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This Is Not Your Grandfather’s Workforce

Today’s dynamic and changing manufacturing workforce needs continuous learning and performance support to effectively sustain and deliver effective on-the-job performance.

Every day we hear about the growing manufacturing “Skills Gap” associated with the industrial frontline workforce. The story is that 30% of workers are retiring in the near future and they are taking their 30+ years of tribal knowledge with them, creating the need to quickly upskill their more junior replacements. In an attempt to solve the knowledge gap issues, an entire generation of companies set out to build “Connected Worker” software applications, however, they all relied on the existing training, guidance, and support processes – the only true difference with this approach has been the creation of technology that takes your paper procedures and puts them on glass.

Along with tribal knowledge and tacit knowledge leaving, today’s workforce is also more dynamic and diverse than previous generations. The 30-year dedicated employees are no longer the norm. The average manufacturing worker tenure is down 17% in the last 5 years and the transient nature of the industrial worker is quickly accelerating. An outgrowth of the COVID pandemic brings forth the Great Resignation, where workers are quitting in record numbers, and worker engagement is down almost 20% in the last 2 years. 

This new manufacturing workforce is changing in real-time – who shows up, what their skills are, and what jobs they need to do is a constantly moving target. The traditional “one size fits all” approach to training, guidance, and performance support is fundamentally incapable of enabling today’s workers to function at their individual peak of safety, quality and productivity. 

Digitizing work instructions is a great start to helping close the manufacturing skills gap, but alone, it won’t help completely solve the problem. We must go a step further to overcome the lack of a skilled and qualified manufacturing workforce. 

Enter the 2nd generation of Connected Worker software, one based on a data-driven, AI-supported approach that helps train, guide, and support today’s dynamic workforces by combining digital work instructions, remote collaboration, and advanced on-the-job training capabilities. 

These 2nd generation connected worker solutions are designed to capture highly granular data streaming from connected frontline workers. These platforms are built from the ground up on an artificial intelligence (AI) foundation. AI algorithms are ideal for analyzing large amounts of data collected from a connected workforce. AI can detect patterns, find outliers, cleanse data and find correlations and patterns that can be used to identify opportunities for improvement and creates a data-driven environment that supports continuous learning and performance support.

This approach aligns perfectly with the dynamic, changing nature of today’s workforce, and is ideally suited to support their 5 Moments of Need, a framework for gaining and sustaining effective on-the-job performance.

For example, Augmentir’s AI-powered connected worker platform leverages anonymized data from millions of job executions to significantly improve and expand its ability to automatically deliver in-app AI insights in the areas of productivity, safety, and workforce development. These insights are central to Augmentir’s True Proficiency™ scoring, which helps to objectively baseline each of your team members for their level of proficiency at every task so organizations can optimize productivity and throughput, intelligently schedule based on proficiency and skill-levels, and personalize the level of guidance and support to meet the needs of each member of the workforce.

This provides significant benefits to Augmentir customers, who leverage Augmentir’s AI in conjunction with the platform’s digital workflow and remote collaboration capabilities, allowing them to deliver continuous improvement initiatives centered on workforce development. These customers are able to utilize the insights generated from Augmentir’s AI to deliver objective performance reviews, automatically identify where productivity is lagging (or has the potential to lag), increase worker engagement, and deliver highly personalized job instructions based on worker proficiency.

Traditionally, there was a clear separation between training and work execution, requiring onboarding training to encompass everything a worker could possibly do, extending training time and leading to inefficiencies. Today, with the ability to deliver training at the moment of need, onboarding can focus on everything a worker will probably do, identifying and closing skills gap in real-time and significantly reducing manufacturing onboarding times. In one particular case, Bio-Chem Fluidics was able to reduce onboarding time for new employees by up to 80%, while simultaneously achieving a 21% improvement in job productivity across their manufacturing operation.

As workers become more connected, companies have access to a new rich source of activity, execution, and tribal data, and with proper AI tools can gain insights into areas where the largest improvement opportunities exist. Artificial Intelligence lays a data-driven foundation for continuous improvement in the areas of performance support, training, and workforce development, setting the stage to address the needs of today’s constantly changing workforce.

How to Improve Manufacturing Employee Onboarding

Augmentir’s take on the trending Workforce Institute’s staggering survey numbers.

Employee onboarding is crucial to any organization. It’s even more important in manufacturing, where workers have to understand complex operating procedures and accomplish tasks in a timely manner.

An employee’s first impression of a workplace can set the tone for their entire experience with the company. An engaging and informative onboarding process can improve job performance by setting up workers for success.

Plus, an employee is more likely to speak highly of the business they work for if they see themselves as a valuable member of the team.

