The Benefits of Smart Manufacturing
Improved efficiency
Smart factories can monitor equipment performance and automate complex processes, improving accuracy and reducing human error.
Increased productivity
Smart factories can use data to identify issues, such as when a machine is slowing down production, and then use artificial intelligence systems to resolve them.
Long-term cost savings
Smart factories can use predictive maintenance to identify potential problems early and address them at a convenient time, which can save money.
Greater flexibility
Smart factories can scale production quickly to meet changing demand and can customize products to meet specific customer needs.
How the program works:
| 1. | Small-to-medium-sized (less than 500 employees) in North Carolina manufacturers will complete a short application (approximate time to complete is 10 minutes) to determine if their company is ready to participate in the program. ncstateies.com/sncapp |
| 2. | The SMARTER NC team will review applications. 100 initially qualified companies selected to participate will receive an initial walkthrough viability assessment. Assessment includes verification of application items, confirmation of production and energy systems, and collection of information concerning current and future commitments to smart manufacturing*. *Important: The company should assign a smart manufacturing project decision-maker. |
| 3. | From the initial 100 assessments, 75 small-to-medium-sized manufacturers will be approved to receive comprehensive smart manufacturing technical assessments to help develop implementation project ideas and strategies. Includes process assessments and energy assessments.* Results will be shared with the company to assist with their engagements with 3rd party integrators for a project solution plan and cost proposal. Project solution plan and cost proposal are to be submitted SMARTER NC for approval of any reimbursements prior to project start. 50 projects will be approved for partial reimbursement of some project non-equipment costs. *Funding priority will be given to higher energy use projects. |
| 4. | The Department of Energy’s designated contracting officer, and the SMARTER NC team review the quote and agree to reimburse a matching level of non-equipment costs including integration and training expenses. Note: Participating companies must provide matching investment of at least 30% of project cost. Example: For a $20,000 smart manufacturing implementation project, SMARTER NC can approve reimbursement of up to $14,000. Maximum reimbursement to any company project is $25,000. Average reimbursements are expected to be ~$13,000. Company completes the approved project with 3rd party and submits the agreed to reimbursement amount for payment. |
To receive SMARTER NC reimbursement funds, approved applicants must:
- Submit a detailed cost proposal for the SMARTER NC project subject to reimbursement including itemized labor and materials expenditures
- Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This has replaced the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)number.
- Have a procurement review process in place
- Complete an environmental questionnaire as required by DoE
- Receive documented evidence of approval by DOE and SMARTER NC
- Submit evidence of paid invoices for the approved and completed SMARTER NC project
- Complete approved SMARTER NC project and submit reimbursement request before March 15, 2027.
Target Industries
(but not limited to manufacturers in)
- Biopharmaceutical
- Metal Fabrication
- Chemical and Polymer
- Food and Beverage
- Automotive and Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
- Textiles
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Acknowledgment: This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under Award Number DE-MS0000030.
Disclaimer: “This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof.”