The gap between manufacturers that have made significant progress and those that recognize the need for digital transformation on the factory floor is wide. So, how can these companies close that gap?

There are three ways that manufacturers can build a connected workforce to increase factory floor agility and boost productivity. All three help companies create a manufacturing organization that is productive, profitable, secure, and resilient.

First, connect factory workers to the digital factory so they have access to information they need to be productive. That means eliminating silos and consolidating data from enterprise resource planning, manufacturing execution, quality management, customer service, and customer relationship management systems into one platform so everyone can see the same things.

Manual, paper-driven processes have no place in the modern factory. Using mobile devices and automation, workers can replace their reliance on nonstandardized processes and institutional knowledge with real-time data and standardized ways of working.

Technologies such as AI and machine learning can accelerate operational efficiencies by quickly analyzing patterns and providing steps employees can follow to resolve issues on their own. AI-driven automation ensures consistency and repeatability across the factory floor. Continuous improvement becomes the norm, not a project.

It’s also important to note that even as AI enhances what factory workers can do, it’s up to employers to help their workers feel comfortable using AI as a tool to help them work smarter—and not view it as a threat. In addition, AI skills can be a differentiator for future job opportunities.

The survey revealed that lack of know-how, skills, and talent was the biggest reported barrier to improving factory floor processes. Therefore, third, embrace new digital tools to draw in new talent and better use existing talent. An unprecedented labor shortage and rising labor costs are forcing companies to adopt new digital strategies to attract, retain, and upskill talent. Workers—especially younger ones—value streamlined, digitized work environments that contain the tools and resources they need to collaborate and resolve issues. Factory workers can more easily pivot between roles on the floor as automation handles much of the repetitive work. This imbues workers with a sense of ownership, fosters greater loyalty, and leads to lower attrition.