If want to improve your manufacturing employee onboarding process, explore this article that goes over the following:

What is employee onboarding?

Employee onboarding is the process in which new hires are integrated into a company. It involves training activities, a new-hire orientation, and learning about the business’s structure, culture, mission and values.

Finding the right candidate for a position is the first step to building a successful team. Onboarding that new employee is the most important next step. Done right, this process can set the precedent for a productive, content and even excited worker.

The two main goals of the first day of onboarding should be to set clear employee expectations and introduce their objectives. Workers should know what their job duties and responsibilities are from the get-go.

How is onboarding different from employee orientation?

Onboarding is often confused with employee orientation. Orientation usually involves completing necessary paperwork, while the onboarding process is comprehensive and can last for months.

Employee orientation is a one-time event. Its purpose is to welcome new hires to a company and introduce a checklist of mandatory tasks to complete such as filling out forms.

Employee onboarding, meanwhile, consists of completing a series of activities, including orientation. It includes training over a longer period of time to help workers learn more about their roles, their teams and how their jobs relate to overarching company goals.

Both onboarding and orientation are critical aspects of introducing employees to their new work environment. They also complement each other in improving employee engagement.

How to effectively onboard new hires

Investing time in your workers is one of the best ways to retain employees and boost productivity.

A new hire’s first few weeks are some of the most important in setting up expectations and building their personal investment in your company.

Go above and beyond and you’ll reap the benefits. Overlook the onboarding experience and you could have unsatisfied employees.

Here are five ways to effectively onboard new hires:

Step 1: Create a worker playbook.

Start by giving a general overview of your business, including your mission, values and perks. Some things to include are:

  • Your customers and stakeholders
  • Work culture and expectations
  • Team members/employees
  • What company success and growth look like

Step 2: Set 90-day goals.

Giving new hires direction and actionable items from the start is important. Identify some goals to work towards to give employees the confidence to excel in the company.

Be sure to provide any resources they will need and connect employees with other workers who can help them. Having a clear plan will make it easier to track goals and collaborate with workers along the way.

Step 3: Set a time to meet and provide feedback.

Set aside time to meet with new hires to provide feedback and ask how they are doing. This can foster connectedness and engagement between you and your employee.

This also gives you the opportunity to learn more about your workers and address any concerns they may have.

It also lets you elicit employee observations of the company and its processes, which can be insightful. A new hire may offer ideas that people invested in the current paradigm wouldn’t think of.

Step 4: Outline schedule and job duties.

It’s crucial to set consistent work schedules to ensure productivity. Loose or frequently changing schedules can lead new hires to think your organization is disorganized.

Further, outlining job duties (such as required skills) can also give employees a sense of direction and ensure they have plenty to work on.

Consider digitizing your onboarding and training program to help accelerate the overall onboarding schedule and get your employees productive faster, and build a program that incorporates the following:

  • Job expectations
  • Performance evaluation
  • Role shadowing
  • Training opportunities
  • HR meetings/employee documentation
  • Compliance training
  • Ongoing assessment through quizzing

In time, new hires will have a better idea of their workload and how to create and execute their own daily task lists.

Step 5: Set up continuous learning opportunities.

The best results from onboarding come months after the process is over. That’s because setting up continuous employee learning opportunities fosters professional development.

A worker can take everything that they learned from the onboarding process and apply it to their day-to-day tasks. Give workers the support and guidance they need, at the moment of need, whether it’s immediate access to a digital troubleshooting guide, or connecting virtually with a subject matter expert. Delivering personalized work procedures for every worker allows for continuous learning and growth.

Why onboarding is important in manufacturing

Creating effective onboarding programs can boost employee engagement and create a manufacturing workforce that excels in industry-related skills.

Effective onboarding has also been shown to:

  • Reduce employee turnover
  • Cultivate existing and new skills
  • Integrate workers more quickly
  • Foster long-term employee satisfaction
  • Create the foundation for workforce development

Optimizing onboarding with connected worker technology

Many manufacturing companies are using modern connected worker technology to transform and optimize how they hire, onboard, train, and deliver on-the-job guidance and support. AI-based connected worker software provides a data-driven approach that helps train, guide, and support today’s dynamic workforces by combining digital work instructions, remote collaboration, and advanced on-the-job training capabilities.

As workers become more connected, manufacturers have access to a new rich source of activity, execution, and tribal data, and with proper digital tools can gain insights into areas where the largest improvement opportunities exist. Today’s workers embrace change and expect technology, support and modern tools to help them do their jobs.

Augmentir’s AI-based connected worker solution delivers continuous learning and development tools to optimize onboarding training for a rapidly changing and diverse workforce.

