The plan follows a report, authored by vice president Gail McEwen, following her visit to Bauma 2025.

Speaking about the journey towards digital transformation, Ms McEwen said: “Bauma 2025 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.

“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 successfully navigate this shift.

This research will explore key areas such as data integration, machine learning, AI applications and cloud-based systems, ensuring that members are well-informed about the latest trends and best practices.

By collaborating with academic institutions and industry experts, the SPOA aims to provide members with valuable 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 assist members in mapping out their digital transformation journey, including systems integration, training needs and equipment upgrades. This digital integration plan will align with business objectives and operational goals and will help members prioritise their 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 successful implementation of digital systems across the sector.

Training and upskilling initiatives

To complement the adoption of new technologies, the SPOA will continue to support training and upskilling initiatives for members. Online webinars, simulation-based training and workshops focused on the digital tools and systems featured at Bauma 2025 will be made available to members.

These initiatives will ensure that members have confidence that their workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to operate and manage advanced technologies, from autonomous machinery to AI-driven fleet management systems.

Exploration of collaborative industry partnerships

The SPOA will facilitate discussions around collaborative partnerships that promote knowledge sharing, innovation and best practices. These partnerships 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 new technologies and processes in real-world settings, helping them identify challenges and refine their approach before committing to full-scale implementation.

The SPOA will gather and share case studies from these pilot programmes to illustrate the tangible benefits and challenges of adopting digital technologies in the plant sector.

Continuous monitoring of industry trends

Digital transformation is a rapidly evolving field, and the SPOA will maintain a focus on monitoring industry trends to ensure that its 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.