MAY 2019 IT IN FOCUS
“Reverse Mentoring is a useful yet underused
practice that can interlock the diverse
workplace. What’s more, it is a highly attractive
proposition when recruiting and retaining
younger talent – one that maximises the
capabilities of a generation that lives and
breathes technology, and therefore understands
its positive impact on the business.”
The demands of manufacturing today
provide a real opportunity to rethink how
to get the best from employees of all ages.
Reverse Mentoring is an easy thing to do,
there’s not a great deal of capital expenditure
required, and early signs are this is a very
healthy way of maximising the benefits of
inter-generational working.
Case in point – Neatcrown
At 24 years of age, Dewi Prandle (pictured left)
is part of Generation Z. He joined Neatcrown,
a Welsh manufacturing SME, as planning and
procurement manager in December 2018. In
his short time at the organisation, he has already
spearheaded the implementation of a cloudbased
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
system – Advanced’s Business Cloud Essentials.
When Dewi joined Neatcrown he found
that many employees were comfortable with
the old ways of working that revolved around
paper and spreadsheets. This meant that staff
were operating in silos, there was limited
communication and individual objectives
weren’t being shared. Dewi knew that by
introducing a cloud-based ERP, everything
would become centralised, real-time data could
be viewed graphically, analysis would be easier,
decision-making would be more informed and
staff could work collaboratively.
Dewi understood that some employees
might be reluctant to learn how to use a
new tool because there was a perception it
would take too much time. He also knew that
technology is only successful if the wider workforce can see
its value. The key is to show people how the right software can
actually save time, giving them back hours to focus on more
strategic and interesting work.
Dewi has used his ‘natural software mind-set’ to help his
colleagues embrace and make the most of this technology
to improve their day-to-day roles. Because he was born in the
digital age, he has an innate understanding of technology, and
can help communicate this to the rest of the business in order
to influence change. Dewi has demonstrated the benefits of
ERP, shared his knowledge, increased enthusiasm and generated
interest in it. He is now looking at other technologies that can
drive efficiencies, such as touch screens and automation.
Dewi is a powerful advocate for letting Millennials and
Generation Z bring value to the manufacturing industry. He
comments, “Business leaders needs a strong digital mind-set to
push their business forward, so Reverse Mentoring is 100% the
way to go. Taking advice and guidance from digitally minded
individuals makes perfect sense. The younger generation bring
a new approach and are educated from a young age on how to
make the most of technology – they have a lot to give. A good
manager, who wants to develop and retain these employees,
will provide them with a platform to do this and help them effect
positive change.”
Dewi concludes, “The younger generation are full of fresh
ideas and open to change. Businesses – especially those that
have been around for a long time – are often surprised by what
they can contribute, especially when armed with the latest
technology. It is important not to underestimate what young
people can handle and achieve. Traditional mentoring will
also continue to be important, as the older generation guide
Millennials and Generation Z down a proven path of knowledge
and skill. Bringing these generations together, and maximising
how they are able to learn from each other, will revolutionise
how we do business in the manufacturing sector.”
www.oneadvanced.com
Neatcrown
has called on
its younger
employees to
guide its digital
transformation
www.manufacturingmanagement.co.uk 41
/www.oneadvanced.com
/www.manufacturingmanagement.co.uk