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Case Study

WB Alloys + University of Strathclyde

A product to monitor performance, compliance, condition and location of new and existing welding equipment.

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Awards and Achievements

KTP Final Grade: B ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The project was awarded the grade of "Very Good" by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's objectives.

WB Alloys

Founded in 1974, WB Alloys Welding Products Ltd (WBA) is a welding consumables manufacturer. Our head office is in Glasgow, with other premises in Aberdeen, Tavistock, Stockton on Tees and the United Arab Emirates. Our vision is to be the welding & cutting solutions provider of choice.

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What was the need?

The Challenge

At the outset WB Alloys recognised that digital technology is changing how people do business. As a welding consumables manufacturer and supplier, they saw an opportunity to develop a smart device that would monitor welding productivity and use of consumables, giving their customers valuable information. This KTP project set out to develop such a system and produce a prototype device to enable in-house testing, prior to equipping test welding machines for early adopter field tests.

What did we do?

The Solution

The business of WB Alloys has indeed changed because of the KTP. The company has diversified its offerings to include data analysis and digital platforms, which are now instrumental in enhancing the sustainability, efficiency, and productivity of its current customers. The KTP played a crucial role in the creation of these digital services, leading to the development of new strategies, value propositions, and revenue streams. This shift has not only expanded the company's capabilities but also positioned it to better meet the evolving needs of its customers in a rapidly changing market. The KTP has significantly impacted the company's sales strategy, which will now emphasize innovation and digital technologies more than ever before. The partnership has unveiled a new digital value proposition that integrates seamlessly into the current business model, making it more innovative and forward-thinking. The KTP has thus been instrumental in driving this strategic shift, helping the company to innovate its offerings and diversify its revenue sources.

What changed?

The Impacts and Benefits

Benefits for the Company 

This shift towards digitalization allows the company to tap into new opportunities and offer more advanced solutions to its customers. By incorporating modern technologies, the company can now offer enhanced products and services that meet the evolving demands of the market. This not only strengthens the company's competitive edge but also positions it as a leader in its industry.

Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies has opened a new servitization revenue stream. Servitization involves offering value-added services alongside traditional products, transforming the business model from product-centric to service-centric. This approach can lead to more stable and recurring revenue streams, as it encourages long-term relationships with customers through ongoing service agreements and support.

 

Benefits for the Academic Team 

The great reputation the KTP with WB Alloys lead to a variety of research projects related to latest advancements in smart technologies. Prof Jorn Mehnen has become Co-I in a major project with the NHS where data collection, systems modelling, and data analysis are fundamental and could be the basis for further data related developments that NHS foresees. Prof Jorn Mehnen won two smaller voucher projects to support companies in Glasgow.

Furthermore, UG level and postgraduate level research has benefitted the DMEM classes where students design, develop and test smart products that use latest Industry 4.0 technology.

Prof Jill MacBryde is doing research funded by ESRC on the InterAct technology. Experiences with WB Alloys has helped with understanding of some of the issues companies are facing when adopting digital technology.

 

Benefits for the KTP Associate 

The KTP Associate Mohamad Salim benefitted at a personal level as he grew into the role over the years. The associate learned and expanded on his technical skills which includes electronics, programming of the IoT kit, and the setup of the communication pipeline from the device into the cloud. Mo has now a proficiency in a variety of combined skills that is rare.

The associate also helped the KB in delivering lectures. The knowledge base staff also learned from the Associate and the discussions with business. Even staff not involved in this KTP benefitted from the experience this KTP produced which had an impact on winning a KTP by a colleague at DMEM.

Additional discussions with NMIS based on this KTP have developed and could lead to further projects which demonstrates the interest staff developed for KTP.

The Impacts and Benefits

The People

Meet the Team

Mohamad Salim

KTP Associate

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Professor Jorn Mehnen

Knowledge Base Supervisor

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Graham Wilson

Company Supervisor

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