______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Predictions
... team morale is a critical factor in production quality and punctuality
A switch to AI and automation does take time – so the earlier steps are taken towards innovation , the better . Manufacturers can quickly begin a digital overhaul by focusing on ensuring connectivity within the production premises is ready for expansion to newer and more demanding systems and that cyber security measures are robust .
Companies must fully embrace automation operationally to stay ahead . The increase in the use of smart tools within businesses to automate simple but repetitive processes , alongside the rising pressure to increase staff retention in a shortage of talent market , will drive streamlining and automation across manufacturing .
Delivering across a supply chain :
The manufacturing industry is feeling the pinch because of a consistent shortage of materials , high energy costs affecting production – and the inevitable disappointed customers who haven ’ t received what was promised .
Most manufacturing businesses are experiencing disruption in their supply chain , so building long-term resilience in 2024 will be crucial to survival - and growth .
By diversifying supplier lists as much as possible and ensuring complete visibility within a supply chain - ideally being able to pinpoint the location and track the moment of individual materials / parts - and using prior reliable data to predict need - supply chains will become more efficient , cost-effective , and reliable .
Team morale :
In a traditionally low-paid and high-turnover job market , team morale is a critical factor in production quality and punctuality , and this year will be no different . We ’ ve spoken to a few manufacturing firms that want to drive a unique and positive culture within their business to retain key staff and attract staff from competitors . But their biggest hurdle is improving team morale before introducing a new culture .
At GAINLINE , we work with manufacturers to encourage them to adopt a regular and open conversation policy throughout their business . This also helps to ensure people are praised for hard work ( verbally and through incentives ) and that all employees are challenged to ensure they don ’ t get bored of their roles . Adapting these simple behavior changes can quickly implement a culture shift .
As we are still seeing an exodus of people leaving companies that have requested staff to be in the office full time , I think there will be more debate around how managers can better meet remote workers ’ needs and what remote work culture is whilst recognizing disengagement amongst remote staff . ■
Tom Mercer gainline . co . uk
Tom Mercer is Commercial Director at GAIN LINE , a business consultancy run by a senior team that has spent the last 15 years transforming businesses – from household names to industry leaders and everything in between . With offices in London and Manchester , GAIN LINE ’ s mission is to prepare and guide the businesses of today through to tomorrow by delivering cutting-edge digital solutions and business consultancy solutions .
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