INDUSTRY 4.0 APRIL 2019
Beacons of industry: the 16 global ‘lighthouse sites’ that are setting the trend for the future of manufacturing
Power-up your people
Much has been written about workforces being
displaced by the arrival of digital technologies,
but in reality this just isn’t the case. Instead,
digital manufacturing tools augment the
operator, removing jobs that are dirty, dull
and dangerous, and realigning the workforce
into roles that are more rewarding and create
better levels of productivity. Lighthouse
organisations have also demonstrated that by
putting technology in the hands of workers, they
are allowed the opportunity to create their own
solutions. Organisations like Schneider Electric
have democratised technology to allow people to
create their own digital tools rather than wait for
cumbersome IT projects.
Key to this workforce empowerment is a
successful capability programme. Tata’s Advanced
Analytics Academy is a great example of this,
recognising that training existing workers was a
far more effective means of filling the skills gap
presented by new technologies than hiring new
employees. The lighthouses have a very strong
focus on capability building. Digital academies
and smart factories allow all employees to learn
the basics of new digital use cases and a smooth,
efficient way of implementing them.
The result? Manufacturing is once again
becoming an exciting place to work, able to
attract the very best talent.
Put your customer first
As we look at the changing operating
environment for manufacturers, and in
particular consumer demands for mass
personalisation at speed, digital manufacturing
can offer some of the answers to questions on
how to fulfil these changes.
They can enable new business models to
remain competitive, engaging customers in the
design stage, lowering lead times from weeks to
hours, and executing an order of one at the price
of mass production. Organisations will typically
stay focused on innovation and transforming one
value chain first; subsequently scaling findings
and capabilities across a business.
The time to act is now
It is clear that the potential value to be captured
from the adoption of 4IR is huge. They can build
resilience so that UK manufacturers can weather
any coming storms, and should fair winds
prevail, even increase productivity. Indeed,
our research shows likely increases in cash flow
of 120% over the next five to seven years for
early adopters of digital technologies. However,
just as in the internet revolution, the smart
follower strategy won’t pay off, with only small
potential increases in cash flow for followers,
and harsh consequences for laggards.
So to avoid being left behind, the time for
UK manufacturers to act is now. Lean into
innovation by following the example set by
the 16 lighthouse manufacturers. Articulate
your strategy, empower your people, and move
beyond pilot purgatory to join the leaders of
digital manufacturing and enjoy your share
of the rewards.
nerthuz / stock.adobe.com
36 www.manufacturingmanagement.co.uk
/stock.adobe.com
/www.manufacturingmanagement.co.uk