Furniture manufacturer Uform has partnered with Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) to monitor and optimise energy use, to help build a more sustainable future.

The collaboration started as an initial energy assessment and has resulted in a six-month optimisation project, across its 20,900sqm factory.

Using advanced technology, including an Energy Insights tool, SMDH has been able to analyse and generate insights and trends on energy use on a daily, weekly and yearly basis.

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In addition, SMDH has equipped Uform with three energy dashboards to identify and monitor baseload, variable load, phantom load, carbon tracking and energy benchmarking.

It has allowed Uform to pinpoint areas for energy reduction, compare increased production levels with associated energy costs, and evaluate the effiectiveness of various interventions.

Uform has now engaged SMDH “Lighthouse” partners, Devtank and Output Industries to investigate the potential of real-time monitoring for further data-driven insights, energy optimisation and resource efficiency.

The ongoing project will oversee the monitoring of machines, processes and environmental factors in real, so Uform can make more informed production decisions.

It will also includes hardware, software and technical support throught SMDH, allowing Uform to integrated IoT and sensor technology to unlock data insights, optimise processes and evaluate the benefits of these technologies.

Commenting on the partnership, Uform General Manager Production Philip Woolsey said:“Collaborating with the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub has been incredibly beneficial for Uform’s Industry 4.0 journey.

“Over the past five years, we have invested significantly in upgrading and streamlining our facilities and this partnership is the next step in optimising and digitising our factory.

“Data-driven manufacturing aligns perfectly with our sustainability and net zero strategy, enabling us to further enhance efficiencies and prepare for a digital future.”

Business development manager for SMDH Aodheen Dougan added: “Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) provides the opportunity for businesses to unlock data driven insights from their factory operations that will be transformative in enhancing manufacturing competitiveness.

“This project is a great example of how manufacturers can mitigate risks and accelerate their digitalisation journey, with access to independent guidance, cutting edge digital solutions and a collaborative approach to innovation.”