Watch Taking a Sledgehammer to Bottlenecks 🎥 as Ruth & Steph show how AI actually fixes margins.
Steph Locke, a pale woman with short red hair, is standing slightly off-centre, smiling at the camera

Steph Locke

Co-founder & Head of Product

Steph Locke helps manufacturers cut through the noise of paperwork and compliance so they can focus on what really matters: running faster, greener, and more reliable operations. As Chief Product Officer at GoSmarter.ai, she works side‑by‑side with metals manufacturers to replace spreadsheets and manual processes with simple, automated workflows that save time, reduce waste, and keep production on track.

She’s no stranger to building things that scale. From leading teams at Microsoft to founding Nightingale HQ, Stephanie has spent over a decade designing cloud systems, data products, and AI tools that deliver real impact on the shop floor. Her track record includes helping manufacturers win grants, achieve Net Zero goals, and roll out digital solutions that stick.

Posts by Steph Locke

UK and EU steel tariffs are live today: what manufacturers do now

Both the UK and EU steel trade measures come into force today, 1 July 2026. Quotas are cut hard, out-of-quota duty jumps to 50%, and downstream manufacturers are angry. Here is what it means and what to do now.

Read More: UK and EU steel tariffs are live today: what manufacturers do now

Audit Trails: Because 'I Think It Was Dave' Isn't a Defence

If a mill cert value changed and nobody logged it, did it really happen? Audit trails prove what happened to your data — not just where the material went.

Read More: Audit Trails: Because 'I Think It Was Dave' Isn't a Defence

MTR Compliance Essentials for Buyers: What Procurement Teams Need to Know

Price and lead time get the attention, but the Material Test Report decides whether your project passes an audit. Here’s how procurement teams verify every Mill Certificate.

Read More: MTR Compliance Essentials for Buyers: What Procurement Teams Need to Know

EN 10204 vs ASTM and ASME: How the Standards Fit Together

EN 10204, ASTM, and ASME turn up on the same mill certificate and confuse a lot of buyers. They aren’t alternatives but rather they answer three different questions. Here’s how the European certificate standard, the American material spec, and the American design code fit together, and what to check on a purchase order.

Read More: EN 10204 vs ASTM and ASME: How the Standards Fit Together

From Mill to Customer: End-to-End Mill Cert Traceability

GoSmarter now covers the full mill-cert-to-customer workflow, AI-assisted and manual. Here is what changed across cert ingestion, approval, stock reservation, and customer documentation.

Read More: From Mill to Customer: End-to-End Mill Cert Traceability

GoSmarter Now Covers Non-Ferrous Metals: Copper, Bronze, and Beyond

GoSmarter has expanded beyond steel. The platform ships with a built-in starter list of 83 grades and 18 product forms (including Cu-Ni, bronze, and aluminium-bronze) ready to use with zero configuration. Your own grades, including ERP-mapped IDs, can replace or extend the starter list. The emissions calculator now covers copper alloys alongside steel, with CBAM-ready regional factors for aluminium.

Read More: GoSmarter Now Covers Non-Ferrous Metals: Copper, Bronze, and Beyond

GoSmarter vs TallyPrime: Which should Indian metals small and medium businesses use first?

TallyPrime is for finance and GST. GoSmarter is for mill cert processing, cutting optimisation, and production scheduling. Most Indian metals small and medium businesses should keep TallyPrime and add GoSmarter in phases.

Read More: GoSmarter vs TallyPrime: Which should Indian metals small and medium businesses use first?

Thinking Bigger: Steph Locke at the Cardiff and Vale College FinTech Wales Coding Bootcamp, May 2026

On 18 May 2026, Steph Locke joined Cardiff and Vale College and FinTech Wales for a coding bootcamp inspiration day. She talked about mindset: thinking bigger, thinking differently, and thinking ethically. This is what the room looked like.

Read More: Thinking Bigger: Steph Locke at the Cardiff and Vale College FinTech Wales Coding Bootcamp, May 2026

GoSmarter vs Katana and Fiix for Metals Inventory and MTO Planning

Katana is a generic MTO manufacturing platform. Fiix is a CMMS. GoSmarter is built specifically for metals: mill certificate traceability, long product cutting, EN 10204 compliance. Here is who should use which.

Read More: GoSmarter vs Katana and Fiix for Metals Inventory and MTO Planning

GoSmarter vs Lantek, Sigmanest, and Bystronic for Cutting Planning

GoSmarter handles long product cutting optimisation (rebar, sections, tubes). Lantek, Sigmanest, and Bystronic handle 2D plate and sheet nesting. Here is the honest comparison and a clear decision framework for metals businesses.

