Webinar: Demystifying digital engineering – practical first steps on the path to digital transformation by MA Business

Demystifying digital engineering – practical first steps on the path to digital transformation

About

We’ve all heard about the promised benefits of Digital Engineering - it is how we will make things better, quicker, greener and cheaper. But what does this mean in reality? How do you need to change your business? What kit do you need? And what does 'actionable intelligence' really mean?

In this special panel discussion - hosted by The Engineer and experts from the Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation (DETI) initiative - we will explode some digital myths and side-line the jargon to explore the practical application of 'doing digital'. We will hear from companies, large and small to learn from their experience on harnessing data in a practical, compatible and cost-effective ways to boost their business.

Alongside input from SMEs and OEMs from a range of sectors we'll also get insight from experts at DETI including Marc Funnell, Director of Digital & DETI at the National Composites Centre and Ian Risk, CTO at the Centre for Modelling & Simulation who have been stress-testing the technologies on offer and asking the question can we meet the digital readiness levels we need across the supply chain to deliver digital engineering transformation?

About DETI

Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation (DETI)is a strategic programme of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), delivered by the National Composites Centre (NCC) in partnership with the Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS), Digital Catapult, the University of the West of England (UWE), the University of Bristol, and the University of Bath. DETI is funded by £5m from WECA, with co-investment from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and industry.

Key discussion areas

• Broad Challenges & benefits of digitalisation
• First steps on the path to digitalisation
• Identifying underpinning tools and technologies
• Cost-effective digitalisation
• Developing a digital-ready workforces
• Key resources / support

Presenters

Marc Funnell

Director of Digital Engineering & DETI, National Composites Centre

Marc has over 20 years’ experience in industry, specialising in composite design and analysis with a passion and demonstrated successes in digital transformation of engineering practices.

Following an MSc in mechanical Engineering from Stellenbosch University and research activities across automotive and defence sector in South Africa, Marc joined the composite research team at Airbus UK composite wing programmes, culminating in a role as head of Analysis for the ALCAS programme, a precursor to A350. After leaving Airbus, he ran a private company, working across all major Aerospace OEMs as a specialist in composite analysis and design until joining GKN Aerospace as global Head of Engineering methodology, driving engineering change across 56 sites globally across his 8 year career there.

Ian Risk

Chief Technology Officer (CTO), CFMS

Ian Risk is Chief Technology Officer (CTO), responsible for evolving the company's technical vision and leading all aspects of technology development according to its strategic direction and growth objectives.

Recognised throughout industry, academia and government for his prior role at Airbus Group, Ian was Head of Airbus Group Innovations UK. Here, he was responsible for the UK corporate research capability, developing technical strategy, business development and initiating industrial and academic partnerships. With over 40 years’ experience in the aerospace sector, Ian has held a number of senior positions throughout his career at Airbus, EADS and British Aerospace with a demonstrable track record in technology innovation and research and development.

Andrea Hough

Chairman, Atec Engineering Solutions

Andrea Hough is Chairman at Atec Engineering Solutions, based in Salford, which designs, manufactures and repairs complex electronic and electro-mechanical equipment. She started on the shop floor, as an apprentice, and rose through the ranks via IT and production to become MD and now Chairman.
Andrea is leading member of the national Made Smarter commission and its North West Adoption programme steering group, overseeing the progress of the programme working with SME manufacturers to help them introduce digital tools to help boost productivity and growth.
She was awarded an OBE in the Queens 2014 New Year’s honours list for Services to Manufacturing.

Brian Holliday

Managing Director, Siemens plc

Brian Holliday is a member of the Executive Management Board of Siemens plc and Managing Director for Siemens Digital Industries, which serves the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. He is also Chairman of Siemens Industry Software UK.

He is a supervisory board member for the High Value Manufacturing Catapult in addition to being a main board member for Make UK, the Manufacturers’ Organisation.

A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Brian started his career with Texas Instruments and went on to read Computer Systems at Cardiff University before joining Siemens, the global leader in electrification, automation and digitalisation in 1993.

Lesley Waud

Global Head, Design Transformation, Atkins

As a leading design and project management professional Lesley has a track record in senior management on large infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. Her experience includes leadership on strategic highways major projects and operational management/ maintenance contracts; leading on design project management, construction management and operational maintenance management; ensuring health, safety and quality standards are set and achieved, managing relationships with key stakeholders. She also has leadership experience in the early adoption of BIM on Atkins’ involvement in the Building Schools for the Future programme and adoption of a productised approach.

Lesley previously led our Strategic Highways market; working with our clients to deliver better, safer solutions for their customers and maximising the opportunities to share learning across the four UK regions.

Lesley now leads on Design Transformation across the Atkins business globally, reflecting the importance of transformation and Industry 4.0 to the sector - seeking to maximise the opportunities afforded by lean approaches and digital tools to deliver better, more predictable, outcomes with and for our clients. This is about our people, as much as tools and processes, their understanding and our culture and behaviours; and how we work with clients to help develop appropriate contractual and commercial strategies.

Jon Excell

Editor - The Engineer

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