Built-in reporting for skills management and job proficiency allows you to accurately track and manage skills, certifications, and qualifications for your team. AI-based analytics help you better understand your workforce and make informed workforce development decisions.

intelligently assign jobs

Find out how our software can make it easier to onboard new employees and set them up for success. Contact us today to arrange a demo.

Say Hello to Augie!

Say hello to the newest addition to the Augmentir platform, Augie – the GenAI powered digital assistant for manufacturing.

Say hello to the future of work in manufacturing with the latest addition to Augmentir’s suite of connected worker tools, Augie™.

augie generative ai assistant for manufacturing

Augie is a digital assistant for frontline operations that utilizes Generative AI and proprietary fit-for-purpose, pre-trained Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance operational efficiency, problem-solving, and decision-making for today’s less experienced frontline industrial workers. It leverages enterprise-wide data, provides instant access to relevant information, closes skills gaps with personalized support, offers insights into standard work and skills inventory, and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.

Augie is a result of our dedication to empowering frontline workers, leveraging AI to support manufacturing operations, and giving manufacturing workers better tools to do their jobs safely and more efficiently.

Continue reading below to learn more about how Augie works and how it can benefit your frontline workforce and manufacturing operations:

How our GenAI Powered Assistant Works

Generative AI-powered smart manufacturing assistants are designed to provide secure, role-based, personalized assistance to frontline workers, engineers, and managers in various industries, including manufacturing.

They work by leveraging artificial intelligence and integrations across different software systems, providing guidance and assistance in various tasks to enhance productivity and performance. This includes providing data insights, recommendations on actions to improve performance, and the ability to create analyses and dashboards with a natural language-based assistant.

A majority of smart manufacturing assistants only draw their information from manufacturing execution systems (MES), without tying in other important systems necessary for frontline manufacturing success.

Augie, however, is different. It leverages enterprise-wide data tying in information from a wide range of platforms including operational data, training and workforce management data, connected worker and engineering data, as well as information from enterprise systems.

gen ai industrial manufacturing

How Augie Benefits Your Frontline Workforce

Augie is unique among other smart manufacturing assistants. It leverages proprietary fit-for-purpose, pre-trained LLMs and generative AI, coupled with robust security and permissions, to help factory managers, operators, and engineers improve efficiency, resolve issues faster, and prevent downtime.

With information readily available via Augie, frontline workers can make decisions faster, reduce downtime, and improve troubleshooting with instant access to summarized facts relevant to a job or task. Additionally, Augie is multi-modal, meaning it can return actionable information in the form of work procedures, training videos, recorded collaborations, engineering documents and SOPs, as well as tribal knowledge.

Through Augie, manufacturers can instantly:

  • Close skills and experience gaps with personalized support
  • Gain insights into Leader Standard Work
  • Gain new insights into skills inventories
  • Convert Tribal Knowledge into Digital Corporate Assets
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement
  • Forecast potential operational issues

augie gen ai industrial assistant troubleshooting

With Augie by your side, you can streamline manufacturing operations, optimize performance, empower your frontline workforces, and stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving and competitive landscape.

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Improve Operational Efficiency with Augie and Augmentir

The digitization of frontline processes has become a must-have to keep up with the velocity of change – but not just digitization … smart digitization. Recently, Deloitte found that 86% of manufacturing executives believe smart factory solutions will be the primary drivers of competitiveness in the next five years. Leveraging smart, AI-driven connected worker solutions that allow industrial organizations to best support their frontline workforces and optimize processes to make them safer and more efficient is critical to overall enterprise success.

At Augmentir, we have been met with continued success in our efforts to transform manufacturing operations. Our patented Smart AI foundation helps manufacturing organizations close the loop between training and work execution, delivering the data and in-line insights necessary to continuously improve operational excellence day-over-day, year-over-year. Augmentir is the world’s leading connected worker solution, combining smart connected worker and GenAI technologies to drive continuous improvement and enhance performance management initiatives in manufacturing.

The addition of Augie to our platform is a game-changer for factory floor and other frontline workers, allowing for quick reference troubleshooting and useful, contextualized information to be delivered at the moment of need. Furthermore, with Augie, less experienced workers are provided with additional support and individualized guidance based on the job or task needs.

With patented AI-driven insights that digitize and optimize manufacturing workflows, training and development, workforce allocation, and operational excellence, Augmentir is trusted by manufacturing leaders as a digital transformation partner delivering measurable results across operations. Schedule a live demo today to learn more.

 

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Empowering Your Frontline Workers to go the Extra Mile with Augmentir

Augmentir, a data-driven, AI-powered Connected Worker solution ensures that your frontline workers can go the extra mile every day by providing training, guidance, and support through the combination of digital work instructions, remote collaboration, and advanced on-the-job training.

