11 ways manufacturers can use technology to close the skills gap

Aaron Hoare Date published: May 13, 24

While manufacturers look to resolve the skills shortage by boosting recruitment and retention, they must also ensure they’re taking advantage of the latest innovations in technology.

The various initiatives being implemented to bring more workers into the industry are unlikely to offer quick resolutions to the skills shortage. Many will take months, or even years, to have a real impact on headcounts.

But with shortages causing longer lead times, reduced outputs, increased worker burnout and higher employee turnover, the industry can’t afford to wait. So, manufacturers must identify alternative ways to continue meeting customer demand while operating with reduced headcounts.

Leveraging technology can deliver a range of benefits to manufacturers of all shapes and sizes, helping to mitigate the short-term impacts of the skills shortage by optimizing productivity, while building long-term resilience and efficiency to protect production into the future.

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Closing the skills gap for manufacturers

Here are some of the top ways manufacturers can leverage technology to reduce their reliance on manual labor, maximizing productivity and ensuring continuous quality.

1. Automate repetitive tasks

With robotics for manual work and software for digital tasks and admin, manufacturers can automate a wide range of actions. So, workers can focus their time on more complex tasks, while maintaining productivity.

2. Streamline processes

For those tasks that can’t be automated, using software with embedded digital workflows and procedural checklists can help streamline processes. This not only helps embed clear processes for optimum efficiency, but also makes them easier to follow and trace.

3. Eliminate manual paperwork

By implementing digital record-keeping and form completion, manufacturers can remove time-consuming paperwork from their processes in favor of software with auto-fill functionality – minimizing errors while reducing storage requirements and improving data security.

4. Capture data automatically

When systems are linked together, such as via the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), a wealth of data can be automatically collected from a wide range of touchpoints in real-time. So, there’s no need for workers to manually input data – saving time and reducing data entry errors.

5. Predict issues before they occur

Armed with a wealth of accurate, real-time data, manufacturers can use artificial intelligence to perform predictive analytics and identify maintenance issues before they arise. Operators can then take proactive action, reducing machinery’s downtime to maximize productivity.

6. Improve knowledge sharing

The ageing workforce means organizations could quickly lose valuable knowledge to retirement if it isn’t shared effectively. Knowledge management systems make information more accessible, helping new employees to learn more quickly and resolve issues more effectively.

7. Accelerate onboarding

By employing technology that’s easy to use, provides step-by-step process workflows and contains valuable information at employees’ fingertips, manufacturers can reduce the time taken to get new workers trained up and performing optimally.

8. Schedule and track training

The administrative difficulty of scheduling and completing training is a significant barrier to improving performance. The right software can help schedule key training and track completion, whether it’s for onboarding new starters or upskilling existing workers.

9. Streamline workforce management

By digitalizing and automating workforce management activities – such as scheduling, task assignment and performance tracking – manufacturers can reduce the time spent on these administrative tasks, while always ensuring resources are used optimally.

10. Identify areas for improvement

With a wealth of data available and digital process traceability, manufacturers are empowered to identify opportunities to optimize efficiency, improve performance and achieve compliance. So, managers can assign training or amend processes to maximize productivity.

11. Attract younger workers

Many workers of the younger generation are known to prefer more technology-based roles. By incorporating innovative new technologies, whether its software or machinery, manufacturers can bolster their efforts to attract new workers to the industry by appealing to younger workers.

The key role of technology

The role of technology in bridging the global skills gap cannot be understated. Not only does it have the potential to deliver immediate efficiencies to help manufacturers maximize production amidst a shortage of labor, but it also provides longevity in building operational excellence and resilience.

Of course, the key is identifying the right technology for your unique organization and operations. As a first step, consider your current pain points, as well as any potential challenges should your headcount be reduced further. You’ll then be well positioned to identify tools that can have a real impact in helping you meet customer demand with less manual labor.

Ideagen Smartforms is one tool supporting manufacturers to boost both their productivity and their accuracy. By integrating forms and inspections with step-by-step checklists, clearly outlining what tasks need to be completed and in what order, Ideagen Smartforms provides a structured approach to ensure consistency and quality. So, employees can quickly adopt and follow processes to the letter, without the need for lengthy training to get them up to speed.

In addition to facilitating task management, Ideagen Smartforms also empowers managers to monitor staff performance, tracking form completions and identifying non-conformances. Armed with these insights, manufacturers can take targeted steps to improve performance and allocate training resources effectively.

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