Read More: GoSmarter vs Lantek, Sigmanest, and Bystronic for Cutting Planning

Improving the Process for Fabricators Who Buy Stock Per Job

A practical walkthrough for to-order fabricators: where certificate rework happens, how to fix it, and three ways to deploy GoSmarter without disrupting production.

Read More: Improving the Process for Fabricators Who Buy Stock Per Job

GoSmarter vs Certivo for Mill Certificate and Quality Management

Certivo brings serious capability to quality and compliance document management. GoSmarter brings AI-powered mill certificate extraction and metals-specific validation. Here is the honest comparison and where the two work best together.

Read More: GoSmarter vs Certivo for Mill Certificate and Quality Management

Why Supporting Early-Stage Careers Really Matters: What We've Learned Along the Way

At Nightingale HQ we have invested in early-stage career development for years through internships, apprenticeships, and graduate placements. Here is what we have learned about what works, what does not, and why it matters.

Read More: Why Supporting Early-Stage Careers Really Matters: What We've Learned Along the Way

GoSmarter vs Strumis for Structural Steel Management

Strumis was designed for structural steel fabrication: BIM integration, workshop production, material allocation. GoSmarter was designed for inventory management and mill cert traceability. They serve different parts of the steel value chain, and they work together well.

Read More: GoSmarter vs Strumis for Structural Steel Management

The Bone Yard Is Killing Your Margins: The Metal Waste Paradox

Forgotten yard stock drains margin and space. Learn a practical clean-up and offcut workflow that cuts buying, waste, and planning delays.

Read More: The Bone Yard Is Killing Your Margins: The Metal Waste Paradox

GoSmarter vs Jonas Metals for Metals Distribution Management

Jonas Metals is purpose-built for the metals distribution industry and has been for decades. GoSmarter approaches the same problems with modern AI. Here is the honest comparison between two tools that both know steel.

Read More: GoSmarter vs Jonas Metals for Metals Distribution Management

Why Some Metals Manufacturers Don't Choose GoSmarter After a Trial or Demo

GoSmarter is not right for every metals operation. This page explains the four most common reasons companies trial GoSmarter and decide not to proceed: integration complexity, volume below the ROI threshold, team readiness, and scope mismatch with a full MES requirement.

Read More: Why Some Metals Manufacturers Don't Choose GoSmarter After a Trial or Demo

GoSmarter vs Epicor for Metals Operations Management

Epicor is a mature, capable ERP built for manufacturers. It is also complex, expensive, and not built specifically for steel. GoSmarter fills the metals-specific gaps. The two can work together.

Read More: GoSmarter vs Epicor for Metals Operations Management

AI Tools for Compliance-Driven Document Operations in Metals

Manual cert filing is a compliance risk. See how AI tools automate document operations in metals — from OCR extraction to audit-ready traceability.

Read More: AI Tools for Compliance-Driven Document Operations in Metals

Integrated Planning–Materials Alignment for Metals Manufacturers

Integrated planning–materials alignment is the practice of ensuring every production decision — cut plans, job allocations, customer commitments — runs against the same live, verified material data. GoSmarter makes this possible without a multi-month ERP project.

Read More: Integrated Planning–Materials Alignment for Metals Manufacturers

Mill Certificate Automation Software: Which Tool Is Right for Your Business?

A vendor-neutral buyer’s guide to mill certificate automation software for metals manufacturers — covering five categories of tool, an honest eight-tool comparison table, real failure modes on multi-heat and foreign-language certs, deployment patterns, and a scenario map for every buyer profile.

Read More: Mill Certificate Automation Software: Which Tool Is Right for Your Business?

Tier-Based AI Adoption for Metals Manufacturers: Start at Starter, Unlock More as You Grow

Tier-based AI adoption lets metals manufacturers start at Starter for traceability foundations, then unlock compliance automation at Workshop and full end-to-end traceability at Production. GoSmarter is designed for this pattern: each tier delivers value and unlocks more as you grow.

Read More: Tier-Based AI Adoption for Metals Manufacturers: Start at Starter, Unlock More as You Grow

Italy's Electric Arc Furnaces: 23.9Mt Capacity and Three Bets on the Future

Italy produces 90% of its steel via EAF. Three new furnace projects are reshaping the map. Here’s what EAF operators need to manage.

Read More: Italy's Electric Arc Furnaces: 23.9Mt Capacity and Three Bets on the Future

ROI of AI in Metals Manufacturing: Real Numbers, Real Payback Periods

AI vendors throw around vague ROI claims. This page shows real numbers: how to calculate payback periods for mill cert automation and cutting optimisation, with benchmarks from a live production trial at Midland Steel.

Read More: ROI of AI in Metals Manufacturing: Real Numbers, Real Payback Periods

GoSmarter vs Sage 50 for Metals Inventory Management

Sage 50 handles your books brilliantly. It was not built for tracking steel by heat number and grade across a yard. GoSmarter fills that gap, and the two tools work together rather than against each other.

