Technology has completely changed the way we work. Especially for industries outside of the knowledge workforce, the non-desk workforce, technology is becoming an option for every part of the work process. One way technology is majorly evolving the non-desk workforce is through connection. The connected worker and a more connected workforce is no longer the way of the future, it is the way companies are embracing right now. In the manufacturing industry specifically, leadership benefits from a connected workforce through three crucial business objectives: increase safety, improved quality, and boosted operations.
If a connected workforce and worker is not embraced by leadership, serious business implications could occur. Deloitte found that 25 to 31 per cent of the 3.3 million business services jobs are at high risk of automation in the next 10 to 20 years. What does this mean for leaders at these booming business service companies? Embrace technology or see someone else automate away your company and jobs.
How Does a Connected Workforce Help Leadership?
The connected worker is any worker who is using a variety of technological tools to get the job done better, faster and more safely. A connected workforce is leveraging technology to better their business and their quality of life on the job. While the connected workforce, a workforce embracing technology to get the job done, is shifting to become the norm across all industries, it’s not 100% dominant yet. In a recent study, Deloitte shared that 13% of business services workers report that they are not using any digital devices for work purposes and Workers are compensating for the lack of technology by using their own devices at work, with eight in ten workers already using their personal smartphones to make their jobs easier.
1. Increased Safety
On the fast-moving workshop floor or out at an unpredictable client worksite, technology can drastically improve safety measures. From wearables to devices focused on detecting, warning, and neutralizing hazards before they happen, technology can be a major catalyst for improving safety standards and eliminating risk, injury, and even death almost completely. Increased safety due to a connected workforce is a major plus for leadership. A safer workforce is a more productive and happy workforce, eliminating workplace accidents that can be costly and improving employee retention. A quick example of this investment in connected worker technology for increased safety might be a simple investment in a safety tool to automate the safety check-list on a worksite, immediately providing leadership with reassurance and visibility into the safety measures being taken by their employees each and every day.
2. Improved Quality
In the manufacturing business, the better the quality of your product, the better for business. However, attaining high-quality is easier said than done. Investing in a connected workforce can help By standardizing not only safety practices with technology, but communication and reporting processes with company-driven technology like communications apps or reporting tools that document photos and digital notes of production and installation, leadership will see the quality of their manufacturing products and process improve. When information is standardized and digitized, it can be easier to find patterns in process errors that could be holding quality back. Additionally, a connected workforce that has streamlined employee communications on an app or specific company devices will encourage more open and equitable conversation around the job, allowing issues and changes to be reported and adjusted at a much quicker rate.
3. Boosted Operations
In addition to major safety and quality improvements for the business, investing in a connected workforce benefits leadership by boosting business operations. Strategy and planning will be informed by the data collected by connected technology, allowing more informed decisions to be made to better the business. Improved safety and quality will save on major costs for the business, boost morale and retention rates, and overall stimulate positive growth. Investing in a connected workforce will also allow leadership to do what they do best, lead. With more open streams of communication and documented processes fueled by technology, leaders will be able to stay in contact with their employees on the manufacturing floor and at job sites in a much more transparent and real-time way, drastically bettering communication, transparency, and decision making across the org.
Anvl is a Connected Worker Solution
Looking for a connected worker solution that will provide significant benefits to your business leadership? If you’re interested in learning more about how Anvl can increase safety, improve quality, and boost operations for your business, watch our demo and contact us to discuss your needs with one of our experts today.
