News Factory of the Future

Automation in manufacturing is the future. Factories are already using automated machines and robotics to improve their products, reduce waste and increase worker safety. There’s so much benefit to the factory itself. But did you know it could help your workers thrive, too?
 
Your greatest resource is your people. They are the backbone of your factory, with the skills to ensure tools are precisely manufactured to customers specifications and delivered on time. They have specialised knowledge based on years of experience that allows your business to perform and often specialise. 
 
Embracing automation in manufacturing doesn’t mean replacing machine operators. It’s an opportunity to harness their existing skills and put you all on a path to an exciting, rewarding workplace of the future.
 

Automation in manufacturing is not about replacing people with robots

 

There is a global skills shortage in manufacturing, and the toolmaking niche has been hit hard. Now, more than ever, your focus should be on attracting and retaining the best people. 
 
We hear a lot about robotics replacing human workers. Articles shock readers with illustrations of robot arms moving through the night, silhouetted against a mad AI brain in a jar. But the future isn’t like this at all. What automation in manufacturing really means is that robots will do the low-value tasks, so humans can deliver greater value.
 
With time freed up, employees can move on to more valuable tasks. Instead of overseeing one machine all day, your team have the capacity to understand how to monitor and analyse real-time data from multiple machines, and step in when required. Rather than picking materials by hand, they can look for opportunities to source better materials or save money on orders.
 
High-value employees can become a more effective part of the business operation, and they will feel valued in return. Choose to make an investment in your workforce, and you will cement their place in your factory. 
 

Automation in manufacturing is a chance to grow

 

You have already invested time, energy and money into training your staff. It’s in your best interests to help them succeed – the market is limited, and manufacturers can’t afford to lose good people.
 
Identify staff who want to learn. There may be opportunities for them in all kinds of other business areas, with some extra training. They already have the base skills and knowledge of the factory and equipment, so the best thing you can do as an employer is harness that expertise and build on their enthusiasm.
 
Staff members currently overseeing machines might start focusing on better tool design. Those in dispatch or ordering might work more closely with customers. You may find you have employers with interests you never even knew about - just waiting for the chance to grow into roles in technology, data analysis or systems administration.
 
Most importantly, investing in your people strengthens your relationship with them, encouraging them to perform even better and therefore feel more valued and recognised.
 

Automation is nothing without an operator who knows how to use it

 

How often do you consult with your operator or Chief Tool Designer on what technology your company should consider next? Those working the machines are the people with the experience and knowledge to get the best results from your investment. They are the key to your grinding capability and therefore company success. 
 
Consider how to upskill your teams on the latest automation and how it fits into your factory infrastructure. Make sure you give them opportunity to network at Industry events or trade fairs. Social media is now the place to go to learn and discuss the latest tool grinding trends - and its free. If you haven't, make sure you join the Tool and Cutter Grinder Forum on Facebook. With over 1,000 members it is one of the largest cutting tool peer forums in the world. 
 
Remember to consult the key players in your team from the beginning on what technology would best fit your business needs and use their insights to plan for a successful smart factory. 
 

Automation in manufacturing is a chance to expand your workforce

 

Automation in manufacturing requires a different set of skills. Where you currently have machine operators overseeing each step, you will eventually shift to a future-led model. Employees will be able to contribute their own knowledge to the overall production, from what the data tells them about different products, to setting up tools for grinding and designing better tools.
 
So, it’s likely you will need to make new hires, too. The factory of the future needs specialised skills in areas like software programming, robotics engineering and information technology. It also requires planning for an unknown future, making best estimates about what will be needed in five, ten, or fifteen years.
 
Set your whole workforce up for success. By hiring the best people in future-tech, you can create an environment that’s brimming with opportunity. Existing staff can learn from experts. Technology specialists can work with toolmakers to refine the end product. Having these roles within your business shows your employees there are clear pathways to upskilling and can help employees discover new jobs they didn’t even know existed.
 

Your employees will feel rewarded and motivated

 

Your workforce might worry about the impact automation will have on them. You might have your own concerns: how it will affect jobs; whether it’s worth investing in training; knowing you have the right people for the job. Uncertainty is a productivity killer, and it can filter through to every part of the business.
 
If you have already embraced continuous improvement in your factory, you know one of the key tenets is having everyone add value at every stage. Having everyone on board creates a more efficient manufacturing system – one that all staff can feel responsible for.
 
But beyond lean manufacturing, autonomy is one of the basics of employee satisfaction. Studies have shown that people who are given space to do their job well are more productive and more satisfied at work. We work better when we know our employers trust us to contribute.
 
There are other employee benefits to automation in manufacturing. Being a factory of the future means having a clear way forward. Implementing automation and robotics shows employees you’re serious about taking steps to future-proof your business. They will feel more secure knowing their jobs are part of a shift towards a new type of factory, with an employer who will support them as they grow.
 

5 June 2019