With all of the talk about the technology involved in creating a smart factory, we often lose track of one of the most important elements of this transformation: the smart worker.
Work in modern factories requires more technical skills than ever before, from basic data management to programming of manufacturing equipment. The good news is, these skills can be learned, and manufacturers should focus efforts on identifying employees and potential employees who possess the mental skills to succeed in the new environment.
Identifying Smart Workers
In the past, the skill level and dependability of the applicant was the primary concern when hiring a new manufacturing employee. With the digitization of factories, finding workers with high integrity and cognitive ability is just as important. Identifying these traits may be difficult at first, but with the help of assessment tools you can move from screening employees based on work experience to a process that measures an applicant’s level of discipline and ability to use information to make decisions…critical skills in today’s factories.
Developing Smart Workers
Existing workers have valuable experience and even loyalty to your company, and efforts to develop their digital skills should be a major initiative at any smart factory. The same assessments used for applicants can be used to help identify employees most capable of making the transition to roles that require programming, data management or data analysis. These employees can then be trained by management, or equipment suppliers to fill new roles in the operation that are needed to create a more efficient, data-driven smart factory.
Assessing Your Factory
You may be thinking the need for smart workers is a way off, but you may be further along than you thought if you have not recently assessed your current level of digitization. Triple Helix has worked with manufacturers of all sizes over the years and has developed a free assessment tool to help you measure your level of digitization in Information Management, Data Visibility, Data-Driven Processes, and Information Security. As you answer the questions, the tool builds your digital manufacturing profile and at the end shows you your organization’s digital maturity and how you compare against your peers.
Triple Helix has provided data and information systems for the aerospace and manufacturing industries for the last fifteen years. Our solutions help manufacturing employees be more informed, effective and efficient. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation assessment of your company’s digital tools and processes.
