Putting People First: The Path to a Human-Centric Manufacturing Revolution
In a competitive market, where consumer expectations shift rapidly, manufacturers are often stretched to ensure their production systems are flexible, sustainable, and quick. This has opened them up to unforeseen workforce challenges. Not surprisingly, in order to meet current and future expectations, manufacturers have sought innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and edge computing & augmented reality. However, with the introduction of these innovations, what is often overlooked is their impact on the people working in production.
On the production floor, most workers are still determining the role they will play in the future of production. After all, the modern human story in a company’s manufacturing journey is complicated. Automation does reduce complexity and uncertainty, ensuring faster turnaround. This has not only increased their distrust in innovation, but also discredited their cognitive ability to excel at tasks involving creativity, skillful interaction, and awareness, like collaborative assembly.
So, to remove such ambiguity, organizations need to keep people at the center for them to thrive. It will also require companies to create jobs, especially at a time when there is a talent shortage, that add value while offering favorable working conditions. It is important to remember that skilled workers will always seek a job that empowers them with technology and ensures they are included in the decision-making process. To make this happen, companies will need to implement two changes.
Turning theory into practice
Well, that is easier said than done. However, to make these theories real in the long run, companies need to ask:
– What is a human-centric approach for us?
– Which are the practical human-centric approaches we can bring forward?
– Where are we now and what steps need to be taken for the future?
Once you know the answers to these questions, explore possible areas of improvement in the digitization process. Remember, workers can be versatile, adaptable, and capable of learning. So, companies need to remember that it is not about what you are currently doing or are about to do but where you are headed with the technology used. This will require companies to test and assess the technology they intend to train people in, to improve, guide, coordinate and solve problems.
Turning skeptics into empowered heroes
Often, workers are skeptical about new technologies, primarily because they are unaware about the advantages. It is all about changing the mindset – from considering technology as a competition to treating it like an assistant. So, instead of deciding where and how technology can be used on the production floor, it would be better to learn from employees where and which digital solutions could support and assist them. Also, your employees would feel valued, knowing that their feedback mattered.
Ultimately, the transition to an augmented workforce would require people to be empowered with technology. For instance, if employees were given wearables, like watches, they would constantly be updated, ensuring they don’t have to check for updates and can focus on the problem itself. Plus, jobs that require cognitive skills can be made easier with laser guidance and artificial intelligence.
For an organization that seeks to build a human-centric manufacturing culture, it is essential to remember that technology doesn’t replace them; it empowers them. It is about using smart tech to streamline production, ensuring flexibility for employees to thrive and succeed.
Are you ready to empower your employees with technology? Contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how our experts can help turn theory into practice.
