Written by The digital revolution continues to reshape industries worldwide – and manufacturing is no exception. The integration of digital technologies, often referred to as Industry 4.0, is transforming traditional manufacturing processes, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation.
In manufacturing we’re seeing the adoption of the likes of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, robotics, and cloud computing. These allow manufacturers to optimise operations, reduce costs, improve product quality, and respond more swiftly to market demands.
I recently read a report by McKinsey which said digital technologies can increase production line efficiency by up to 30% and reduce machine downtime by 50%. Predictive maintenance powered by AI and IoT can anticipate equipment failures before they occur, allowing for timely interventions and minimising production disruptions.
As manufacturers adopt new technologies, they can develop new business models, create innovative products, and enter new markets. For example, 3D printing technology, or additive manufacturing, allows manufacturers to produce complex parts with greater precision and at a lower cost. This technology is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, enabling them to compete with larger players.
However, the successful implementation of these technologies hinges on the availability of a skilled workforce. Digital skills have been shown to be essential across various facets of manufacturing, from design and production to maintenance and supply chain management.
Despite all of this, there is a digital skills gap.
A study by the World Economic Forum highlights that 54% of employees in the manufacturing sector will require significant reskilling and upskilling by 2025 to meet the demands of digital transformation.
According to PwC, 32% of employees in the Middle East said their companies were using technology to automate and upgrade the workplace. But 53% of respondents in the region reported there were limited opportunities to learn from colleagues with advanced technical or digital skills. This could hinder the region’s ability to compete internationally.
I can cite more data and find more examples, but I think you get the point. Something needs to be done.
So, the good news is there are initiatives aiming to address the challenge (the question is though, is it happening fast enough??).
The European Commission’s Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition aims to improve digital skills among the workforce, including those in the manufacturing sector. In the United Arab Emirates, the government has introduced the UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025, which focuses on enhancing digital literacy and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is essential to developing and nurturing digital skills in manufacturing. Partnerships can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices, ensuring that the workforce is adequately prepared for the digital future.
This collaborative approach ensures that the latest advancements built into curricula, and understood by a new generation of workers. In the UK, the Made Smarter initiative brings together government, industry, and academia to support the digital transformation of manufacturing through training programmes, innovation hubs, and funding for digital projects.
Encouraging students of all ages to pursue education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is crucial. STEM education lays the foundation for digital skills and prepares the future workforce for the demands of Industry 4.0. We need to get young people excited and inspire them for the future.
Our contribution: Designathon 2024
We like to think we’re playing a part with boosting digital skills across the region. One way we’re doing this is with Designathon 2024.
This is how it works:
Day one sees students boost their digital design skills, learning about Autodesk Fusion and its key workflows. Then on day two, they work in teams to respond to a challenge, putting their new skills to the test. They work together, they collaborate – and they compete for prizes.
It will offer student teams the opportunity to learn how smart design can play a part in the transition towards a more sustainable future. They get to showcase their creativity and design skills in crafting concepts for a better world.
- Where: online
- When: 26 and 27 June 2024
- Sign-up now: Entries are accepted from teams of students – a team of 2 (minimum) or 3 (maximum).
But we’re closing for entries very soon – get your team together and enter before 19 June.
The importance of digital skills in manufacturing, and more generally, cannot be overstated. As digital technologies continue to evolve, employers must equip their workforce with the necessary skills to fully capitalise on the benefits afforded by new technologies. Enhanced productivity, increased innovation, and improved competitiveness to name just a few.
By embracing digital skills, manufacturers can not only navigate the challenges of the digital age but also seize the opportunities it presents, driving economic growth and industrial advancement for years to come.
Tomas Karlsson is the Sr Manager of channel services at KnowledgePoint. This means he oversees the management of outsourced extended enterprise learning programmes, recruiting and supporting global network of training providers on behalf of organisations, including Autodesk.
Organised by KnowledgePoint, Designathon 2024 is part Autodesk’s commitment to education. The two-day online event will see students develop vital digital skills, and compete in the global Designathon challenge. For more information about the Designathon 2024 and Autodesk’s commitment to education here.
References
McKinsey. (2021). The future of work in Europe: Automation, workforce transitions, and the shifts ahead. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-future-of-work-in-europe
World Economic Forum. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2020
PwC. (2022). Middle East Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey 2022. https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/issues/upskilling/hopes-and-fears-2022.html
UAE Government. (2021). UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025. https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/government-strategies-and-plans/uae-digital-government-strategy-2025
Made Smarter. (2021). Transforming UK manufacturing with digital technology. https://www.madesmarter.uk/