The transition to a connected workforce doesn’t have to be met with complications. In fact, you might be surprised at just how simple it is to get started. In this post, we’re going to discuss some of the starting points for implementing a more connected workforce and building competitive advantages over other firms in your industry. From utilizing mobile technologies to ditching traditional paper-based document sharing, there are easy, affordable ways to get started that will increase worker buy-in and help improve productivity. In this post, we’ll further discuss how to integrate connected workers as a catalyst for change in any business, ensuring you’re in a position to take advantage of Industry 4.0, and all that it has to offer can bode well in terms of establishing competitive advantages into the future. Here’s a closer look:
The True Value of Connected Workers
Many firms are intimidated by the thought of a connected workforce, openly wondering if the effort and dramatic changes that will need to be endured are worth it in the long run. But when you consider the transition from paper to digital, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), robots, automation and innovation, then the benefits can far outweigh the costs on a long-term basis. What’s more is that the jump to a connected workforce doesn’t have to be a dramatic one. In fact, it’s often a better strategy to make the transition gradually over the course of several months or years until an end goal is reached.
Beginning the Digital Transformation Process
So what’s the best way to begin the process of connecting workers throughout your business? Start with leveraging the devices that all of your employees already have, like mobile phones and tablets. Mobile devices are a major source of potential and an ideal starting point. After all, digital transformation is already in your pocket – and one of the best things about these devices is that there’s little learning curve associated with them, as workers already have familiarity with them. In fact, according to a Deloitte study, “The Connected Worker,” about half of all workers have implied that technology would make their jobs easier, faster and better overall.
Mobile Apps
According to surveys, only about 18 percent of all manufacturing firms say that they use mobile apps to access project data and to streamline communication and collaboration between teams. What’s interesting to note, however, is that the firms that do use mobile apps universally reported major benefits of doing so. Workers find them easy to use and important to their overall productivity.
Like we implied earlier, don’t underestimate the potential of your smartphone. We take them for granted and often forget that we even have them, yet their potential to make a significant impact in day-to-day operations remains off the charts. By the end of 2020, it’s estimated that some 275 million Americans owned a mobile phone, and this number is increasing year-after-year. Take advantage of the technologies that everyone largely already has and utilizes to further your business.
Ditching Paper, Adopting Digital
It’s estimated that about 45 percent of all filed paper documents are duplicates of other documents. What’s more is studies indicate that about 80 percent of these documents are never looked at again after they’re printed and filed away. Continuing to rely on printing doesn’t just waste paper and ink, not to mention the costs that are associated with each, but it also leads to wasted space within the office or plant. Ditching paper for a more digitized method of document management is another great place to start in your firm’s transformation.
Contact Anvl Today
For more information about how to integrate the right technology into your business to take it to new heights, contact us at Anvl today. With one industry-leading solution to protect and support the workers that drive your business, we’re standing by to help you realize the benefits of a connected, engaged workforce. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free demo.
