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ELE Advanced Technologies makes change possible today for the benefit of tomorrow Engineering solutions provider ELE Advanced Technologies (ELE) has achieved its initial scope one and two sustainability objectives and is now working towards scope three targets.
Why digital transformation is important in the race to net zero
of collating that data, analysing and tracking progress to Net Zero will be key. At Gradient , we’ve always known that robust and accurate data is critical for successful ERP projects. This is why we are partnering with YuzeData , bringing their Data Automation platform to SMEs. As Elizabeth Mills from YuzeData said to us recently... “Supply chain is poised to make a significant contribution to Net Zero over the coming years. We are very happy to see the collaboration amongst suppliers at all levels to support global brands in their Net Zero ambitions. YuzeData and Gradient have the opportunity to support these clients by making a Net Zero strategy a sustainable business imperative”. For all businesses, digital transformation is a business imperative and extending it to address climate change is a moral obligation. So, the question can no longer be where you start; it has to be when will you start your digital transformation journey?
impact on sustainability and the race towards Net Zero. The World Economic Forum has stated that 20 per cent of the cut in GHG emissions will come from digital technologies in four key ways: • Foundational technologies – using functionality within ERP systems to drive operational efficiencies, improve planning, enable supply-chain collaboration, reduce wastage and monitor costs. • Sensing & control technologies – using monitors to track energy consumption, enabling real-time adjustments and intervention. • Decision making technologies – using AI to predict maintenance needs, reducing down-time and resource waste. • Enabling technologies – using cloud- based tools to facilitate remote working and on-line meetings. Digital transformation is no longer just about staying competitive, it is an essential enabler to the achievement of a sustainable future. Businesses benefit from reduced costs, reduced risks, improved supply chain and customer relationships as well as demonstrating a commitment to achieving Net Zero. However, and we know there’s always a “however”, these technologies gather data, but a Net Zero strategy requires targets, measures, performance and reporting. Digital transformation incorporates data from many different sources, not just ERP, so ways
If someone was to ask you – do you want to help save the world, I’m guessing most of us would say “yes”! But ask managers of SMEs, operating within the current economic challenges of cost increases, consumer confidence decreases and conflict impacts, then the answer is more likely to be a “maybe, but…” Where do I start?
chain as a result of our operations.
David Stanley, CEO of ELE Advanced Technologies, said: “Our customers may be some of the biggest blue-chip companies in the world, but they still have a steep journey ahead of them in achieving net zero by 2050 – through what they make and how they make it. “We may have gone early in terms of leading the way for the rest of the supply chain, however we believe this is the right thing to do and our customers value our responsible and collaborative approach.” A key aspect of ELE’s drive to be an early adopter of the most sustainable approaches and techniques in advanced manufacturing is its formation of a Sustainability Committee. Led by David and tasked with driving forward environmental, social and governance aims, the committee engages with employees from all areas of the business and will now work towards the next phase of the business’ journey to net zero. David said: “Scope three now involves us looking into how we can support reduction of carbon emissions generated by our supply
It’s original goal of reducing scope one and two carbon emissions by 80 per cent by minimising energy usage and sourcing energy from renewable sources, was achieved at the end of 2023. Lancashire-based ELE, which produces complex, high-integrity components for some of the biggest original equipment manufacturers in the world, introduced an energy optimisation programme utilising digital diagnostic tools to reduce the energy needed to power its machining tools by 20pc. The business, which provides engineering solutions in the aerospace, power generation and automotive sectors, also installed photovoltaic solar panels to enable it to generate up to 37pc of its own clean energy, with the remaining energy used on site coming from alternative renewable sources. Its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility site features electric vehicle charging points free to use for all employees. A streamlined waste management system has also reduced the level of waste produced and increased repurposing and recycling rates so that 88pc of the waste it produces now avoids landfill. The final step of this initial phase will involve ELE reducing carbon emissions resulting from its heating requirements by exploring potential heat recovery options within its manufacturing operations. Heat recovery is now in place, heating a new extension recently built for a highly specialised application.
“This will undoubtedly be the most challenging aspect of our sustainability journey. However, ELE already has excellent working relationships with its supply chain, so we’re already one step ahead than most, and look forward to working with our suppliers to explore the difference we can make together.” To start, ELE aims to reduce carbon emissions produced by its commuting and courier services by 25pc and then intends to achieve a further 25pc reduction from working with the remainder of its supply chain, by the end of 2024. Sustainability improvements achieved by ELE Advanced Technologies to date have recently been recognised by an external party that independently assesses progress being made. Having been benchmarked in 2022 the assessment improved again in 2023 with an overall score of 68% and is considered ‘Advanced’ in the framework. David Stanley added: “ELE’s culture is one of ‘making things possible’; this ethos will ensure we continue to make a difference in advancing technology for the benefit of future generations.”
This is where digital transformation comes in.
20 per cent of emissions reductions come from Digital Transformation (Source World Economic Forum) . Digital transformation is the incorporation of computer-based technologies into business processes in order to realise operational efficiency, cost optimisation, customer and supply chain engagement. In other words, it’s about using systems to deliver new products and services, to improve existing ones, to streamline processes, to gather business-critical data and respond to customer demands. But, as with any change, people are critical to the success of digital transformation. Businesses need to become more agile, accepting uncertainty and ultimately seeing it as an opportunity to thrive. It requires a shift away from traditional thinking and toward a more collaborative, experimental approach. Whilst digital transformation is about resilience and innovation, there is a further significant bonus from this journey – a positive
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