Following the Automate to Accelerate Programme 2025, Fife Council’s Economic Development Team, in partnership with Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS), is delighted to deliver a one-day, hands-on workshop as part of Fife Business Week 2026.

Automate to Accelerate: Lean, Data & Automation in Action is a highly interactive, simulation-based workshop designed to help businesses improve productivity, build capability and accelerate the adoption of process improvement, data and automation.

Through a live “Sticklebrick Factory” exercise, participants will experience the challenges of real-world operations and apply practical solutions to improve performance using:

• Process Improvement (Lean)
• Data for decision-making
• Automation readiness

The session is designed to help businesses move from reactive, inefficient processes towards structured, data-led and scalable operations.

This workshop is ideal for businesses looking to improve efficiency, competitiveness and productivity through practical, applied learning.

Why attend?

• By attending this workshop, you will:
• Experience real-world operational challenges through live simulation.
• Learn how to identify waste and improve processes using lean principles.
• Understand how to capture and use data to drive better decisions.
• Explore practical automation opportunities, from low-cost improvements to scalable solutions.
• Develop a roadmap for improving productivity within your business.
• Network with other businesses and expert delivery partners.

Who should attend?

This workshop is suitable for:

• Manufacturing and engineering businesses.
• Fabrication, food and drink, and tech-enabled operations.
• Operational managers and decision-makers.
• Businesses looking to adopt automation and improve productivity.

Recommended attendance: up to two delegates per business, ideally covering both operational and strategic roles.

Learning outcomes

By attending, you will:

• Gain practical, applied learning, not just theory.
• Improve confidence in data use and performance measurement.
• Identify immediate improvement opportunities within your business.
• Develop a clear pathway towards automation.
• Connect with support organisations, including SMAS and partner networks.

Agenda

09:15 – 10:00
Welcome, context and objectives

10:00 – 10:30
The Three Levers: Process, Data and Automation

10:30 – 11:15
Simulation Round 1

11:15 – 11:30
Break and review

11:30 – 12:15
Simulation Round 2

12:15 – 13:00
Lunch and networking

13:00 – 13:30
Insights: Lean, Data and Automation

13:30 – 14:15
Planning and strategy development

14:15 – 15:00
Simulation Round 3

15:00 – 15:15
Performance review

15:15 – 15:25
Break

15:25 – 16:15
Facilitated discussion: Automation in practice

16:15 – 16:30
Action planning and next steps

Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, interactive experience.

Register now to secure your place.

Contact information

For more information, please contact:

Kieran Hunter
[email protected]

Cancellation

Spaces are limited for this workshop. If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel your place through Eventbrite or contact the organiser as soon as possible so your place can be offered to another business.

Accessibility

Please let us know during registration if you have any accessibility requirements or if there is anything we can do to support your attendance.

Catering

Lunch and networking are included in the indicative agenda. Please provide any dietary requirements when registering.

FAQs

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is designed for businesses looking to improve productivity, strengthen operational efficiency and explore practical opportunities around lean thinking, data and automation.

Do I need previous experience of automation?

No. The workshop is designed to be practical and accessible. It will help businesses understand opportunities for improvement and consider realistic next steps.

Is the workshop only for manufacturing businesses?

The workshop is particularly relevant to manufacturing and engineering businesses, as well as fabrication, food and drink, and tech-enabled operations. It may also be useful for other businesses with operational processes they want to improve.

How many people can attend from each business?

Up to two delegates per business are recommended, ideally covering both operational and strategic roles.

Will lunch be provided?

Lunch and networking are included in the indicative agenda. Please provide any dietary requirements when registering.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact [email protected].