Strategic Digitization Investments and Workforce Intelligence Solutions for More Digital and Resilient Operations

2022 was a far better year for manufacturers than the preceding two years. But as the world emerges from the pandemic, 2023 is staring down the barrel of a global recession, increasing market volatility, and workforce churn. Manufacturers already understand the value of digitization and the promise it brings. The challenges 2023 poses will determine whether or not the investments they have already made are the right ones. 2023 will also determine what new investments they must make to ensure that digitization is completed end to end and encompasses their biggest asset: their workforce.

As soon as we hear the words “artificial intelligence,” we picture robots and machines taking over like in Terminator or a hallucinogenic super-software controlling our world like in The Matrix. However, the current truth is far from the fictional accounts. AI is already all-pervasive and influencing our decisions and destinies, whether while shopping online or while deciding what meal to order from an app. AI is certainly here to stay and will forever change the way the world works. Manufacturing will particularly see the immense impact of machine learning, process automation, and robotics.   

In manufacturing, the frontline is responsible for executing tasks and following clear guidelines and SOPs. 

While doing so, they use their experience and judgement to ensure results are compliant with intended specifications and work instructions. Manufacturing operations evolve to incorporate more digital tech equipment like IIoT sensors, automation, and robotics. As it becomes more normalized to use advanced IT tools to extract manufacturing data, the frontline and the decisions they make on a day-to-day and minute-to-minute basis will play a key role in ensuring that optimal results are obtained from digital transformation and automation efforts.