What is Digital Standard Work?

Digital standard work refers to the digitization and modernization of standard work practices and daily management procedures in manufacturing and industrial operations. It involves transitioning from traditional paper-based work instructions to interactive digital formats that leverage multimedia, real-time data, and advanced technologies like augmented connected workforce solutions, generative AI assistants, and more.

Examples of manufacturing standard work that benefit from digitization are:

Centerlining, or run-to-target, processes
Machine setup and changeover procedures
Inspection checklists (for safety, quality, troubleshooting, etc.)
Preventative maintenance tasks (machine cleaning, lubrication, etc.)
Workforce training

Digital work instructions and AI-powered connected worker guides level-up manufacturing operations empowering frontline workers with tools such as interactive decision trees guiding operators through root cause analysis and corrective actions for common machine faults or product defects, and electronic, mobile instructions detailing proper safety protocols like lockout/tagout, PPE usage, handling hazardous materials etc. to ensure workplace safety.

Read below for more information on digital standard work, how it benefits manufacturing operations and frontline workers, how AI and connected worker technologies enable the digitization process, and how digitizing standard work allows manufacturers to identify and address bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and increase throughput, ultimately driving higher productivity and operational excellence.

Digitizing Standard Work with AI and Connected Worker Technology
Benefits of Digital Standard Work in Manufacturing
Increasing Manufacturing Throughput with Digital Standard Work

Digitizing Standard Work with AI and Connected Worker Technology

Leveraging AI and connected worker technology to digitize standard work processes and procedures in manufacturing revolutionizes operational efficiency and productivity. These technologies set the foundation for key aspects of digital standard work:

Digitized Work Instructions: Paper manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are converted into digital formats accessible on computers, tablets, or other mobile devices. These digital work instructions incorporate visuals like images, videos, and 3D models to efficiently and effectively guide workers through tasks.
Centralized Knowledge Base: A centralized digital platform stores all the company’s standardized processes, procedures, and tribal knowledge. This ensures consistent execution of tasks across the organization and preserves institutional knowledge.
Real-Time Updates and Analytics: Digital work instructions can be updated instantly across all facilities, ensuring everyone follows the latest approved procedures. Analytics track usage, completion times, and error rates to identify improvement areas.
AI-Powered Guidance: AI-powered tools like Generative AI manufacturing assistants provide just-in-time guidance enabling easier knowledge transfer and reducing training time.

AI and connected worker technology are key elements to enable digital standard work in manufacturing operations. AI algorithms analyze production data to identify inefficiencies and recommend optimized workflows, ensuring that every step in the manufacturing process is streamlined. Connected Worker technology enhances this by providing real-time access to digital work instructions through smart devices, allowing workers to follow standardized procedures accurately and consistently.

Benefits of Digital Standard Work in Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies are feeling the impacts of a significant workforce shift with LNS Research reporting an average 3-month retention rate of 50% in 2023, down from 90% in 2019, and an average tenure of 3 years, down from 20 years in 2019. Manufacturing organizations seek solutions that empower frontline staff with the tools they need to be successful in the daily operation of production lines.

This is where digital standard work’s benefits stand out. Digital standard work in manufacturing significantly enhances efficiency, consistency, and quality of production operations.

Further benefits include reduced training time, improved standardization and compliance, knowledge preservation, instant updating of procedures, and data-driven process optimization. By digitizing work instructions and procedures, manufacturers ensure all employees can access the most up-to-date and accurate guidelines, reducing variability and human error. This consistency leads to higher product quality and fewer defects.

Digital standard work also facilitates better skills management and faster training and onboarding of new workers, as interactive and easily accessible digital instructions can be more engaging and easier to understand than traditional paper-based methods. Moreover, it allows for real-time updates and process adjustments, ensuring swift adaptation to changes and continuous improvement.

augmented connected workforce in manufacturing

Increasing Manufacturing Throughput with Digital Standard Work

Leveraging AI and connected worker technology to digitize standard work and empower frontline staff streamlines processes, reduces downtime and quality issues, and increases throughput while giving operators the support, information, and tools to execute their jobs safely and successfully.

Enhanced data collection and analysis capabilities further enable manufacturers to identify and address bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and track performance metrics more effectively, while connected worker technology ensures real-time communication and collaboration across the production line. This digitization enables the creation of detailed digital work instructions, accessible via smart devices, ensuring that all workers follow standardized procedures precisely.

Together, AI and connected worker technology digitize standard work and continuously allow for ongoing optimization and quick adaptation to changes in the manufacturing process, further driving productivity and quality improvements. Furthermore, and more importantly, it creates an environment where frontline workers and staff feel engaged, empowered, and supported, improving overall employee satisfaction and retention.

Interested in learning more?

If you’d like to learn more about how Augmentir and our AI-powered connected worker solution digitizes standard work, streamlines operations, improves communication, and empowers frontline workers with the tools and information they need, schedule a demo with one of our product experts.

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