The manufacturing industry is undergoing a rapid transformation as emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing are reshaping the industry. These technologies enable manufacturers to improve efficiency, quality, flexibility, and innovation, as well as to create new products and services that meet the changing needs and expectations of customers. In a study conducted by IBM of organizations that have revamped their operating model by deploying AI technologies at the core, one group outperformed its competition 44% more frequently than the group focused on skills, which performed the worst. [1] By connecting manufacturing workers with the broader ecosystem, workers can also benefit from enhanced communication, collaboration, and coordination. Human abilities and skills can be enhanced by technology in various aspects: from finding solutions to performing tasks, analyzing data, improving physical functions, learning new things, communicating with others, or making choices.
As manufacturing increasingly adapts to emerging technologies, a gap is emerging between the demand for and supply of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills, which are required to cope with the new pace of innovation. According to a report by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, the US manufacturing industry could face a shortage of up to 2.1 million workers by 2030, with more than half of the open positions unfilled due to a lack of qualified talent.[2] The report also estimates that this skills gap could result in $1 trillion in lost economic output over the next decade. Manufacturers need to overcome technical barriers such as interoperability issues or cybersecurity risks. They also need to address human barriers such as cultural resistance or ethical concerns.
In support of their global digital transformation efforts, Colgate-Palmolive’s Global Supply Chain group had been exploring tools to digitize equipment changeover and maintenance operations and have selected Augmentir’s Connected Worker Platform. In support of their global digital transformation efforts, Colgate-Palmolive’s Global Supply Chain group had been exploring tools to digitize equipment changeover and maintenance operations plus integrate into Colgate’s SAP ERP and MES Wonderware Systems and have selected Augmentir’s Connected Worker Platform. Augmentir’s “AI-based” Connected Worker Platform offers connected worker technology with augmented work instructions. Equipped with digital devices that could include tablets, mobile phones, or even AR-enabled industrial smart glasses, frontline workers are able to receive fully augmented, guided instructions on any device to improve productivity, quality and allow workers to perform their jobs more independently. These help guide workers with visual aids, AR/MR experiences, and contextual information. According to Colgate-Palmolive: “Augmentir platform’s ease of use and broad applicability to different scenarios helped to enable people at each of our global plants to build, maintain, and share their own localized content, and has boosted adoption”. Their results include: 1060+ Digital WorkFlows created across 10 Plants (maintenance procedure, workflow, changeover, shift change), More than 16,500 Workflow executions and 500+ Procedures optimized, 10-30 minutes saved per shift, As much as 120 minutes reduced between Maintenance Notification and Maintenance Order Closure (Maintenance Execution Time), Advanced statistics available for integration with other CP datasets for future integrations and improvements, Actual Maintenance Work Order times automatically captured and recorded in SAP PM and increasing the accuracy of maintenance planning and scheduling for sites utilizing SAP integration. [3]
One of the key solutions to address this skills gap is to leverage an augmented connected workforce strategy, which aims to optimize the value delivered by human workers, leveraging intelligent applications and workforce analytics. An augmented connected workforce can enhance employee experiences, well-being, and skill development, and, in turn, drive business results and positive stakeholder impact. It is based on the idea that humans and machines can work together in a complementary and collaborative way, rather than in a competitive or substitutive way. By augmenting human capabilities with technology, workers can perform tasks that are beyond their current skills or abilities, or that are too complex, dangerous, or tedious for humans alone. For example, workers can use wearable devices, such as smart glasses or gloves, to access real-time information, guidance, or feedback while performing their tasks. They can also use virtual or augmented reality to simulate or enhance their work environment, or to train for new skills or scenarios. It is not a futuristic concept but a present reality for many manufacturers who are already adopting various technologies to augment and connect their workforce.
Market leaders are adopting a holistic approach that considers not only technical aspects but also the human aspects of workforce transformation. They are involving workers in the design and deployment of technology solutions that suit their needs and preferences. They are providing workers with adequate support and guidance on how to use technology effectively and responsibly. By providing workers with clear expectations and feedback on their performance and contribution, they provide workers with fair and transparent rewards and recognition for their work. By leveraging AI and cognitive technologies, they are removing skills gaps on a mass scale. Employees can enjoy more freedom and economic involvement, while the workforce can grow as well. It is providing both social and economic advantages to their employees by improving production systems with intelligent decision-making systems, connected worker platforms, smart workstations, and computer vision. Market leaders are also eliminating non-value-adding tasks and removing distractions from their core activities.
