Partner Content: AIM helps manufacturing clients understand their current and future technology needs
If businesses choose to innovate, the AIM high-tech center in Sligo, recently opened by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney, will help manufacturers across the North West embrace digitalisation and new technologies.
If your manufacturing business wants to improve product quality, make your processes more efficient, increase sustainability, or help your employees embrace new technologies, the AIM Center for Innovation in Manufacturing promotion) can help.
Housed in a former Sligo fire station, AIM provides space for up to 80 people to gather, collaborate and create in one place. This shared space not only fosters connections, but also serves as a hub where creativity and technology meet to address real-world challenges.
Manufacturers can save time, effort and money by leveraging AIM’s expertise and facilities.
At AIM, our dedicated team of experts, including an expanded team of engineering managers, robotics and automation engineers, program managers, and freelancer expertise, helps companies strengthen their manufacturing processes and supply chains.
The focus is not always on acquiring new systems, but rather on making better use of existing equipment by integrating it with cutting-edge technology. This approach to innovation focuses on making smarter use of current assets through connectivity and the latest technology solutions.
One example of a course that companies can take advantage of on AIM is Design Thinking for Manufacturing. It is in conjunction with Harvard University’s Digital Technology Course, which brings its expertise to the industry and helps local businesses stay relevant and competitive.
The other is about connected systems and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The key benefit for manufacturers is that they can save time and effort by leveraging AIM’s expertise and facilities rather than developing these skills in-house.
It also reduces the risk of investments required for new technology, as companies can test technology with AIM first and get the best solution for their business.
Prior to moving to this new facility in Sligo Market Yard, the AIM team was already working out of temporary space at Atlantic University of Technology (ATU) Sligo, working with manufacturers on digital transformation projects including digital or technology maturity analyses. We were cooperating.
This includes AIM conducting workshops, interviews, surveys, and other research to help manufacturing customers understand their current and future technology needs.
AIM has also worked on operational excellence with its customers, helping them understand how to automate production lines and use machine learning for quality assurance to eliminate the risk of human error.
AIM is a partnership between Sligo Co Council and ATU and is funded by Sligo Co Council and ATU, with Enterprise Ireland investing €2.2 million through the Border Enterprise Development Fund. It is also supported by Leitrim Common Council, as border areas are the areas most affected by Brexit, and is further supported by the EU Withdrawal Adjustment Reserve (BAR).
To find out more about the facilities and expertise on offer at AIM, visit AimCentre.ie.
Joan Mullen is Senior Regional Development Officer at Enterprise Ireland.