_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Automation
nt
Walk into almost any UK factory today and you’ ll see the signs of digital transformation in action. Intelligent machines hum across the floor, data dashboards flicker with real-time insights, and automation that streamlines processes with remarkable efficiency is easily visible.
It’ s a powerful sight. But while the machines may be getting smarter, the demands on people are growing too. Manufacturers are now facing a new kind of skills shortage; one that centers on those who can operate, interpret, and optimize advanced technologies. And the gap is widening fast, with a 22.7 percent difference in skilled worker access between the most and least productive organizations.
This disparity is no accident. The businesses pulling ahead are those investing in technology as well as the people who can make it work- especially in areas tied to new methodologies, automation, and advanced digital tools.
Tech alone won’ t fix the factory floor
There’ s a common misconception that smart technology means fewer people. That with the right AI or automation platform, operations can simply run themselves.
But that’ s not the case on the factory floor. In fact, the reality is far more nuanced.
Yes, automation is streamlining repetitive tasks. AI is flagging issues before they happen. And advanced analytics is bringing a new level of precision to forecasting and planning. But it’ s the human workforce that brings judgement, context, and adaptability. All skills that are becoming increasingly important as operations become more digital and data driven.
Ignoring this balance is where organizations risk stumbling. It’ s not enough to invest heavily in new platforms, if you are failing to ensure teams can use them
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