The early 21st century has seen global supply chain disruption on an unprecedented scale. Neil Ballinger, Head of Operations at EU Automation, shares valuable insights on how to navigate supply chain disruptions and unpredictability in an exclusive interview with Business Reporter.

Due to its ability to create complex shapes without material waste, additive manufacturing has become one of the most popular manufacturing techniques in the production of small specialist components. In this episode of EUAudio we delve into whether the technology can realistically tackle the challenge of automation component obsolescence.

The concept of digital inventories has emerged as an alternative to the shortcomings of large physical inventories. In this episode of EUAudio, we look at why the transition from physical to digital inventories is a complicated one and what the future might hold for manufacturers looking to adopt this technology.

Developing a solid business case for additive manufacturing is often the biggest challenge, mostly due to the high costs involved in setting up a production line. In this episode of EUAudio, we weigh up the flexibility and adaptability of additive manufacturing techniques and why more must be done for it to be consistently used in mass production.

Effective obsolescence management is more important now than ever before. This episode of EUAudio looks specifically at why a proactive approach to obsolescence can help medical device manufacturers prevent past issues from resurfacing and hindering progress in the sector.

In this episode of EUAudio, our manufacturing podcast, we explore obsolescence in the nuclear industry and why implementing a proactive approach can result in an array of benefits to a facility. The earlier that any obsolescence issues are identified, the more possibilities there are for avoiding costly implications.

This episode of EUAudio explains why a proactive approach to obsolescence management allows manufacturers in the military sector to plan in advance, sourcing spare parts where it is most convenient and minimising downtime due to unexpected breakage. In this highly regulated sector, managing obsolescence effectively can mean avoiding additional costs in getting a system back up and running quickly.

Despite all the benefits they offer, many manufacturers are still reluctant to adopt smart materials. In this episode of EUAudio, we look at the reasons behind their cautious implementation, what engineers must consider when choosing a smart material and how industry can learn to embrace them.

Innovations in fibre technology are creating opportunities for the use of smart materials in industrial applications. In this episode of EUAudio, we look at the make-up of bicomponent fibres and the various ways they are being utilised across a range of sectors and industries.

According to the UN, every year around 50 million tonnes of electronic waste is generated globally. Do smart materials offer industry a solution to this spiralling concern? This episode of EUAudio looks closely at shape shifting materials and the range of benefits they create for manufacturers looking to combat the world’s mounting e-waste crisis.