About 25 years ago, the concept of data collection for process control took a major leap forward. This was about the time that a combination of electronic technology and economics allowed gauging to become digital. With a digital signal available, it became possible to transfer information via cable directly from a gauge or digital indicator to the data collector. This made it much more practical to make process control decisions based on statistical analysis.
Comment: The UK is closer to deindustrialisation than reindustrialisation
"..have been years in the making" and are embedded in the actors - thus making it difficult for UK industry to move on and develop and apply...