November 05, 2024
Technology continues to transform the manufacturing industry, streamlining processes, relieving the burden of monotonous tasks, and creating safer, smarter workplaces. However, employees who implement, monitor, manage, and rely on that technology are leaving their jobs at high rates as employers struggle to find and train enough new employees to fill the gaps.
New, connected manufacturing technologies are helping organizations change that scenario by fully integrating employees into the work system and giving them real-time visibility into operational and business data. New digitalization efforts empower employees at all levels to identify and address production issues and gain easy access to online instructions, troubleshooting guides, safety guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Employees can resolve problems independently, easily consult with experts in other locations, and participate in open lines of communication regarding plant operations.
Technologies that Empower People
Connected workplace technologies integrate workers into the manufacturing environment, connecting the people directly to the machines and processes through cloud computing, real-time communication devices, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and other new technologies. This enables workers to consider their real-time actions within a broader system, positively impacting decision-making and efficiency.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as of January 2024, the manufacturing industry had 622,000 jobs yet to be filled. And according to IOT World Today, employee turnover rates in manufacturing are averaging 39%, underscoring the importance of connected workforce platforms (CWPs) to empower workers and increase shop floor productivity. The article explains that CWPs integrate workers into the manufacturing environment, offering functionalities such as real-time disruption visibility, digital changeover instructions, and real-time machine health monitoring.
Digitalization Improves Employees’ Work Experience
While salaries continue to be the top reason for employee turnover within the industry, and a retiring workforce is having a significant negative impact, a lack of communication and transparency often encourages workers to take their skills down the road to the next company. However, when connected technologies give everyone, including frontline workers, access to the data, workers at all levels can swiftly identify and address production issues. Improved work experiences result from digitalization that enables easier access to knowledge, improved training, and extended collaboration opportunities. ERP systems like Infor’s CloudSuite Industrial offer many digital tools to empower workers, including:
The ability to easily capture and disseminate tribal knowledge.
Mobile-friendly technology that allows workers on the move to access critical information from anywhere.
Easy access to videos that enhance training and boost job-specific knowledge.
The ability to document valuable input from workers on the plant floor to give leaders visibility for better decision-making.
According to Deloitte, “When frontline workers are provided a thoughtful and strategic mix of technology to perform their jobs, productivity is estimated to increase on average by 22%.”
Infor customer Matt Meyer with Oliver Packaging & Equipment Company said, “I was data-starved before. Now, I feel like I have access to what I need at any time. CloudSuite Industrial is a big part of our strategy going forward.” Data-starved employees are often the most dissatisfied workers. Access to data and collaboration enriches the employee experience, making employees feel more valuable and effective in their roles.
Safety and Generational Expectations
Connected manufacturing technology is also critical to enhancing workplace safety. Employee access to real-time data, warnings, and instantaneous communication tools enables immediate response to risks and promotes safer practices. This connectivity fosters a collaborative safety culture where workers are continuously supported and informed.
Younger generations expect modern, efficient tools they can rely on to complete their tasks in a safe environment and in a quality manner that reflects well on their work contributions. Connected manufacturing technologies cater to these expectations and motivate a workforce that wants to contribute to solutions and know they are being heard.
Examples of Connected Manufacturing Equipment
Some examples include robotics, networked communication systems, and sophisticated sensors that collect data about the work environment, such as monitoring machine temperatures. Other examples include actuators that help operate machines, software applications that conduct robust data analytics, and autonomous machine-to-machine communications. In addition:
Augmented and virtual-reality headsets
Smartphones, tablets
Artificial intelligence
IOT devices
Ready to Attract and Retain More Talent?
Guide Technologies consultants are experts in Infor ERP solutions for complex manufacturing challenges, including fully integrated tools and systems to support connected manufacturing platforms. Reach out today to learn more about creating a people-first work environment that makes work less frustrating and more fulfilling while making manufacturing processes more productive, efficient, and profitable. Enable your employees to make informed decisions, collaborate, and act faster.
