This month we’ve hand picked articles with at theme around talent, people and innovation.
About this Series: This blog series is posted once a month and focuses on Manufacturing Technology and Innovation. We cover IoT, Industry 4.0, and cluster development in particular. Also, other relevant trends and topics of importance to Small to Medium-sized manufacturers.
What’s the future for people in the fourth industrial revolution?
Peter Herweck from Schneider Electric says that digitization of businesses isn’t the real threat to workers in industrial sectors. Instead it’s whether and industry or organization empowers them with the tools to leverage the digital tools and data to do their jobs… and to do new jobs.
Digital technologies, today, are helping companies increase energy efficiency and reducing downtime on the shop/factory floor. The challenge and opportunity is to make sure that workers are augmented with, and empowered by technology. And, that digital transformation has to and will break down information, departmental and political silos. Paving the path to collaboration throughout the enterprise.
Read the full article here.
Are You Setting IT Up To Stifle Your Innovation?
A good post by Stephan Zoder on the challenges facing manufacturers when it comes to adapting/reacting to competition and innovating. The good news is that manufacturers who are behind in technology adoption (many are) can learn from industries that have been using newer technologies such as data analytics, information management systems (ERP, CRM, MES, Supply Chain) and now Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He also dives into the key bottlenecks facing manufacturers today in getting information, let alone using it, to make strategic decisions about their business.
Read the full article here.
Mobile Apps for Employees Will Help Engage Young Manufacturing Workers
An interesting article, by Jeff Corbin, which asks whether manufacturers can attract younger workers if they don’t embrace technology and even change the culture of their organization.
A recent report by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute reconfirms what many manufacturers already know. There are many jobs being unfilled today and the risk is exacerbated due to the number of older skilled workers on the verge of retirement. Their skills, knowledge and expertise can’t be transferred to younger workers because they’re not attracted to working in the manufacturing sector.
What does this mean? Manufacturers need to make their companies attractive to work at and engaging. They need to adopt new technologies, innovate and provide employees with engagement opportunities. Does it mean mobile apps for employees. Yes, but that’s just the start.
Read the full article here.