Rockwell suggests five-step approach in wake of global skills shortage

Jul. 4, 2016 – Rockwell Automation’s new white paper details a five-step approach to help organizations better prepare their operations and empower workers as employees retire and new technologies redefine roles.

“Manufacturers and industrial operators around the world are contending with a growing skills shortage resulting from an evolving workforce and the influx of new technologies. These issues are forcing business leaders to reconsider their approach to machinery and facility design, training, technology and safety,” said the company.

As described by the white paper, the five steps are:
• Improve machinery design to address ergonomics and safety risks for both older and younger workers;
• Build a Connected Enterprise to improve productivity and efficiency through information-enabled operations;
• Train workers to preserve and pass on worker knowledge;
• Leverage vendors and suppliers to augment core competencies when specialized skills are only occasionally required or when local talent is not available; and
• Engage the community to improve the skills and availability of young workers.

“Workforce availability is a long-term challenge that is largely the result of major industry shifts occurring simultaneously,” said Blake Moret, senior vice-president, control products and solutions. “Aging workers with deep process understanding are leaving the workforce and being replaced by a new generation of workers. At the same time, new technology is enabling industry to equip their existing workforce with new skills, as facilities and plants become more connected. Manufacturers should look at their workforce development needs as an opportunity to differentiate, not as a cost to be avoided.”

“The problem must be dealt with by taking a holistic approach to machinery and facility design, training, technology and safety,” added the company.