Digitisation has often seemed out of reach for smaller manufacturers – until now with the launch of a new scheme that allows SMEs to see the tools in action before they invest
For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the promise of digitalisation is often just background noise in their busy factories. While many larger companies have embraced digital twins, AI-driven simulations and optimisation tools, SMEs often see these technologies as too expensive, too complex, and too far removed from their day-to-day operations. Some ask why change what already works, while many more lack the in-house expertise to even know where to begin and the risk of investing in tools they don’t fully understand feels too high.
Yet the benefits of digitalisation for smaller firms are well documented. By adopting the right tools, SMEs can:
· Reduce costs and waste by optimising the use of the raw materials they use.
· Speed up innovation by testing new products virtually before committing to physical prototypes.
· Improve quality and reliability through advanced modelling and simulation.
· Stay competitive in sustainable markets by measuring and reducing environmental impact.
Now help is on hand as DiMAT is allowing SMEs to see the tools in action before they invest and see for themselves how digital tools will directly impact their business, how much it will all cost and, importantly, the return on investment they will deliver to their bottom lines.
The EU-funded DiMAT project has launched a Solutions Hub, which integrates nine advanced digital toolkits into three easy-to-use suites covering data and assessment, modelling and design and simulation and optimisation. Companies now have affordable access to technologies that were once beyond their reach.
Crucially, the Hub allows companies to test the tools in a safe environment before making any commitments. This removes both the financial and technical risks that have held many SMEs back.
“SMEs often tell us they don’t know where to start with digitalisation,” says DiMAT’s Milosz Majewski “The DiMAT Hub now provides them with a practical entry point, where they can try the tools, see the benefits and then decide how to take the next step, knowing the impact these steps will have.”
And the technology does deliver. DiMAT has a number of test cases that demonstrate how these tools can work in practice for SMEs: optimising composites and polymers to reduce waste, simulating glass production processes to cut energy use and applying AI-driven environmental assessments to support greener materials development.
The project worked with glass manufacturer Hegla-Hanic to provide a solid analysis tool to help them clearly identify how to improve their processes and production flow.
“They needed reliable insights into efficiency and quality, and DiMAT enabled them to pinpoint the opportunities,” explains Majewski. “This matters because well-informed decisions directly lead to reduced waste, optimised production and higher product consistency. These are key drivers of competitiveness in the glass industry and Hegla-Hanic was able to make key assessments before any significant investment.”
The most tangible outcome for the company so far has been significant quality improvements in the production process. “By identifying issues earlier and refining process steps, they are now seeing fewer defects and more consistent results,” continues Majewski. “This directly translates into cost savings, as less material is wasted and production runs more efficiently.”
Now DiMAT is opening the digital transformation door for SMEs across Europe. The DiMAT Solutions Hub is now live and SMEs and industry stakeholders are invited to explore the suites and discover how digitalisation can deliver value for their own businesses.
“Over the next 6-12 months, we hope to see the impact evolving differently for each company who tries the Solutions Hub,” says Majewski. “Since every manufacturer faces unique challenges, some will focus on production efficiency, others on quality enhancements, and others on maintenance improvements and the hub will help them all. This adaptability ensures that each customer can apply the tool where it delivers the greatest value for their specific needs.
“Come and see for yourselves what these digital tools can do for your companies,” concludes Majewski “This is a way to test how you can become more efficient, reduce waste, optimise material use and reduce your environmental footprint, with proven tools that suddenly become more affordable than you think.”
Notes for editors
· Interviews are available with DiMAT coordinator.
· Interviews are also available with DiMAT demonstrator companies CETCOMP, NaturePlast and Hegla-Hanic
· Demonstrations of the DiMAT Solutions Hub are also available
Contact Sara Canedo or Ellie Shtereva for more information or to arrange a trial or interview.