The acceleration of digitisation during the pandemic has brought into focus the opportunities digital training can offer, with the need to upskill and fill competency gaps with many teams still furloughed. Here Keith Tilley, CEO, Intoware explains how digitisation is addressing the skills gap on the factory floor.
The manufacturing skills gap in the UK has been well documented, according to PWC’s ‘Annual Manufacturing Report 2020’, British manufacturers are now facing the largest shortage of skilled workers since 1989, with many citing this as the biggest challenge.
While the pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, it has exacerbated the increasing skills gap on the factory floor, while also creating new challenges for covid-safety and productivity adding yet further pressure.
This all means that the workforce needs to retrain to simply keep up, but the good news is that new digital technologies can help to upskill the next generation of workers, to ensure they have the skills they need to thrive.
Prior to the pandemic, Intoware (www.intoware.com) developed its automation platform WorkfloPlus integrated with augmented reality (AR) wearable headsets from Realwear. This platform converts out-of-date paper-based and manual processes into easy to follow, step-by-step digital work instructions for technicians to follow.
Since in our experience the challenge faced by manufacturers is that they still rely on paper processes to complete tasks. This may seem fine, but it fails to offer the accuracy or granularity that can be gained through digitising operations.
Imagine being able to see for example, how long each task really takes; taking photos or videos to record information in real-time; accessing a process by scanning a barcode or calling for live-help if things need attention – all through a simple mobile device or headset.
But most importantly, the platform provides critical data insights to help managers streamline anything from asset inspections to compliance - so how does digitalisation bridge the skills gap?
Bridging the ‘skills gap’ through knowledge transfer
It’s important that when digitalisation is adopted that training is not overlooked. Companies are increasingly moving towards more engaging interactive, video-based learning. While Millennials and Generation Z are tech savvy and they don’t want to learn with manuals or clipboards.
In industrial settings, wearable, head-mounted tablets with extendable boom-arm displays integrated with digital workflow software are attached to safety helmets enabling hands-free, voice-controlled access for trainees who are learning on the job.
They provide an augmented reality (AR) environment in which workers can easily use voice commands to watch short training videos, access manuals, view mechanical drawings, look up spare parts and access other materials critical for experiential training.
A front-facing camera can be used to make video calls and show a remote expert any problems that a trainee experiences – without requiring the use of his or her hands.
Connected worker platforms are also more appealing to younger workers, who are ‘digital natives’, they are comfortable with using mobile technology for daily tasks which also helps ultimately to retain new talent.
This is welcome news, given that the manufacturing industry is at a critical period in which the adoption of digital technology is accelerating, the volume of data is growing and the competition for new talent will inevitably increase.
The cost savings digital transformation can deliver will be critical to future success. But to capture the full value of these investments, manufacturers need the right skills to harness the use of technology to maximise its potential – which means using ‘digital tools’ to both upskill and retain the next generation as part of their daily operations.