In 2009, the Extra Mile America Foundation, a foundation promoting action and empowering positive change, first celebrated the “Extra Mile Day”.  Fast forward to 2014 and 527 US cities declared November 1st as the official “Extra Mile Day”. This day is designated to living life to your full potential, having a positive influence, and always striving to make the world a better place. At Augmentir, we believe in positive change, living to your full potential, and going the extra mile every day. In 2018, our founders decided to continue their journey of creating some of the most important software technology revolutions in manufacturing (Wonderware (1987), Lighthammer (1997), and ThingWorx (2008) by focusing on the most important asset, the frontline workers.

We recognize that today’s industrial workforce is different, and the old way of supporting workers just doesn’t work anymore. The static “one size fits all” approach used in the past, no longer applies to this generation of workers.

Augmentir, is a data-driven, AI-powered Connected Worker solution that ensures that frontline workers can go the extra mile every day by providing training, guidance, and support through the combination of digital work instructions, remote collaboration, and advanced on-the-job training.  

As your workers become more connected, companies have access to a new rich source of activity, execution, and tribal data, and with proper AI tools they can gain real-time insights into areas where the largest improvement opportunities exist. Artificial Intelligence lays a data-driven foundation for continuous improvement in the areas of performance support, training, and workforce development, setting the stage to address the needs of today’s constantly changing workforce.

When it comes to our frontline workers, let’s enable them to go the extra mile, not just on November 1st, but every day, by empowering them with the only AI-powered Connected Worker solution.

Performance Management in Manufacturing: Best Practices and Examples

Learn about performance management in manufacturing, best practices and implementation methods, and key examples and use cases.

Manufacturing performance management is the process of setting, monitoring, and optimizing key performance indicators (KPIs) related to workforce performance and production processes in manufacturing environments. It includes real-time monitoring and evaluation of employees’ work, as well as the continuous improvement of operational workflows to ensure optimal efficiency, product quality, and adherence to both safety requirements and organizational goals.

performance management in manufacturing best practices

Through data-driven insights, performance management software, and regular assessments, performance management aims to enhance employee productivity and engagement, reduce downtime, and maintain a competitive edge in the industry. Read our blog post below to learn more about performance management in manufacturing including:

5 Best Practices for Performance Management in Manufacturing

To get the best value from your performance management system here are five best practices for performance management in manufacturing:

1. Clear Goal Alignment:

Organizations must ensure that performance management processes align with overall organizational goals. They must clearly communicate objectives to employees at all levels, linking individual and team performance metrics to broader manufacturing and business objectives. This fosters a sense of purpose in frontline teams, engages workers, and helps employees understand how their efforts contribute to the company’s success.

2. Real-time Monitoring and Data Analytics:

Implement real-time monitoring of production and shop floor processes and equipment performance through the use of AI and connected worker technology. Utilize data analytics and AI-driven processing to gain insights into worker performance trends, identify bottlenecks, and facilitate data-driven decision-making. The ability to monitor operations in real-time not only enables proactive interventions to maintain efficiency, it also ensures fairness, accuracy, and transparency in performance measurement.

Pro Tip

Truly optimized performance management is only possible when the work being done is connected to worker skills and competency training. The best way to do this is with AI-powered connected worker technology that uses AI to deliver insights on workforce development and act on data collected from connected frontline workers.

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3. Employee Training and Development Programs:

Prioritize ongoing training and development programs for manufacturing personnel. Equip frontline workers with the necessary skills to adapt to evolving technologies and operational requirements. Use performance management systems and other digital tools like skills matrixes to identify skill gaps, set training goals, and track progress, ensuring a skilled and adaptable workforce.

4. Regular Performance Reviews and Feedback:

Conduct regular performance reviews that provide constructive and timely feedback to employees. Use these reviews as opportunities to recognize achievements, address areas for improvement, and set new performance goals. Foster open communication between managers and employees to encourage continuous improvement.

5. Integration with Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

Integrate performance management systems with “kaizen” or continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean or Six Sigma. Use data from performance metrics to identify opportunities for process optimization, waste reduction, and efficiency improvements. This ensures that performance management is not only evaluative but actively contributes to the ongoing enhancement of manufacturing processes.

Leveraging these best practices contributes to a holistic performance management process that aligns manufacturing organizations and their frontline workforce with strategic goals, optimizes operations, and creates a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Performance Management Strategies for Manufacturing Leaders

The following are a few examples of performance management strategies that manufacturing leaders, plant managers, and shift supervisors should consider when implementing their performance management process.