Read More: GoSmarter vs Sage 50 for Metals Inventory Management

BS EN 1090 and NSSS Compliance: Stop Drowning in Structural Steel Paperwork

BS EN 1090 and the National Structural Steelwork Specification require traceable, auditable mill certificate records. Manual management means compliance risk. GoSmarter fixes that.

Read More: BS EN 1090 and NSSS Compliance: Stop Drowning in Structural Steel Paperwork

GoSmarter vs Excel for Metals Inventory Management

Excel is the default tool for metals inventory, but it was not built for steel. GoSmarter was. Here is where each one wins and when it makes sense to use both.

Read More: GoSmarter vs Excel for Metals Inventory Management

Cloud MES Software: What It Actually Costs and Whether It's Right for Your Factory

You’re a plant manager researching MES options. This guide explains what cloud MES is, how it differs from on-premise, what the top commercial solutions look like, and how to compare them on TCO without getting sold a lemon.

Read More: Cloud MES Software: What It Actually Costs and Whether It's Right for Your Factory

Rebar Quotation Is Eating Your Week. AI Fixes That.

Rebar quotation is one of the most time-consuming, error-prone jobs in a rebar merchant or fabricator’s day. Here’s how AI rebar systems change that — and what to look for in one.

Read More: Rebar Quotation Is Eating Your Week. AI Fixes That.

Metals Manufacturing Glossary: Plain-English Definitions for the Shop Floor

Plain-English definitions of the technical terms metals manufacturers use every day: mill certificates, EN 10204, heat numbers, cutting optimisation, yield, traceability, and more.

Read More: Metals Manufacturing Glossary: Plain-English Definitions for the Shop Floor

What are Long Products in Steel? Bars, Rebar, Sections, and Tube Explained

Long products in steel manufacturing include bars, rods, angles, channels, beams, rebar, and tube — any steel formed in a continuous linear cross-section. They’re the primary material for construction, engineering, and fabrication, and they create unique cutting and traceability challenges.

Read More: What are Long Products in Steel? Bars, Rebar, Sections, and Tube Explained

What is a 3.1 Certificate? EN 10204 Types Explained

EN 10204 defines the types of material test certificates that metals manufacturers must issue and hold. Understanding the four types — 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2 — is essential for compliance in construction, aerospace, energy, and automotive supply chains.

Read More: What is a 3.1 Certificate? EN 10204 Types Explained

What is a Heat Number in Steel? Traceability From the Mill

A heat number identifies a single production batch of steel from the melting process. It’s the starting point for material traceability. Every mill certificate, every stock item, and every delivery needs to trace back to a heat number.

Read More: What is a Heat Number in Steel? Traceability From the Mill

What is a Mill Test Certificate? A Plain-English Guide

A mill test certificate (MTC) is the document issued by a steel mill to certify that a batch of metal meets a specified grade and material standard. Understanding what’s on a cert — and how to manage them efficiently — is critical for metals manufacturers.

Read More: What is a Mill Test Certificate? A Plain-English Guide

What is Cutting Optimisation in Steel Manufacturing?

Cutting optimisation solves the cutting stock problem: given a set of standard-length stock bars, find the combination of cuts that fulfils all orders with minimum scrap. For long products manufacturers, this is one of the highest-value applications of AI.

Read More: What is Cutting Optimisation in Steel Manufacturing?

What is ERP in Metals Manufacturing — and Why Do So Many Manufacturers Outgrow Theirs?

ERP systems manage finance, procurement, sales orders, and production in one place. But most ERPs were not built for metals-specific workflows: they can’t read mill certificates, generate optimised cut plans, or track stock by heat number. GoSmarter fills the gap without replacing your ERP.

Read More: What is ERP in Metals Manufacturing — and Why Do So Many Manufacturers Outgrow Theirs?

What is Metals Inventory Management? Why Steel Is Different From Widgets

Metals inventory management tracks steel and other materials by grade, size, heat number, and certification status — not just location and quantity. This specificity matters because not all stock of the same nominal size is interchangeable.

Read More: What is Metals Inventory Management? Why Steel Is Different From Widgets

What is Rebar? Reinforcing Bar Explained for Manufacturers and Fabricators

Rebar (reinforcing bar) is steel bar used to reinforce concrete structures. In the UK and Europe it’s governed by BS 4449 and BS 6744. For rebar manufacturers and cut-and-bend fabricators, compliance documentation, material traceability, and cutting efficiency are critical operational requirements.

Read More: What is Rebar? Reinforcing Bar Explained for Manufacturers and Fabricators

What is Steel Traceability? From Mill to Customer

Steel traceability means being able to trace any piece of metal from the original mill heat through every stage of processing and delivery. It’s a legal and commercial requirement in construction, aerospace, energy, and automotive — and it starts with the mill certificate.

