Image above shows Nik Tankard, Head of Global Consulting.
Manufacturers are missing out on digital gains by focusing on connecting systems over making data flow freely, leading to stalled progress and underperforming tech investments. ITI Group’s Nik Tankard and Russell Herbert reveal why the secret to digital success isn’t adding more tech – it’s mastering information management.
As manufacturers continue to embrace digital technologies, many encounter unexpected roadblocks that stall progress. The digital roadmap seems simple enough – connect systems, streamline operations, boost productivity. Yet, these plans often rest on shaky foundations.
In their rush to adopt the latest digital tools, too many manufacturers overlook the need for robust information management. Connecting systems can deliver short-term wins, but if the data feeding them is fragmented, outdated or incompatible, even the most powerful technologies will fail to provide their full value.
Research shows that while 80% of companies believe their data is ready for digital transformation*, over half struggle with poor data quality and organisation issues when deploying new technologies. The result? An alarmingly high number of manufacturers are disappointed with the return on their digital investments.
A common misconception is that connecting systems means data will automatically flow seamlessly. But systems are simply channels to transfer information, not magic solutions to make data accurate or actionable. Without addressing how data is captured, managed and governed, manufacturers often find themselves moving problems around rather than solving them.
Think about it – when data from one device doesn’t match the format or standards used by another, you end up with inaccurate forecasts and inefficient workflows. Effective information management prevents these issues by ensuring data flowing between assets, IT systems and teams is up-to-date, accurate and accessible.
Modern factories generate vast amounts of sensor-based, real-time data – from production rates to equipment health. While this wealth of information has the potential to transform operations, the challenge lies in contextualising and integrating it with other operational data. Without proper contextualisation, raw data remains disjointed and difficult to act upon.
For instance, condition monitoring paired with real-time analytics can predict when a crucial machine is likely to fail, allowing for swift intervention. But integrating this information with production schedules, inventory levels and staff rotas ensures the insights lead to actionable decisions that minimise disruption. ITI Group’s expertise lies in helping clients overcome these integration challenges, ensuring information flows seamlessly and meaningfully across the organisation, regardless of data sources or systems.
The Cost of Ignoring Information Management
As manufacturers increase their digital investments in 2025, there’s a risk that many will invest in costly technologies only to see them underperform due to poor information management. Worryingly, two-thirds of companies rate themselves as below average in managing their information lifecycle, governance and compliance. This gap between perception and reality is a leading cause of why digital projects stall or flop.
This ‘readiness gap’ exists as a result of decision-makers feeling overwhelmed by the vast volume, velocity and variety of data. With the average factory generating 1TB of production data daily – the equivalent of 1,200 filing cabinets full of paper – it’s no wonder half of organisational data is over five years old and often contains redundant, obsolete, or trivial (ROT) information.
Accessibility of information is another hurdle, with many manufacturers still relying on physical documents, spreadsheets and desktop systems, leaving data scattered and outdated. These issues, left unmanaged, breed inefficiencies and errors that are only now coming to light.
Fortunately, addressing this issue doesn’t have to be complex or costly. It starts with a shift in mindset – from focusing on technology alone to prioritising a data infrastructure that enables technology to deliver genuine business benefits. At ITI Group, we specialise in helping manufacturers build this essential data foundation so every digital investment performs at its best.
Moving from Point Solutions to a Holistic Strategy
Too often, manufacturers focus on immediate needs, locking themselves into point solutions that only address today’s problems. This narrow approach limits the ability to pivot and respond to new opportunities or disruptions. By adopting a more holistic strategy, companies can align digital initiatives with their overall business goals.
A holistic approach also means understanding and making the most of the assets you already own. Most manufacturers already have powerful systems, but many aren’t leveraging their full capabilities. At ITI Group, we guide companies in making the most of what they have, often achieving rapid improvements with minimal investment – starting with data.
What You Can Do Today to Improve Information Management
1. Data Audit – Start by assessing the data you already have. Where is it stored? How clean is it? Who has access? This audit will reveal your current state and identify key areas for improvement.
2. Data Governance – Define clear protocols for data ownership, use and security. This will ensure accountability and help minimise the risk of errors or misuse down the line.
3. Data Automation – Automate data collection and cleansing to reduce inconsistencies and human error, ensuring data integrity across all your systems. Clean data going in means accurate insights coming out.
4. Data Collection – Introduce Edge data collection to streamline data automation. However, clean contextualised data is key to extracting true insights. For example, if one sensor logs energy consumption in kWh and another in BTU, the units must be standardised. Without a mechanism to manage such discrepancies, rolling up data for analysis and decision-making becomes impossible.
5. A Unified Data Strategy –Align your data strategy with your business goals rather than treating systems in isolation. This approach ensures your digital tech investments deliver maximum impact.
6. Scalable, Flexible Tools – Prioritise tools that can scale with your data needs, ensuring they can handle increased data volume and complexity without compromising performance or security.
Unlock Your Digital Potential
2025 is just around the corner, and for companies serious about digital manufacturing, information management must be a priority. Manufacturers that succeed will be the ones who focus on data readiness, not as an afterthought but as a strategic foundation.
Yes, the industry faces uncertainty. Recent changes, like those announced in the Autumn Budget, have reportedly prompted boardrooms to take a “wait-and-see” approach. But history shows that the manufacturers who thrive in adversity adapt, innovate and keep pushing forward.
No matter where you are on your digital manufacturing journey, it’s not too late to develop a plan. Investing time in upfront planning and clearly defining requirements will always be more cost-effective than fixing errors down the line.
Our message is simple: start investing in information management today. Make sure your data is clean, accessible and structured to flow seamlessly through the organisation. With a robust data infrastructure, digital investments – whether in AI, automation, MES, IoT or other tech – will deliver measurable gains in efficiency, responsiveness and competitiveness.
Make 2025 the year your manufacturing business unlocks its full potential. By starting with a focused approach and scaling quickly, you’ll be prepared to adapt to rapidly changing technology and market conditions. Aligning digital initiatives with your business goals not only addresses today’s challenges but also future-proofs your operations for whatever tomorrow brings.
For more insights, read our six essential steps to ensure your digital manufacturing strategy is a success.
ITI Group develops and integrates digital transformation solutions for Industrial Manufacturing, Energy, and Nuclear sectors, from strategically placed offices in Sheffield, Aberdeen, Saltaire, Glasgow, Alcester, Whitehaven and North America, from which to best serve our clients. We advance safe, secure and sustainable operations through the innovative use of technology.
Contact us on [email protected] or call 01274 599955 to learn how we can support your digital roadmap.
* Study Reveals Crucial Role of Information Management – Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM)
https://www.avepoint.com/ebooks/ai-and-information-management-report-2024