Line-shift Goals

Manufacturers often use production planning and scheduling systems to manage line shifts effectively and ensure a smooth transition between different production configurations. While line shifts in manufacturing are often necessary for adapting to changing demands, introducing new products, or optimizing efficiency, they can also pose challenges, including downtime, quality control issues, employee fatigue, and planning issues. By establishing clear and measurable objectives for each line shift or individual worker that aligns with organizational goals, production leaders can ensure production goals are met.

Individual Meetings and Communication

Manufacturing leaders should implement a performance management strategy that incorporates 1-1 meetings and communication. Regularly providing constructive feedback to employees on their performance can improve performance and boost employee engagement. Offering coaching and development opportunities to enhance skills and capabilities.

Continuous Training

Continuous training in manufacturing involves enabling workers to learn new skills regularly. It’s a great way to improve employee performance and innovation, as well as engage and retain top talent. A good example of a continuous learning model is everboarding, a modern approach toward employee onboarding and training that shifts away from the traditional “one-and-done” onboarding model and recognizes learning as an ongoing process.

Performance Management Tools

Implementing performance management tools can help automate ongoing employee evaluation, as well as align employee performance with other key manufacturing KPIs, including production quality, machine uptime, and labor utilization. These tools can also be used to identify continuous improvement opportunities. This allows manufacturing leaders to adapt and refine approaches based on feedback and outcomes.

Simplifying Performance Management with Digital Tools

According to Forbes, as the future of work evolves and changes so must performance management, traditional methods may no longer be as successful in an era where the workforce is constantly changing.

Digital tools such as connected worker solutions and AI-driven analytics help simplify performance management systems by streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and providing more accurate insights. Implementing these connected worker solutions automates the collection of performance-related data from various sources including connected frontline workers, IoT devices, software systems, and more. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing errors and ensuring real-time access to up-to-date information.

By digitizing the performance management process, organizations create a centralized platform for storing and managing performance-related data. This centralized knowledge base makes it easy for managers and employees to access relevant information, track progress, and collaborate on performance goals. Furthermore, AI-driven connected worker solutions allow for digital performance tracking, customized training and skills development planning, workflow optimization, and improved predictive maintenance.

performance management best practices in manufacturing

Through these digital tools and technology, manufacturing companies can simplify performance management processes, improve operational efficiency, and adapt to the demands of a rapidly evolving industry while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and development for their manufacturing workforce.

Augmentir is the world’s leading connected worker solution, combining smart connected worker and AI technologies to drive continuous improvement and enhance performance management initiatives in manufacturing.

Augmentir is trusted by manufacturing leaders as a digital transformation partner improving training and development, workforce allocation, and operational excellence through our AI-driven True Productivity™ and True Performance™ offerings, as well as digitizing and optimizing complex workflows, skills tracking, and more through our patented smart, connected worker suite. Schedule a live demo today to learn more.

 

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The Difference Between Skills Development and Training in Manufacturing

Learn the difference between skills development and training in manufacturing, how they are important, and how the management of them can be improved through continuous learning methodologies and emerging technology.

At first glance, training and skills development seem synonymous and are often used interchangeably, but they have different purposes and goals. However, despite these differences, both are equally important for every organization, especially in the case of the manufacturing industry. According to Training Magazine, 57% of manufacturing organizations reported training and workforce development budget increases to address the widening skills gap and the skilled labor shortage.

the difference between skills development and training in manufacturing

At the most basic level, training is the process companies use to build the skills of new employees so they’re well-equipped to perform the role that they were hired for. While skills development, on the other hand, includes ongoing education, mentoring, and professional experiences that help employees grow into future roles and opportunities.

Both are extremely valuable to overall organizational growth and success, however, it’s important to apply them at the right time and in the right way. Read more on both skills development and training in manufacturing, why they are important, and how they can be improved and enhanced through the proper application of learning technology:

What is Skills Development in Manufacturing

Skills development goes beyond training by aiming to enhance a broader set of competencies and capabilities. It focuses on building a more well-rounded and adaptable workforce encompassing not only the acquisition of specific skills, but also the improvement of problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Skills development in manufacturing refers to the process of enhancing the knowledge, abilities, and competencies of individuals involved in the manufacturing process. It involves providing training and education to workers, engineers, and technicians to improve their technical, operational, and problem-solving skills. By providing training and development opportunities, manufacturing organizations can ensure that their workforce possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently.

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Many manufacturing industries face a shortage of skilled workers. Skills development programs help bridge the gap by training existing employees or new hires in the required competencies.

Overall, skills development in manufacturing is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing industry. It ensures that the workforce remains adaptable, skilled, and capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern manufacturing processes.

