Blog and Articles
Articles Written for the Shop Floor, Not the Boardroom
Practical reads for people who run metal processing, distribution, and manufacturing operations. No generic thought-leadership. No consultancy waffle. Just articles written for people who care about what actually happens on the shop floor.
Our articles cover the decisions that actually matter for metals businesses:
- How to cut scrap without replacing your equipment
- How to stop chasing mill certificates before every delivery
- How to get real inventory visibility without a six-figure ERP bill
- How AI is changing the economics of metals manufacturing
You’ll also find articles on industry terminology, compliance standards, and the wider context of digitalisation for metals SMEs. Turns out knowing what’s broken is step one.
If you’re looking for a specific subject, browse by topic or category. The glossary is a good starting point if you’re new to the terminology your customers use on purchase orders.
No-Code Metals SME Software: AI Without the IT Department
- Steph Locke
- Blog , Learning
- Mar 6, 2026
- Updated
GoSmarter brings AI-powered production workflows to metals SMEs without needing an IT department, implementation project, or technical skills. Every tool is point-and-click and live within a week.
Read More: No-Code Metals SME Software: AI Without the IT DepartmentScrap, Waste & Yield Optimisation for Metals Manufacturers
- Ruth Kearney
- Blog , Learning
- Mar 6, 2026
- Updated
GoSmarter’s Cutting Plans reduces scrap rates by up to 50% using AI-powered cut plan optimisation for long products. Proven at Midland Steel. No technical skills required.
Read More: Scrap, Waste & Yield Optimisation for Metals ManufacturersSpreadsheet-to-System Planning for Metals Manufacturers
- Ruth Kearney
- Blog , Learning
- Mar 6, 2026
- Updated
GoSmarter replaces spreadsheet-based production planning for metals manufacturers with a live, connected system — no IT department, no implementation project, no waiting.
Read More: Spreadsheet-to-System Planning for Metals ManufacturersUK Rebar Sizes: Stop Googling the Same Chart Every Time
- Steph Locke
- Blog
- Mar 4, 2026
- Updated
Stop Googling the same rebar weight tables every time. Here’s every standard UK reinforcing bar size, weight per metre, and cross-sectional area in one place — plus the maths behind it.
Read More: UK Rebar Sizes: Stop Googling the Same Chart Every TimeGo Green Without Going Broke: Cutting Carbon While Protecting Margins.
- Steph Locke
- Blog
- Mar 1, 2026
- Updated
Stop typing mill certs and burning scrap with 1985 tech: automate certificates, optimise cutting plans, cut energy use and protect margins.
Read More: Go Green Without Going Broke: Cutting Carbon While Protecting Margins.Stop Burning Cash: Why Your Cutting Plans Are Wrong.
- Steph Locke
- Blog
- Feb 28, 2026
- Updated
Spreadsheets and legacy nesting are eating your margins — AI cutting plans cut scrap, track offcuts and save real money.
Read More: Stop Burning Cash: Why Your Cutting Plans Are Wrong.Why Does Your Work Software Look Like Windows 95? (And Why It’s Costing You Money).
- Steph Locke
- Blog
- Feb 27, 2026
- Updated
Stop typing mill certs and wrestling Windows‑95 software — AI automates the admin nightmare, cuts scrap and saves hours on the shop floor.
Read More: Why Does Your Work Software Look Like Windows 95? (And Why It’s Costing You Money).Stop Running Your Factory Like It’s 1985.
- Steph Locke
- Blog
- Feb 26, 2026
- Updated
Still typing mill certs and juggling spreadsheets? Kill 1985 tech—AI extracts certs, auto-schedules and slashes scrap so your floor stops firefighting.
Read More: Stop Running Your Factory Like It’s 1985.The EU Just Slashed CSRD Scope by 90%. What It Means for Metals Manufacturers
- GoSmarter AI
- Blog
- Feb 25, 2026
- Updated
The EU’s Omnibus I package wipes CSRD obligations for 90% of companies. Here’s what metals manufacturers need to know and what hasn’t changed.
Read More: The EU Just Slashed CSRD Scope by 90%. What It Means for Metals ManufacturersGermany allocates €322m for Salzgitter's hydrogen steel project
- Ruth Kearney
- Blog
- Feb 25, 2026
- Updated
Germany confirms €322m additional funding for Salzgitter’s Salcos hydrogen steel project after delays.
Read More: Germany allocates €322m for Salzgitter's hydrogen steel projectCategories
Tags
- Artificial Intelligence
- Automation
- Cloud Technology
- Compliance
- Continuous Improvement
- Data Strategy
- Digital Transformation
- Energy Management
- Fabrication
- Glossary
- Inventory Management
- Manufacturing
- Metals
- Nightingale HQ and GoSmarter
- Production Planning
- Quality
- Research & Innovation
- Small & Medium Enterprises
- Sustainability
- Wales





