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 1. Home
 2. Made in America
 3. Passing the knowledge torch with a connected workforce


PASSING THE KNOWLEDGE TORCH WITH A CONNECTED WORKFORCE


A CONNECTED WORKFORCE CAN BUILD ON WHAT THE PAST GENERATIONS OF MANUFACTURERS
HAVE ACHIEVED AND ALSO HELP TAKE COMPANIES INTO THE FUTURE.

By Michael Masser July 10, 2024
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Courtesy: Plex by Rockwell Automation


CONNECTED WORKER INSIGHTS

 * The manufacturing sector faces a critical talent shortage, with over 622,000
   jobs vacant and 3.8 million more needed within a decade due to an aging
   workforce.
 * Embracing technology and training younger workers will empower a new
   generation of connected workers, enhancing efficiency, job satisfaction, and
   retention in the manufacturing industry.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sustaining the American manufacturing workforce is a challenge recognized across
the industry. The United States Chamber of Commerce reported that as of January
of this year 622,000 total manufacturing jobs remained vacant. To make matters
worse, The Manufacturing Insitute reported in the next decade the United States
manufacturing sector may require approximately 3.8 million additional employees
to keep up with production. The clear deficit in available manufacturing talent
highlights a nationwide shortage in need of alternate solutions. Addressing the
retiring workforce and ensuring no skills are lost as a new funnel of skilled
workers develops is critical to the sustained success of the industry.

Part of this equation is addressing the aging manufacturing workforce. According
to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median age of the current
manufacturing workforce is about 44.1, while the median number of all employed
persons across industries is 42.1. Currently, these statistics also reveal that
over 47% of manufacturing jobs are currently held by persons between the ages of
45 to 65+. As this generation of workers phases out of the workforce,
manufacturing will be left with a void beyond current staffing needs. To fill
that void, organizations will need to prioritize the training and reskilling of
younger workers while also capturing the knowledge of the retiring workforce
before they leave.


TRANSITIONING TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF CONNECTED WORKERS




The manufacturing industry is undergoing a significant shift, driven by a new
generation of workers and technology. These individuals come equipped with the
skills and training to seamlessly integrate with intelligent technologies. They
aren’t passive participants in this process, but rather active contributors.

They also leverage real-time data to guide informed decisions, operate advanced
machinery, and collaborate effortlessly with colleagues, both on-site and
remotely. The future of manufacturing isn’t about worker replacement, but rather
worker empowerment through technology.

This movement of the connected worker is crucial for attracting and retaining
talent in the industry. It transforms traditionally repetitive tasks into
intellectually stimulating challenges. By equipping workers with technology,
nurturing a culture of innovation, and fostering global collaboration, this
revolution fosters not only a more efficient and productive workforce, but also
a more engaging and fulfilling work environment. This translates to higher job
satisfaction and loyalty.

By embracing the connected worker approach, manufacturers can bridge this gap
and build a future-proof workforce. Courtesy: Plex by Rockwell Automation


WORKING IN TANDEM WITH SMART TECHNOLOGY

Reinvigorating the manufacturing workforce is not solely dependent on workers.
It also is dependent on the ability to upskill and reskill the workforce to
operate in tandem with evolving technology. Reports reveal that over the past
year, technology investment is up 30%. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to
technology to solve a variety of challenges including labor shortages.

As technology advances, employees who possess the skills to utilize it
effectively become more valuable assets. By equipping workers with the
capabilities to thrive as connected workers, we can bridge the gap between human
potential and the evolving landscape of smart manufacturing. In fact, a recent
report indicated 94% of manufacturers expect to maintain or grow their workforce
as a result of smart manufacturing technology adoption.

The connected worker revolution’s foundation rests on four key pillars:


 1. PERSON TO PURPOSE: WHEN EMPLOYEES UNDERSTAND HOW THEIR WORK CONTRIBUTES TO A
    LARGER GOAL, THEY BECOME MORE ENGAGED AND MOTIVATED. THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED
    THROUGH CLEAR COMMUNICATION OF THE COMPANY’S MISSION AND VISION AND
    HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPACT OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS ON THE BIGGER PICTURE BY
    TRACKING KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS).


 2. PERSON TO PERSON: BUILDING TRUST BETWEEN EMPLOYEES AND MANAGEMENT IS
    ESSENTIAL. FOSTERING CONNECTIONS THROUGH MENTORSHIP INITIATIVES,
    KNOWLEDGE-SHARING PROGRAMS, AND USER-FRIENDLY COMMUNICATION TOOLS EMPOWERS
    THE WORKFORCE TO WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER. STRONG CONNECTIONS CREATE A
    POSITIVE CULTURE THAT FOSTERS EMPLOYEE RETENTION.


 3. PERSON TO PRODUCTIVITY: EQUIPPING WORKERS WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS IS CRITICAL.
    THIS INCLUDES PROVIDING CLEAR WORK INSTRUCTIONS, ACCESS TO ADVANCED
    TECHNOLOGIES RELEVANT TO THEIR ROLES, EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES


 4. PERSON TO PROCESS: CONNECTED WORKERS THRIVE WHEN THEY UNDERSTAND THE
    MANUFACTURING PROCESS FROM BEGINNING TO END. INVESTING IN TRAINING PROGRAMS
    THAT EMPHASIZE WORKFLOW OPTIMIZATION, PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, QUALITY
    CONTROL MEASURES, AND CONTINUOUS SKILL DEVELOPMENT ENSURES SAFETY,
    EFFICIENCY AND A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE MANUFACTURING ECOSYSTEM.

The answer to the pending skills gap in manufacturing is not to replace the
workforce, but to empower them with a connected worker mindset. Manufacturers
must prioritize reskilling initiatives that create a sense of purpose,
prioritize process understanding and empower workers with the necessary
knowledge and equipment to succeed. By fostering a deep understanding of
processes and leveraging technology, manufacturers can not only increase their
talent pool, but build the next generation of technologically proficient
workers, ensuring a thriving future for the industry.


CONNECTED WORKER MODEL BENEFITS FOR WORKERS

These initiatives not only support and sustain the manufacturing industry but
elevate the skills of individual employees. Research shows 92% of the American
job market requires digital skills, yet only one-third of workers have the
foundational skills needed to qualify for such roles.

However, research also shows shifting from a non-digital skills to a role
requiring at least one digital skill can increase pay by an average of 45%.
Highlighting these potential benefits encourages the workforce to adapt and view
themselves as partners in the greater technological evolution.

When manufacturers empower their workforce with digital fluency, they create a
more qualified applicant pool for positions that combine operational and
technical responsibilities. Not only will this address the manufacturing labor
shortage but will increase the number of marketable skills of manufacturing
employees.
The looming skills gap in American manufacturing presents a challenge, but it
also represents an opportunity. By embracing the connected worker approach,
manufacturers can bridge this gap and build a future-proof workforce. Attracting
younger talent requires an engaging environment that leverages technology for
collaboration and problem-solving.

The key to restoring the manufacturing industry lies in fostering a connected
worker revolution built on a technically proficient workforce deeply invested in
the industry’s success. By focusing on these initiatives, manufacturers can not
only address the immediate skills gap but also reinvigorate the manufacturing
profession, benefiting both individuals and the future of American
manufacturing.

Michael Masser is product manager at Plex by Rockwell Automation. Edited by
Chris Vavra, senior editor, Control Engineering, WTWH Media,
cvavra@wtwhmedia.com.

Original content can be found at Control Engineering.

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content?
You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting
the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael Masser
Author Bio: Michael Masser is product manager at Plex by Rockwell Automation

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