Read More: What is Steel Traceability? From Mill to Customer

What is Yield Rate in Steel Manufacturing? Formula, Benchmarks, and How to Improve It

Yield rate measures how much of your input material becomes usable output. In steel manufacturing, a 1% yield improvement on high-volume production can mean tens of thousands of pounds of recovered material. This guide explains the formula, benchmarks, and how to drive improvement.

Read More: What is Yield Rate in Steel Manufacturing? Formula, Benchmarks, and How to Improve It

AI for Metals Manufacturing: What It Does and Where GoSmarter Fits

AI in metals manufacturing is not magic — it is a set of specific capabilities: reading documents, optimising constrained problems, and surfacing useful data. GoSmarter applies all three to the workflows that matter most.

Read More: AI for Metals Manufacturing: What It Does and Where GoSmarter Fits

GoSmarter AI for Metals Manufacturers

GoSmarter AI is purpose-built for metals manufacturers, automating mill certificates, cutting optimisation, and inventory management.

Read More: GoSmarter AI for Metals Manufacturers

GoSmarter App — Access Your Production Tools

What the GoSmarter App Does The GoSmarter app is a secure web platform at app.gosmarter.ai — no installation, no IT project, no waiting for a vendor to configure things for six months. You open a browser, log in, and start using it.

Read More: GoSmarter App — Access Your Production Tools

GoSmarter for Metals Operations: The AI Toolkit Built for the Shop Floor

GoSmarter is the AI toolkit for metals manufacturers: mill-cert automation, cutting optimisation, inventory traceability, and production planning, all in one place.

Read More: GoSmarter for Metals Operations: The AI Toolkit Built for the Shop Floor

GoSmarter vs Generic OCR/IDP Tools for Mill Certificates: Why Metals-Specific AI Wins

Generic OCR and IDP tools fall apart on real-world mill certificates — multi-heat documents, non-English formats, domain-specific data. GoSmarter was built specifically for metals, and it shows.

Read More: GoSmarter vs Generic OCR/IDP Tools for Mill Certificates: Why Metals-Specific AI Wins

Mill Certificate Automation for Metals Manufacturers: The Complete Guide

GoSmarter’s MillCert Reader automates mill certificate extraction for metals manufacturers — saving 120+ hours a year, eliminating manual entry errors, and building a full audit trail automatically.

Read More: Mill Certificate Automation for Metals Manufacturers: The Complete Guide

No-Code Metals SME Software: AI Without the IT Department

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 Department

UK Rebar Sizes: Stop Googling the Same Chart Every Time

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 Time

Stop Running Your Factory Like It’s 1985.

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.

Stop Drowning in Paperwork: Why Your Inbox is Killing Your Production Speed.

Stop letting inbox overload and manual data entry kill output - see how AI automates RFQs, mill certificates and cut lists to cut admin, scrap and delays.

Read More: Stop Drowning in Paperwork: Why Your Inbox is Killing Your Production Speed.

Your Spreadsheets Are Not a Database (So Stop Pretending They Are).

Stop typing mill certs and chasing broken XLSX files. Learn how databases and AI kill manual errors, cut scrap and restore real-time traceability.

Read More: Your Spreadsheets Are Not a Database (So Stop Pretending They Are).

Compliance Checklists That Don't Suck

Stop guessing if you’re legal. Generate OSHA, GDPR, or ISO 9001 checklists that actually make sense.

Read More: Compliance Checklists That Don't Suck

Material Yield Planner: Stop Throwing Money in the Bin

Calculate exactly how many parts you can get from a sheet. Stop guessing and stop wasting metal.

Read More: Material Yield Planner: Stop Throwing Money in the Bin

Stop Underpricing Your Work: Manufacturing Cost Estimator

Know exactly what a job costs before you quote it. Stop working for free.

Read More: Stop Underpricing Your Work: Manufacturing Cost Estimator

Metal Weight Calculator: Stop Guessing Before the Job Starts

Calculate the weight of steel rebar, metal plates, bars, and tubes before your fabrication job goes sideways. Free. No sign-up.

Read More: Metal Weight Calculator: Stop Guessing Before the Job Starts

Another Suit Wants to Buy British Steel

Michael Flacks thinks he can save British Steel. Good luck to him.

Read More: Another Suit Wants to Buy British Steel

Kill the Busy Work: Why Automation Matters

Stop wasting 120+ hours a year on paperwork. Automate it.

Read More: Kill the Busy Work: Why Automation Matters

Steel Grade Converter: Stop Memorizing Tables

What’s the DIN equivalent of 316L? Stop guessing and use this tool.