Pro Tip

Implementing skills management software programs allow manufacturing organizations to digitize and effectively track worker skills, development progress, and intelligently assign work based on skills competencies, improving work allocation and workforce utilization.

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What is Training in Manufacturing

Training in manufacturing primarily focuses on imparting specific knowledge, skills, or information to individuals. It often involves structured and organized programs designed to teach employees how to perform specific tasks or operate machinery and equipment. Training is often of shorter duration and may be task-specific or role-specific. It is designed to quickly bring employees up to a certain proficiency level in their current job.

The specific type of training required in manufacturing depends on the roles and responsibilities of the individuals involved, the company’s processes, and the industry in which they operate. Training in manufacturing is essential for several reasons:

  • Safety: Manufacturing processes often involve machinery, equipment, and materials that can be hazardous. Proper training ensures that employees understand and follow safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • Quality Control: Quality in manufacturing is a critical, essential factor. Training programs teach employees how to maintain consistent product quality through accurate measurements, inspections, and adherence to quality standards.
  • Operational Efficiency: Training helps employees become more efficient in their tasks, reducing downtime, minimizing waste, and optimizing manufacturing processes.
  • Technology: Manufacturing is becoming increasingly technology-driven. Training equips employees with the skills to operate and maintain advanced machinery and systems.
  • Productivity: Engaged workers tend to be more productive, contributing to increased output and profitability for the manufacturing company.
  • Compliance: Manufacturing is subject to various regulations and industry standards. Training ensures that employees understand and comply with these requirements, avoiding legal and regulatory issues.

Effective training programs are designed to align with the organization’s goals and objectives, ensuring that the workforce is well-prepared and capable of contributing to the success of the manufacturing operations.

In summary, training in manufacturing is a subset of skills development, with a narrower and more specific focus on teaching job-related skills and knowledge. Skills development, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive and ongoing process that aims to develop a well-rounded and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the evolving challenges of the manufacturing industry. Both training and skills development are important for the success of a manufacturing organization, and they often complement each other in the development of a skilled and competent workforce.

How Can Technology Improve Manufacturing Skills Development and Training

Technology can significantly enhance manufacturing skills development and training by making the process more efficient, effective, and accessible. Incorporating these technological advancements into manufacturing skills development and training can lead to a more skilled and adaptable workforce, increased safety, reduced training costs, and improved overall manufacturing efficiency.

For example, technology enables experts to remotely assist and guide trainees through complex tasks. Workers can wear smart glasses or use mobile devices to share live video streams and receive real-time instructions. AI-driven connected worker solutions can assist in creating personalized learning paths for trainees based on the work they do, their progress, and their learning style.

Smart connected worker platforms, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and mobile apps can provide access to a wide range of training materials, including video tutorials, interactive modules, and assessments. These platforms allow workers to learn at their own pace and on their schedule, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming in-person training.

Augmentir is the world’s leading, smart, connected worker solution using the foundational AI technologies underpinning ChatGPT to enhance manufacturing training, onboarding, and skills development. Leading manufacturing organizations are using our smart, connected worker suit and AI-driven insights to foster environments of continuous learning, and make skills development and training processes more personalized, accessible, and effective.

Schedule a live demo to learn why manufacturing leaders are choosing us to improve the training lifecycle with digital skills management tools, real-time insights, and more.

 

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How to Combat the Manufacturing Skills Gap with an Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF)

Learn how manufacturers combat the manufacturing skilled labor shortage and close skills gaps with an Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF).

An Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF) offers manufacturing and other industrial organizations a powerful solution to combat the ever-worsening skilled labor shortage and skills gap. According to a report by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, an estimated 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030 and the cost of those missing jobs could potentially total $1 trillion in 2030 alone.

augmented connected workforce acwf manufacturing

By integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), connected worker platforms, and other emerging solutions manufacturers can enhance the capabilities of their existing workforce and bridge skill gaps. Connected worker tools offer real-time monitoring of your frontline workforce, ensuring seamless operations. Moreover, connectivity enables remote collaboration, allowing experts to assist frontline workers from anywhere in the world. This interconnected ecosystem empowers workers with the tools they need to succeed and attracts new talent by showcasing a commitment to innovation and technology-driven growth.

