As the manufacturing sector embraces digital transformation, the need for a workforce equipped with the right digital skills has never been more critical. In a recent virtual roundtable hosted by Sam Sleight of Made in Yorkshire, industry professionals from members across the Made in Group network came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities in building a digitally proficient workforce in today’s digital factories. The event brought valuable insights into how businesses are navigating the integration of digital competencies like automation, IoT, and data analytics.
Here are the key takeaways and insights that were shared throughout the roundtable discussion.
Tackling Misconceptions Around Automation
Tom Kerrigan from TLM Laser highlighted a significant challenge many manufacturers face—addressing the misconception that automation replaces jobs. While still early in their digitalisation journey, TLM Laser is integrating automation into their laser marking systems. For Tom, ensuring employees understand that automation is meant to enhance their roles, not replace them, is key. This approach creates an environment where technology supports, rather than threatens, the workforce.
Sharing Digital Knowledge Through a Bureau Model
Sarah Hanson from Central Scanning proposed the idea of a bureau service for digital knowledge sharing. This would help facilitate the transfer of digital skills and system competency between experienced engineers, ensuring that product knowledge and automation expertise can be easily shared. Sarah stressed that investing in such models would elevate digital proficiency across the industry and bridge the skills gap.
Overcoming Resistance to Digital Change
Jacob Orpe from Wrekin Sheetmetal shared insights from their journey to date towards a paperless shop floor. In particular, Jacob discussed their recent investment in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) screens across the shop floor. He referenced that before the OEEs were installed, only office staff with a license for their MRP software could access the metrics needed to inform operations on where there are areas for improvement.
Jacob reflected on the team's willingness to adapt to the changes that came into effect following the implementation of this technology. Initially, their more experienced machinists were reluctant to embrace these digital changes, but once they saw the technology's impact on improving efficiency, they became more receptive.
Exploring the Expansive Potential of IoT
Nigel Marris from Assemtron provided a compelling view on the adoption of IoT technologies. He explained that while companies often begin by focusing on a specific metric, they quickly discover the broad scope of data available through IoT. These technologies not only deliver insights on their primary objective but reveal additional areas where efficiency and performance can be improved. Nigel described IoT as a powerful tool that allows companies to monitor countless data points, creating opportunities for incremental improvements across the entire operation.
Nigel further outlined two primary motivations for IoT adoption: ensuring compliance and gaining a competitive edge. He described the compliance aspect as "keeping out of jail" by reducing human error and improving regulatory adherence. The competitive advantage, he explained, is often driven by a “fear factor”—the realisation that if a company’s competitors adopt IoT technologies and they do not, they may fall behind. Marris emphasised that much of the hesitation surrounding IoT comes from a lack of understanding, and once engineers are educated on the benefits specific to their operations, they become more open to its adoption.
Securing IoT Systems
Tom Harris from Wavenet wrapped up the discussion with a focus on security in IoT adoption. He recommended essential precautions such as penetration tests, secure posture reviews, and ensuring that data is stored on UK servers. His advice underscored the importance of safeguarding digital systems as companies continue to embrace IoT.
This roundtable reinforced the necessity of upskilling the manufacturing workforce, focusing on dispelling misconceptions, sharing knowledge, and securing digital systems to ensure a successful digital transformation.