Read More: Steel Grade Converter: Stop Memorizing Tables

BlueScope to Low-Ball Bidders: 'Try Harder'

New CEO Tania Archibald isn’t selling the farm for cheap.

Read More: BlueScope to Low-Ball Bidders: 'Try Harder'

5 Problems That Are Killing Your Production (And How to Fix Them)

Reduce downtime, stop making scrap, and stop wasting money.

Read More: 5 Problems That Are Killing Your Production (And How to Fix Them)

Why Your ERP Sucks at Supply Chain (And What to Do About It)

Most ERPs are giant, expensive filing cabinets. Here’s how to actually use them to stop your supply chain from blowing up.

Read More: Why Your ERP Sucks at Supply Chain (And What to Do About It)

How AI Transforms CRM for Metals Manufacturing

How AI-powered CRM unifies ERP, IoT and CRM data to automate tasks, improve demand forecasting, cut costs and strengthen customer relationships.

Read More: How AI Transforms CRM for Metals Manufacturing

AI Tools for Production Scheduling in Metals

AI scheduling tools cut scrap, lower costs, automate mill-certificate handling and enable real-time production planning for metals manufacturers.

Read More: AI Tools for Production Scheduling in Metals

AI in ERP: Smarter Production Scheduling

AI-powered ERP transforms metals production scheduling with real-time data, cutting planning time and scrap while boosting capacity and on-time delivery.

Read More: AI in ERP: Smarter Production Scheduling

AI‑Powered Flow Optimisation: What Leading Metals Producers Know That You Don't

How AI boosts metals production: real-time control and planning that raise throughput, cut energy and emissions, and outline steps to pilot.

Read More: AI‑Powered Flow Optimisation: What Leading Metals Producers Know That You Don't

AI in Steel Inventory: Case Studies and Results

AI in steel inventory and stock management: case studies on vision systems, predictive analytics, and what to look for in a steel stock management app.

Read More: AI in Steel Inventory: Case Studies and Results

Cloud-Based vs On-Premise Manufacturing Software: A Comparison

Compare cloud and on‑premise manufacturing software across cost, deployment, customisation, scalability, security and remote access to decide the best fit.

Read More: Cloud-Based vs On-Premise Manufacturing Software: A Comparison

How to Cut Production Delays with Automated Workflows

AI-driven automated workflows reduce manufacturing downtime by digitising certificates, providing real-time inventory data and cutting manual errors.

Read More: How to Cut Production Delays with Automated Workflows

10 Signs Your Metal Shop Needs Process Automation

Manual processes are holding many metal shops back—rising costs, quality variation and bottlenecks show it’s time to automate.

Read More: 10 Signs Your Metal Shop Needs Process Automation

Manual vs Digital Inventory Tracking: Which Saves More Time?

Digital inventory tracking cuts time and errors versus manual counts by automating scans, providing real‑time visibility and scalable workflows.

Read More: Manual vs Digital Inventory Tracking: Which Saves More Time?

5 Best Practices for Managing Manufacturing Documentation

Standardise, digitise and automate manufacturing records to improve traceability, version control and audit readiness.

Read More: 5 Best Practices for Managing Manufacturing Documentation

The Complete Guide to Streamlining Metal Fabrication Operations

How UK metal fabricators can reduce waste, cut lead times and boost output using workflow mapping, KPIs, AI scheduling and automation.

Read More: The Complete Guide to Streamlining Metal Fabrication Operations

Mill Test Certificate Management: Common Questions Answered

Clear answers on Mill Test Certificates: what MTCs contain, EN 10204 types, verification, common issues and AI automation with digital audit trails.

Read More: Mill Test Certificate Management: Common Questions Answered

7 Ways to Reduce Paperwork in Metal Manufacturing

Seven digital strategies—AI docs, MES, cloud inventory, ERP and e-signatures—to cut paperwork, speed production and improve compliance.

Read More: 7 Ways to Reduce Paperwork in Metal Manufacturing

Steel Mill Certificate Management Software: How to Automate in 5 Steps

Use steel certificate management software to automate mill cert handling in 5 steps — reduce errors, close compliance gaps, and stop wasting hours on manual admin.

Read More: Steel Mill Certificate Management Software: How to Automate in 5 Steps

Compliance Management Checklist for Metals Manufacturers

Comprehensive checklist for metals manufacturers covering UK REACH, import/export rules, ISO standards, supplier qualification, traceability, emissions and digital tools.

Read More: Compliance Management Checklist for Metals Manufacturers

Wales Tech Week 2025: Connecting, Showcasing, and Inspiring Welsh Innovation

Wales Tech Week 2025 brought together leading figures from the Welsh tech ecosystem to connect, share insights, and celebrate innovation. Highlights included discussions on digitalisation in manufacturing, honest conversations about the role of failure in entrepreneurship, and a strong focus on collaboration and funding for the sector. Nightingale HQ was recognised with the Best Greentech Award for its work in sustainable manufacturing, reflecting the event’s emphasis on impactful technology and the growing global reputation of Welsh tech.

