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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    News

    3rd Sep 2025
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    Manufacturing

    Initiative helping local manufacturer adopt Industry 4.0 technology for energy monitoring

    Manufacturing composite piping systems for infrastructure and harsh environments can be both complex and energy intensive.

    This is something local manufacturer Novafast can attest to, who are focused on innovation to efficiently deliver reliable solutions.

    Seeing technology adoption as an opportunity to improve their systems and reduce costs, Novafast was motivated to participate in the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator (MGA).

    MGA is an initiative facilitated by the Department of State Development and Flinders University’s Factory of the Future, that accelerates industry’s adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies by sharing research expertise and exchanging knowledge in form of events, workshops and bespoke research activities in Flinders Factory of the Future.

    Supported through MGA, the Connected Supplier project introduced 6 selected SA businesses to new technologies and encouraged them to consider the data types that would provide them with the highest return on investment and effort.

    Novafast was one of the six companies that took part in the Connected Supplier project, supported by the Smart Enough® Factory in a Box (FIAB) program delivered via DMTC and BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA).

    The aim of the project was to explore the potential for Industry 4.0 technology utilisation in the business. Novafast explored integrating real-time monitoring of temperature into their most energy intensive process, enabling it to make informed modifications and efficiencies to the manufacturing process.

    “It was a very successful project,” shared David Figallo, Business & Strategy Manager at Novafast. “We knew what we wanted to execute and DMTC helped present ideas on how to execute it – it went very smoothly.”

    Reflecting on its experience, Novafast found the program to be a catalyst in achieving their energy efficiency goals, noting the delivery and resources provided were markedly valuable.

    “Integration with the university worked well. The software was very good and the workshops throughout the project were helpful. We were glad to be part of the project.”

    “Overall, it was valuable to participate in the program. I can see there is a phase 2 where we can look at energy efficiencies further.”

    The key to success in completing a project is to consider the outcomes to be achieved, as Novafast shared:

    “Really understand the scope you need in the project – also think about the business benefits it adds.”

    Eligible SMEs can engage with the MGA by reaching out to futurefactory@flinders.edu.au.

    Learn more about the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator