Earlier, the manufacturing industry used traditional methods; unskilled and entry-level workers needed to learn modern technology to complete the tasks. Now, with the advancement of technology, the manufacturing industry does not need physical labor.
Today, the manufacturing sector concentrates on digital solutions like Robots, Predictive Maintenance, Big Data and Analytics, 3D Printing, Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud-based ERP, and other manufacturing software will help them create intelligent factories. Consequently, the kind of skills that workers will require, and the way these companies operate, will change. Employees on the manufacturing floor must learn to manage the machinery and robots for digital manufacturing.
Hence, HR teams will be required to recruit, retain, and inspire a digital workforce while preserving the present manufacturing systems. An hr checklist will become necessary for the HR department to emphasize and give direction to attract, train, and retain staff. A checklist makes it easier to execute HR processes, creating a workflow to ensure the manufacturing steps are completed in the necessary order.
How to begin your digital manufacturing journey?
In today’s dynamic market, manufacturers must offer customers digital services to stay competitive. Digital transformation has become a necessity for manufacturing businesses. It involves investment and risks, and therefore it needs a clear strategy. Through digital transformation, manufacturing will significantly improve safety, quality, production, efficiency, revenue, and sustainability. Although digital transformation will be unique for every manufacturer, here are some steps to consider before laying the path toward digital transformation.
Step 1: Determine what “Digital” means to the company
Step 2: Establish how the company can go digital
Step 3: Prioritize gaining approval from executives.
Step 4: Find partners to accompany the “Digital Transformation Journey”
Step 5: Prepare the workforce for the Digital Transformation
Step 6: Begin the Digital Transformation
Digital Manufacturing: The Future of Manufacturing
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0, is an extension of the Third Industrial Revolution. It focuses on creating interconnected computer networks, enabling digital manufacturing, and creating intelligent factories. All these systems work together to help achieve new levels of automation that were not previously possible. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping business models and entire economies.
Today, technology is changing the manufacturing landscape. The future of manufacturing is changing rapidly. Digital manufacturing is a broader concept of manufacturing that offers exciting opportunities for manufacturers and product developers to transform, produce, and improve products.
It can change many industries and bring more efficiency to workflows and production lines. Adopting digital manufacturing and new, upcoming innovative technologies help manufacturers to identify quality issues and to produce quality products. Utilizing digital technologies can provide manufacturers with a better insight into their customers’ needs, preferences, and behaviors., to deliver more personalized and relevant products and services. Also, access to real-time data is helping manufacturers to quickly adapt to changing process conditions and introduce new products and services, enabling them to stay on track and in production.
Role of HR in digital manufacturing companies
HR is an essential factor in the development of the manufacturing sector. The workers will require new skills, competencies, and attitudes to use digital technologies. The crucial competencies in today’s scenario are Change Management, Adaptability, Creativity & Innovation, etc. Incorporating digital technologies like, for instance, Cloud-based ERP and other manufacturing software at the manufacturing plant requires HR managers to conduct technical training programs so that existing employees can become more productive by upgrading their technological skills.
The HR teams can deploy digital literacy programs for manufacturing workforces. Also, the HR leaders must create an hr checklist to update job descriptions and staffing plans to accomplish the sector’s goals. An hr checklist will also ensure that the company complies with applicable laws, with all required forms and documentation completed and filed. HR leaders must prepare their workforce for the new world of work and Industry 4.0. The bottom line is that manufacturing companies must recruit fresh talent to create lasting value for the organization.