Read More: Wales Tech Week 2025: Connecting, Showcasing, and Inspiring Welsh Innovation

Nightingale HQ team attend UK Metals Expo

Nightingale HQ team attend UK Metals Expo on 10 and 11 September at the NEC, Birmingham.

Read More: Nightingale HQ team attend UK Metals Expo

Resilient supply chains: Microsoft technologies to assist with productivity and efficiency

Manufacturers can adapt to disruptions successfully, ensuring business continuity during distress, by building a resilient supply chain based on Microsoft tech. By modernising your supply chain you can optimise your workforce, build agile planning and distribution processes, enhance supply chain visibility, and maximise asset uptime and efficiency.

Read More: Resilient supply chains: Microsoft technologies to assist with productivity and efficiency

6 board-level agenda items and how AI can help

Persistent COVID-19 uncertainty, disruptive technologies, and supply chain challenges are some of the big concerns facing manufacturing CEOs and corporate leaders right now. However, despite uncertainty, we are seeing some promising trends around automation and transforming processes from the back office to the factory floor. Here are the top six board-level agenda items and a look into how AI can help.

Read More: 6 board-level agenda items and how AI can help

Digitising your factory floor is hard

Digitising your factory floor is hard, that’s why we try to accelerate digital transformation in other operational areas. Focusing on helping workers, modernising core functions like Finance, and supporting your growth, gives you the opportunity to demonstrate value whilst gaining digital technology maturity. It’s hard to rapidly change, acquire expertise, and digitise the factory floor at the same time. By working in areas that are easier to change you can free up vital staff time to dedicate to the harder challenges.

Read More: Digitising your factory floor is hard

Investing in digital technology lowers future operating costs for manufacturers

There are so many benefits to going digital with your business including cutting your future operating costs and becoming more sustainable. We’ve taken a look at the UKRI’s report on productivity opportunities and risks in a transformative, low-carbon and digital age which looks at this in more detail.

Read More: Investing in digital technology lowers future operating costs for manufacturers

What manufacturing SME's need to know about IIoT and cyber-security

IIoT can have benefits for manufacturing businesses of all types and sizes. It can be particularly useful in providing transparency and tracking along the supply chain but that’s just the start. To stay safe, it is vital you develop strong cyber security practices around IIoT. Here we offer some best practices and how to approach them.

Read More: What manufacturing SME's need to know about IIoT and cyber-security

UK Government supports AI approaches to manufacturing sustainability

The UK government released its AI strategy on 22nd September 2021. We’ve looked at the report and broken down how this will affect the manufacturing industry going forward. We outline some key areas such as skills shortages, addressing net-zero challenges, and new product development as well as the next steps manufacturers can take.

Read More: UK Government supports AI approaches to manufacturing sustainability

Digitalising your business processes to be more sustainable

Digitalising your business processes might help you run a more sustainable, environmentally friendly manufacturing operation. Simply digitising your records and reducing physical resource usage is an excellent place to begin. Taking it a step further and re-engineering the way you work to be smoother, more integrated, and less data entry dependent while digitalising can save you even more compute power (and therefore energy!).

Read More: Digitalising your business processes to be more sustainable

Cloud Migration: important for a green future

Cloud providers like Microsoft are making their data centres greener and carbon neutral, whereas your in-house servers and associated resources are burning energy. As well as potentially lowering your compute costs, revitalising your IT infrastructure, reducing risk, the green advantages make a cloud move a must for any manufacturer with sights on a net zero goal.

Read More: Cloud Migration: important for a green future

Design, manufacture, and ship products more sustainably with AI

AI can help manufacturers design, make, and ship products more sustainably. From lowering waste through defect detection, to generative design to reduce prototype waste, to smart energy management and predictive maintenance, manufacturers can use AI to make a big impact.

Read More: Design, manufacture, and ship products more sustainably with AI

What does NatWest's Future Fit report say about digital transformation for manufacturers

The latest Future Fit report focuses on “trailblazers” and what makes them different to other organisations. It covers the importance of innovation and of current developments in the industry such as digital transformation.

Read More: What does NatWest's Future Fit report say about digital transformation for manufacturers

Can AI get you sued? How AI impacts IP

AI and intellectual property is a minefield. The UK Intellectual Property Office recently completed a public consultation to inform their policy and here I bring you thoughts and highlights.

Read More: Can AI get you sued? How AI impacts IP

What Data Integration Maturity Level Are You? - No-Code Serverless or Code-First

Data integration capabilities are a key part of your ability to make data-driven decisions. Depending on where your business it at, using no-code tools or code-first tools will be right for you.

