibility will be determined by BARA based on the application and a follow up discussion with the client. Please note this grant scheme is subject to EU State Aid Rules.
4. Application
   The application is a simple process which collects some basic information from which BARA will determine eligibility.
   An application may be made through the Automating Manufacturing web site by clicking here. Alternatively an application form is available from BARA.
   In order to meet government requirements, for the funding support, clients will be required to agree to a simple contract (issued by PPMA Ltd. on behalf of BARA) defining the terms under which the support will be provided.  This is available on the Automating Manufacturing web site.
5. Other Events
   In conjunction with the support programme a number of events are being held to provide the opportunity for manufacturers to visit existing automation users and learn from their experiences.