• Advanced Manufacturing

Interview with Adam Ball, Solutions Sales Manager at Lantek UK

  • Advanced Manufacturing
Adam Ball is the Solutions Sales Manager at Lantek, succeeding Rob Powell, who retired after 24 years at the company. With over two decades of experience in service, applications, and sales for sheet metal machinery companies, Adam has held senior roles, including Commercial Director at MBA Engineering Systems, and spent 12 years at Bystronic. His expertise ranges from machine tools for laser and waterjet cutting to strategic leadership. Adam’s return to Lantek is fueled by exciting prospects, showcasing his dedication to driving growth and introducing innovative solutions.

Artificial Intelligence, the symbiosis between human and machine

  • Advanced Manufacturing
Contrary to popular belief, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not going to replace people, but should rather be seen as an ally, given that it’s more geared towards optimizing business processes, such as task automation processes. The most widespread AI is currently based on learning from questions and suggestions made to humans to deal with the challenges presented by the different processes. Full automation is only possible in very simple processes, generally with little added value.

Advanced MES & Analytics: From Machinery to the brain of the Enterprise

  • Advanced Manufacturing
Until not very long ago, machines were totally dependent on orders from people. They were not autonomous and did not communicate amongst themselves, slowing production and thereby also making them more vulnerable to manual operating errors. Now, in the era of smart & digital factories, MES (manufacturing execution systems) continue to be the backbone that control and oversee everything occurring inside the plant, but they have now moved up a category, revolutionizing management and production.