Read More: What Data Integration Maturity Level Are You? - No-Code Serverless or Code-First

Manufacturers - you need DataOps

DataOps also helps you build a more agile digital supply chain by enabling analytic teams to automate their processes, which in turn reduces cycle time on data analytics. Getting this data infrastructure right is critical for helping Operational Technology (OT) get the most out of real-time data to optimise processes. DataOps is part of your ability to move quickly in the digital space. It should be part of your overall approach to your developer velocity and can help staff to discover the data they need to drive insightful improvements in your organisation.

Read More: Manufacturers - you need DataOps

Investing in tools scales staff productivity

Businesses with the highest productivity experience more stable and consistent revenue growth, as well as being able to adapt more quickly. With less waste and more staff power focussed on growth, manufacturers with an investment in tooling are more operationally resilient.

Read More: Investing in tools scales staff productivity

Chatbots explained

Chatbots are computer programmes that provide a (primarily) text-based interface to help people access information or perform tasks. Chatbot conversations can help you improve customer service whilst reducing demand on staff. They can process text using natural language processing and build a conversational workflow to support a intuitive interaction with people.

Read More: Chatbots explained

How to move your operations to the cloud - what you need to know

You’ve probably heard of the cloud but what is it and how can it help your business? Learn how moving to the cloud can help you innovate and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to tech.

Read More: How to move your operations to the cloud - what you need to know

Tools matter for Developer Velocity

Businesses with the highest developer velocity experience the highest revenue growth, according to new research by Microsoft and McKinsey. Read on to understand how tools impact developer velocity and what the business case is for investing in them.

Read More: Tools matter for Developer Velocity

Developer Velocity

Businesses with the highest developer velocity experience the highest revenue growth, according to new research by Microsoft and McKinsey. Read on to understand the factors impacting developer velocity and how you can start building a strategy to improve this vital area of technology in your business.

Read More: Developer Velocity

Manufacturers: Are you digitising or digitalising?

To digitise your business means to perform traditionally analogue processes or actions digitally. Rather than a few changes here and there, digitalisation involves a change in how to the process is performed to better leverage technology.

Read More: Manufacturers: Are you digitising or digitalising?

Microsoft Build 2021 announcements for manufacturers

Microsoft Build 2021 is kicking off and whilst it tends not to be as announcement heavy as Microsoft Ignite, it’s still got some great things for manufacturers to pay attention to. This post gives a quick run down of the most important stuff you need to read about. Enjoy!

Read More: Microsoft Build 2021 announcements for manufacturers

Smart Manufacturing is all about Real-Time Data Analytics

Manufacturers are spending far too much time on data entry or looking at stale data which is hindering growth. Here are seven ways real-time data can turn things around.

Read More: Smart Manufacturing is all about Real-Time Data Analytics

Announcing GoSmarter In A Day

Our GoSmarter In A Day workshops solve one problem like processing Accounts Payable incoming invoices to demonstrate the value such automation can bring.

Read More: Announcing GoSmarter In A Day

Reports supported by AI & automation

Data compilation for reports created by experts is usually more time consuming than writing the valuable content. Using AI and no-code automation techniques, data collation and visualisation can be greatly streamlined, letting staff focus on the value.

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Checklists make everything better - including responsible AI!

Building a checklist to cover the six key areas of responsible AI can drive better outcomes and returns for your business. Start with the list of areas as a discussion aid and grow your checklist with use.

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Using AI to make your warehouse operations smarter

You can benefit from lower overheads by using AI to manage stock levels, whilst building a more scalable warehouse operation that is safer for employees, using AI.

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Detecting defects with AI - a computer vision challenge

With the pace of output on machines ever increasing, quality control becomes a lot tougher. Using AI to detect defective products sooner can help scale your quality processes and avoid significant stops.

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EU to recruit world-class AI researchers

While Europe is a global leader in academic research of human-centric artificial intelligence we lag behind when it comes to putting research into practice.

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Microsoft Ignite 2021 announcements for manufacturers

Microsoft Ignite is kicking off and as usual it's packed with announcements. This post gives folks in manufacturing a quick run down of the most important stuff they need to read about. Enjoy!

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Artificial Intelligence growth in the EU

This article is part of an ongoing series - link no longer works sharing insights into the development of AI policy in Europe. In November last year we were appointed to the European DIGITAL SME Alliance focus group on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and as an 'AI intensive' SME, we provide feedback on the adoption of AI technologies in relation with the impact of EU initiatives on the topic.

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Building operational resilience in times of crisis

Operational resilience has always been a key factor in business success, but not enough businesses consider their ability to take stress in turbulent times until it is too late. Covid-19 has been a huge wake-up call for many, presenting uncertainty and disruption.

