THE Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA) has revealed details of a new plan designed to help support members on their digital transformation journey.
A series of measures have been outlined following a report authored by the trade body’s VP, Gail McEwen, after her visit to bauma earlier this year.
Gail explained that the Munich trade fair showcased a ‘clear and accelerating shift’ toward digitalisation, automation and sustainability.
“From fully autonomous construction machinery and electric-powered plant to AI-driven fleet management tools and immersive training simulators, the show reinforced that the future of our industry is not just coming, it is already here,” she said. “Conversations with manufacturers, innovators and global industry leaders revealed a common narrative: smart technology is not optional but inevitable.
“The challenge now lies in how quickly and effectively businesses, particularly SMEs, can adapt and adopt and the SPOA is committed to supporting our members with this.”
The SPOA has committed to the following measures:
Academic research on digital transformation
The SPOA will focus on academic research aimed at providing members with a clear understanding of what is involved in digital transformation and how they can navigate this shift. This will explore areas such as data integration, machine learning, AI applications and cloud-based systems.
By collaborating with academic institutions and industry experts, the SPOA aims to provide members with insights and case studies that illustrate how digital transformation can be effectively implemented in the plant sector.
Development of a digital integration plan
The SPOA will also assist members in mapping out their digital transformation journey, including systems integration, training needs and equipment upgrades. This is designed to align with business objectives and operational goals and help prioritise investments in technology, ensuring they take a strategic approach to digital adoption and avoid unnecessary costs.
The SPOA will also explore options for funding, grants and partnerships to support the implementation of digital systems across the sector.
Training and upskilling initiatives
Online webinars, simulation-based training and workshops focused on the digital tools and systems featured at bauma 2025 will be made available to members.
Exploration of collaborative industry partnerships
The SPOA will facilitate discussions around collaborative partnerships that promote knowledge sharing, innovation and best practices. These could include technology providers, equipment manufacturers and government bodies.
Implementation of pilot programmes and case studies
To help members better understand the practical benefits of digital transformation, the SPOA will encourage the implementation of pilot programmes within their operations. These small-scale trials will allow members to test technologies and processes in real-world settings. The SPOA will gather and share case studies from these pilot programmes to illustrate the benefits and challenges.
Continuous monitoring of industry trends
Digital transformation is a rapidly evolving field, and the SPOA said it will maintain a focus on monitoring industry trends to ensure members stay ahead of the curve, providing regular updates on new technologies, regulatory changes and market developments that could impact digital adoption in the plant sector.
The SPOA also hopes to offer forums and events where members can exchange insights and learn from each other’s experiences in implementing digital solutions.
The full report from bauma 2025 can be downloaded here.
