Most digital transformation programs in manufacturing focus on machinery and assets, using data from sensors and connected devices to optimize operations and maintenance. But digital transformation is about more than just building smart factories. It’s more and more about creating smart workers. Because in the factory of the future, deskless workers and operators must complete a wide range of tasks, in a complex environment or in the field, in an efficient and timely manner. With an aging workforce, shortages on the labor market and growing product complexity, this is the biggest challenge for many manufacturers today.
While office workers are supported by a wide range of software solutions, many manufacturing or field operators still work with pen and paper. In some plants, the entire operation is run based on excel sheets, based on the paper-based input from the machine operators. This creates disconnected flows of information and data, which of course is not beneficial for the operational excellence and organizational resilience.
6 Reasons Why Every Enterprise Needs A Connected Worker Solution
#1 Step-by step guidance of complex tasks
Operators or technicians working with a Connected Worker solution get a step-by-step guidance on their smart phone, tablet or smart glasses. The steps can be explained with text, images, videos or schemes and can vary according to their input, their level of expertise or the case/machine at hand. Vice versa, operators can document their procedure execution with relevant information for follow-up or compliance.
#2 Access to relevant production data
Workers can get real-time crucial information such as machine state, line yields, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Based on that information, they make better informed decisions.
#3 Instant troubleshooting
Connected workers can activate a video call during an operation to communicate with a more specialized colleague or remote expert to handle a certain problem faster and more efficient.
#4 Transfer of knowledge
Translating undocumented ‘common practice’ into a digital workflow, is a huge win for an enterprise. Using step-by-step guidance is a good training tool for younger or unexperienced worker: you know they follow the right procedure.
#5 Compliance
Because a digital Connected Worker platform automatically records all steps during an operation or task, you obtain full operational compliance, with no extra administration. An operator can even document his work with extra comments, photos or videos to document his work. This is a crucial element in quality inspections.
#6 Continuous improvement
Working with a Connected Worker solution generates data on every single work execution. Analyzing aggregated execution data based on custom reporting and BI dashboards creates clear insights on execution pain points and the way to solve them.
What is a Connected Worker solution
A Connected Worker solution gives frontline and field workers in real-time access to information, procedures or SOP’s, required to complete a specific job. A Connected Worker not only has access to the right information or workflow, he or she can also communicate with co-workers or subject matter experts located elsewhere to get immediate help to solve a problem at hand. This enables a more reliable and faster solution of problems in the field or on the factory floor, it also results in a more motivated and agile workforce.
Written by:
Anderson Lemos
Manager of Solution Engineering at Symphony AI Industrial