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Ethical AI monitoring in the post-COVID workplace

With the excellent news of the first COVID-19 vaccines being administered in the UK, things could be back to normal by next winter. In the meantime, we must remain vigilant and take precautions such as monitoring temperatures, social distancing, and other health and safety measures, to keep the impact of the virus to a minimum. AI can help to enforce these safety precautions, however ethical conduct and compliance with data privacy regulations remain imperative.

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Breaking the chain with contact tracing

There is no doubt that contact tracing apps can play a key role in crisis management especially as social distancing measures are lifted in countries across Europe and the rest of the world. In this guest blog, Dr Iain Keaney talks about solving the contact tracing privacy paradox with decentralised AI. He outlines how decentralised AI can preserve anonymity and solve privacy issues, not just in contact tracing, but as a business standard for AI, going forward.

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Social listening for small businesses

Our latest webinar was on social listening. Social listening is monitoring social media for feedback, mentions, or relevant chatter to gain insight or act. The price tag on this capability is at least $150 per month putting it outside the budget of a small business. With #GoSmarter, we're introducing a practically free and highly extendable option for small businesses.

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Understanding the techniques behind AI in manufacturing

It’s no secret that the disruption of Industry 4.0 and the challenges presented by Covid-19 have been a push for manufacturers to evaluate digital transformation and consider going smart with AI in their factories. This article, adapted from the webinar shared below, is aimed at manufacturers who are interested in the techniques, data infrastructure and processes needed to support building internal data science & AI intellectual property.

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The Historian and AI Webinar (AIFightsBack)

AI for manufacturing has huge potential. As well as clear AI use cases like robotics and automation, the wealth of data being consolidated into industrial time series via historian appliances presents an opportunity for further AI applications. Using the data being consolidated, we can build early warning systems for critical issues, optimise maintenance programs, and improve processes.

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AI in Manufacturing (presentation, video, and quick guide)

Yesterday, we ran our first AI in Manufacturing webinar, in association with the Irish Centre of Business Excellence. You can grab the slides, read up on the topic, and/or watch the webinar below.

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Augmenting Customer Services with Chatbots

Last week we kicked off our AIFightsBack series to help businesses understand how AI can be used to support a safe and productive business during COVD-19 and beyond. The slides and video are now available.

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Announcement: Ruth Kearney appointed Product & Commercial Director

I'm delighted to announce the appointment of Ruth Kearney as our Product & Commercial Director here at Nightingale HQ. Ruth brings a wealth of commercial and brand experience to the team and will be helping drive our commercial strategy and AI Learn product.

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Low ROI from AI is a people problem, not a tech problem

The top blockers to effective AI use in businesses aren't technical issues. They're people problems.

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AI Winters and hype

This is not the first time AI has been all the rage in the business world. In particular, AI was big in the eighties with solutions called expert systems. Will AI be a passing fad now?

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The AI Hierarchy of Needs meets the Minimum Viable Product

Two of my favourite pyramids are the Data Science Hierarchy of Needs and the Minimum Viable Product. Combining them helps us build effective artificial intelligence (AI) proof of concepts in businesses. It also supports building AI competency at the same time as demonstrating Return on Investment (ROI).

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Mastering AI in manufacturing: the three levels of competency

Manufacturers have been facing continual pressure to improve their technology base, reduce costs, and improve quality since the Industrial Revolution. Manufacturers are used to change but not every manufacturer can or will embrace it at the same rate. Also, no manufacturer jumps straight to being an expert at the new thing they're needing to adopt. The same goes for Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an emerging change in manufacturing.

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How to score your first AI quick wins: Knowledge Worker Productivity

When you choose to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your organisation or department there can be a lot of resistance and uncertainty, which is why it is important to start small and win fast. By taking on smaller fail-proof projects, you can build up confidence among your team as they begin to see the value of the projects and stop fearing failure and resisting changes. In this project we discuss how to boost knowledge worker productivity, something employees will be able to track themselves and see the true value of. Building momentum in this way will pave the way for greater successes down the line.

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Announcing our Research Panel

We want to help more than one million businesses adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in the next five years. To do that we need your help. We're working on the world's biggest dataset on AI adoption via what we collect on our site, but qualitative data from knowledgeable people can be extremely valuable. As such we're launching our research panel to engage with people around the world.

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Most Innovative Woman in Artificial Intelligence - UK

Acquisition International is Proud to Announce the Winners of the 2019 Influential Businesswoman Awards

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Decoding the hype around AI

As the powers and capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) expand and evolve, the same cannot be said for the general understanding of the topic. This has resulted in AI becoming a blanket term that gets misused and thrown around for all things, including things that it’s not. People also have very unrealistic expectations of what AI can do leading in some cases to fear and paranoia over things like potential world domination, in others, disillusion when the AI doesn’t perform to the high standards they were hoping.

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