Through an ACWF, manufacturers can effectively combat the manufacturing skilled labor shortage and close the skills gap while driving productivity, innovation, and remaining competitive. Read more about ACWF in manufacturing below:

Implementing an ACWF in Manufacturing

A critical element of transitioning from a traditional workforce to an Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF) is implementing and adopting new technologies and processes. Here are a few steps that can help with the adoption of ACWF technologies and smooth transitions in industrial settings:

  • Step 1: Assess Current Processes – Organizations must understand existing workflows and identify areas where AI, connected worker platforms, and other ACWF technology can replace paper-based and manual processes to enhance efficiency and productivity.
  • Step 2: Invest in Technology – Procure  AI-driven analytics platforms, mobile technology, and wearable technology to enable real-time data collection and remote collaboration.
  • Step 3: Training and Onboarding – Provide comprehensive training programs to familiarize workers with new technologies and workflows. Emphasize the importance of safety protocols and data privacy.
  • Step 4: Pilot Programs – Start with small-scale pilot programs to test the effectiveness of the implemented technologies in real-world manufacturing environments. Target high-value use cases that can benefit from a transition from paper to digital.
  • Step 5: Continuous Improvement – Gather feedback from workers and supervisors during pilot programs and adapt implementation initiatives based on their input. Continuously optimize processes and technologies for maximum effectiveness.

By following these steps, manufacturers can smooth the transition from a traditional manufacturing workforce to an ACWF, empowering their frontline workers with improved capabilities, skills, and overall operational excellence.

Supporting Learning in the Flow of Work

Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF) technologies allow for increased frontline support and for new processes around learning and training to strategically upskill and reskill, reduce time to competency for new workers, and to combat the skilled labor shortage in manufacturing and more. Connected worker tools, such as wearable devices and IoT sensors, enable real-time monitoring of worker performance and environmental conditions, ensuring safety and efficiency on the factory floor.

pyramid of learning

An ACWF also allows for improved workflow learning capabilities giving frontline workers access to expert guidance, remote assistance and collaboration, microlearning, and other learning in the flow of work options regardless of the worker’s location.

ACWF tools further enhance frontline activities through:

  • Digital work instructions and guidance: Smart, connected worker platforms provide digital work instructions, procedures, and visual guidance easily accessible to workers on mobile devices.
  • Digital mentors and training: Some ACWFs incorporate “digital mentors” – GenAI-powered industrial assistants that can provide step-by-step guidance to workers, especially new hires.
  • Knowledge capture and sharing: Connected frontline worker applications capture data and insights from frontline workers, which can then be analyzed by AI software and used to improve processes, update work instructions, and share knowledge across the organization
  • Performance monitoring and feedback: ACWF solutions provide visibility into worker performance, allowing managers to identify areas where additional training or support is needed.

augmented connected workforce in manufacturing

In summary, ACWF initiatives empower frontline workers with the digital tools, knowledge, and support they need to learn and improve their skills directly within their daily workflows, rather than relying solely on formal training programs. This helps close skills gaps and drive continuous improvement.

Future-proofing Manufacturing Operations with an ACWF

Adopting an Augmented Connected Workforce (ACWF) approach centered around augmenting frontline workers with mobile technology, immersive training, collaborative decision-making, and continuous improvement, allows manufacturers to future-proof their operations and gain a sustainable competitive advantage. This concept empowers employees with powerful tools that augment and enhance their capabilities, productivity, and overall business processes by accessing critical information and fostering collaboration

AI-powered software can analyze vast amounts of data to optimize production processes and predict workforce development needs. At the same time, connected frontline worker solutions enable the integration of mobile and wearable technologies and provide real-time data insights, aiding in optimizing factory operations and adapting to evolving industry trends.

For an Augmented Connected Workforce, integrating AI and connected worker technologies serves as a vital strategy for manufacturers navigating the skilled labor crisis. Augmentir encourages organizations to embrace ACWF transformations and expedites adoption through a comprehensive connected worker platform leveraging the combined benefits of connected worker and AI technologies.

With Augmentir, frontline workers can access critical information, real-time data and insights, and expert advice and guidance all in the flow of work preventing lost time and improving both efficiency and productivity. Schedule a live demo to learn more about how an Augmented Connected Workforce future-proofs manufacturing operations and enhances frontline activities.

 

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Onboarding vs. Training in Manufacturing

Learn the differences between onboarding and training in manufacturing, their benefits, and how to improve them with continuous learning.

Onboarding and training are essential components of integrating new employees into a manufacturing environment. Research by Brandon Hall Group found that organizations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. Additionally, research from NAM and The Manufacturing Institute has found that manufacturing organizations invest an average of 51.4 hours per employee in training and are increasing overall investment in training by an average of 60% in response to the growing skilled labor crisis.

onboarding vs training in manufacturing

Onboarding and training are two key components of a skilled workforce that, while similar, serve different purposes and cover distinct aspects of the employment process.

Both processes are crucial, as onboarding ensures that employees understand the organization’s broader context, and training ensures that they have the expertise to contribute to the manufacturing processes and meet quality and safety standards.

