In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, it is important that manufacturers remain abreast of the latest efficiency-boosting tools and techniques – and adopt the pick of the bunch to cut costs, grow and boost sustainability. However, new methods and processes are useless unless your team is adequately prepared to implement them. This is where upskilling comes in, a top priority for manufacturing leaders.
Training your team has the added benefit of boosting employee experience, with 80 per cent of workers in manufacturing and utilities interested in learning new professional skills.
But in a world of modernisation opportunities, what training should you prioritise as a leader?
Here are five areas to consider to stay ahead of the curve:
1. Lean manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is a systematic method aimed at minimising waste without sacrificing productivity. This approach focuses on delivering value to the customer while using fewer resources. It's a crucial topic as it helps streamline operations and reduce unnecessary costs.
Training your team in lean manufacturing involves educating them on methodologies like Six Sigma (the set of techniques for process improvement introduced by a Motorola engineer Bill Smith in 1986), and Value Stream Mapping (the technique designed to manage the process of taking a product from order to delivery). Interactive workshops and hands-on training sessions can be particularly effective in imparting these skills – or you could take the left field approach of PepsiCo and use Minecraft!
2. Automation
From robotic arms on assembly lines to automated quality control systems, automation is revolutionising the manufacturing industry by increasing efficiency and reducing human error. However, we are at the stage where the success of machines is still dictated by the quality of human input and interactions. For example, many of the robots used are collaborative or “cobots” and need a skilled human handler.
Luckily, there are a variety of ways you can educate your team, with organisations like Make UK and the Manufacturing Training Centre offering a host of new courses. It is advisable to consider external providers in such a fast-moving and complex area, offering official certifications.
3. Data management and analysis
With the advent of IoT and Industry 4.0, the amount of data generated in manufacturing has skyrocketed. You must have people on your team that are able to harness and analyse this data, to make smart decisions on costing, staffing, materials and more. Proper data management can help in predicting equipment failures before they happen, reducing downtime, as well as identifying inefficiencies and optimising processes.
Training in data management involves teaching employees how to collect, analyse, and interpret data. This can be done through workshops on data analytics tools and software, and statistical process control courses.
4. General digital literacy
In a recent survey, one out of two manufacturers indicated it was important or very important for employees to have a high level of digital proficiency. For frontline workers who are more used to manual processes, it might be helpful to start with the basics – making sure they are fully equipped to benefit from the digitalisation of operational processes.
Improving digital literacy can include everything from basic computer skills to advanced software training. There is likely to be vast variance between team members – some may be comfortable with tools from practice in their own time, others may be left feeling alienated by a rising tide of technological developments. Start with assessment surveys, to calculate the needs of different individuals within your team – and transform a wide training objective like “improve digital literacy” into practical actions tailored to each person.
5. Soft skills
In a highly technical environment, soft skills can often be overlooked. However, 82 per cent of manufacturing managers and employees believe soft skills are necessary, with communication, critical thinking, and time management coming out as in highest demand. It is also vital for employee satisfaction and retention to offer soft skills training clearly directed towards career progression, such as in leadership, assertiveness and delegation.
Though traditional courses are an option, it is in this area that mentorship might be the best method. Experienced employees can guide newer team members. This can be done in person, or via a software solution that facilitates feedback and manager-employee conversations.
Training your team in these five key areas—lean manufacturing, automation, data management, general digital literacy, and soft skills—will not only keep your manufacturing operations competitive but also foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, that makes your company a great place to work. Invest in your team's growth and watch your organisation thrive.
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