A successful combination of effective onboarding and comprehensive training can lead to more engaged, skilled, and productive employees in the manufacturing industry. Unfortunately, according to Gallup, only 29% of new hires say they feel fully prepared and supported to excel in their role after their onboarding experience.

Read below to learn more about the differences between onboarding and training in manufacturing, why they are both critical to manufacturing success, the benefits of improving them, and how continuous learning strategies coupled with connected worker solutions can improve both and deliver impressive results.

Breakdown of Onboarding and Training Differences

Onboarding in manufacturing is about orienting new hires to the company as a whole, while training is about equipping them with the specific skills and knowledge needed to perform their job functions effectively. Below a breakdown of the differences between onboarding and training in a manufacturing setting:

Onboarding

  • Purpose: Onboarding integrates a new employee into the organization and its culture. It aims to familiarize employees with the company, its policies and procedures, and their roles within the organization.
  • Focus: Onboarding focuses on introducing employees to the broader aspects of the company, such as its mission, values, and culture, as well as administrative and safety procedures.
  • Duration: Onboarding is typically a short-term process, often lasting a few days, but could extend to a few months in certain manufacturing environments.
  • Components: It may include activities like completing paperwork, understanding company policies, meeting the team, plant/site safety, and familiarizing a new hire with the physical workplace.

Training

  • Purpose: Training in manufacturing is a more specific and in-depth process that imparts the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to perform the job effectively. It is task-oriented and aimed at ensuring that employees can carry out their roles proficiently.
  • Focus: Training focuses on the technical aspects of the job, safety protocols, equipment operation, quality standards, and other job-specific skills.
  • Duration: Training is an ongoing process and may vary in duration depending on the complexity of the role and the employee’s experience level.
  • Components: Training tends to include hands-on instruction, demonstrations, practice exercises, and assessments to ensure that employees gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
Pro Tip

Both initial onboarding and ongoing training can be implemented with mobile learning solutions that leverage connected worker technology and AI to provide workers with bite-sized, on-demand training modules that they can access on smartphones or tablets. These modules can be developed with customized learning paths that are focused on the type of tasks and work employees are doing on the factory floor.

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Why are training and onboarding important to manufacturing success

Onboarding and training are crucial to manufacturing success for several reasons including safety, compliance, quality, and more. A well-trained manufacturing workforce that has a deep understanding of company policies, its mission, and overall values drives successful initiatives by producing quality products, complying with both industry-wide and company-specific standards, and meeting production goals in a manner that is both safe and efficient.

The manufacturing industry is subject to numerous regulations related to safety, environmental practices, and product quality. Proper training ensures that employees are aware of and adhere to these regulations, reducing the risk of compliance violations and a well-structured onboarding program leads to lower turnover rates and a more effective and cohesive workforce, ultimately contributing to manufacturing success.

In summary, these two tools are essential in manufacturing for setting the stage for employee success and overall organizational success. Onboarding aligns new employees with the company’s culture, policies, and expectations, enhances their safety awareness, and fosters engagement and productivity, while training plays a pivotal role in contributing to manufacturing success by equipping employees with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to perform their roles effectively.

What are the benefits of improving training and onboarding in manufacturing

Improving manufacturing employee onboarding and training offers several advantages, benefiting both the company and its employees. Comprehensive onboarding makes new hires feel connected to the company’s culture and values, while ongoing training can offer growth and development opportunities, leading to increased employee engagement and job satisfaction.

Companies with a skilled, well-trained workforce are more competitive in the marketplace, as they can produce higher-quality products at a lower cost and adapt to industry changes more effectively.

Training and development opportunities are often cited as a key factor in employee satisfaction. When employees feel that their skills are being enhanced and their careers are advancing, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs.

How continuous learning and connected worker solutions improve training and onboarding in manufacturing

Continuous learning and connected worker solutions can significantly enhance training and onboarding in manufacturing by providing more dynamic, effective, and adaptable approaches.

By incorporating continuous learning and connected worker solutions into the these processes, manufacturing companies can create more efficient, engaging, and rewarding experiences for employees. This not only accelerates the integration of new employees but also supports ongoing skill development and knowledge retention once on the job, ultimately improving productivity and the overall success of the organization.

connected worker as part of connected enterprise

Augmentir’s AI-based connected worker solution is being leveraged by manufacturing leaders to deliver continuous learning and development tools to optimize onboarding training for a rapidly changing and diverse workforce. Our innovative, smart connected worker suite is transforming how manufacturing organizations hire, onboard, train, and deliver on-the-job guidance and support.

 

digital skills management in a paperless factory

Schedule a live demo today to learn how our smart, connected worker solutions, AI-driven insights, and digital skills management are optimizing training and onboarding programs, tracking individual and team progress, and delivering targeted training and upskilling.

 

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