Digitizing Tribal Knowledge: Onboarding, Continuous Training, and Upskilling and Reskilling in Manufacturing
The Urgent Need for Knowledge Capture
The manufacturing industry is facing an unprecedented shift. As seasoned workers retire and new technologies emerge, the need to effectively capture and digitalize tribal knowledge has never been more critical. Over 65 percent of respondents in the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) outlook survey for the first quarter of 2024 highlighted the attraction and retention of talent as the main business challenge. For manufacturers surveyed by NAM, workforce challenges have been the primary concern since the fourth quarter of 2017, with the exception of the pandemic.
For training leaders in manufacturing, the challenge is clear: digitize invaluable expertise and ensure that the new generation of employees is well-equipped to thrive in a modern, dynamic work environment.
Onboarding is the structured process of bringing new employees into your organization and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their jobs. In manufacturing assembly and repair work, effective onboarding goes beyond basic introductions and administrative tasks. It involves training new hires on specific job functions, familiarizing them with build instructions, quality standards, andsafety protocols, and immersing them in the company culture and values. Digitizing this process ensures consistency and thoroughness, making it easier for new employees to understand and adopt best practices that have made your products and company successful.
Continuous Training for Your Current Workforce
Continuous training is an ongoing process that keeps employees up-to-date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. For manufacturing training leaders, this involves regular workshops, e-learning modules, and hands-on training sessions tailored to evolving needs. By digitizing training materials, you can provide employees with easy access to updated content and protocols to ensure they remain proficient and adaptable in their roles.
Upskilling and Reskilling Employees
Upskilling enhances employees’ existing skills, preparing them for more complex tasks within their current roles. Reskilling, conversely, involves training employees for entirely new roles within the organization. This is particularly crucial in manufacturing, where technological advancements can render certain job functions obsolete while creating demand for new skill sets. Upskilling allows you to advance the skills of your current workers to improve their capabilities and knowledge. Improving skillsets helps build trust with you and your workforce while improving productivity. Digital work instructions enhance training for upskilling and reskilling and allow for a more flexible and scalable approach, accommodating diverse learning paces and styles.
The importance of digitizing tribal knowledge and investing in onboarding, continuous training, and upskilling/reskilling cannot be overstated.
The Importance of Digitizing Tribal Knowledge Now
Preserving Expertise
Tribal knowledge refers to the unwritten, often experience-based insights and practices that seasoned workers accumulate over time. As experienced employees retire or leave, this invaluable knowledge risks being lost. Digitizing tribal knowledge captures these insights systematically, ensuring they are preserved and accessible for future generations of workers. According to a survey by Deloitte, nearly 70% of manufacturers see a moderate to severe skills gap due to the retirement of baby boomers and the lack of incoming skilled workers.
Enhancing Training Efficiency
Digital work instructions and other connected tools can streamline the training process, making it more efficient and effective. Interactive 2D or 3D digital work instructions can replace cumbersome paper and PDF documents by providing employees with intuitive, real-time, and in-context guidance. Digitizing your work processes helps reduce the learning curve for new hires and ensures that all employees, regardless of their experience level, follow standardized procedures.
Facilitating Knowledge Transfer
Digitized training materials can be easily updated and distributed, ensuring that all employees have access to the latest information. This is particularly important in manufacturing, where processes and technologies are constantly evolving. A study by the Manufacturing Institute found that manufacturers who invest in training and development see a 23% increase in productivity and a 24% reduction in turnover.
The Benefits of Investing in Digital Training
Increased Productivity
Digitized onboarding and continuous training with digital work instructions can lead to significant productivity gains. New employees can become productive more quickly, and existing employees can stay current with the latest practices and technologies, reducing downtime and enhancing overall efficiency.
Higher Employee Retention
Investing in employee development through digital work instructions shows a commitment to their growth and success, fostering loyalty and job satisfaction. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers clear pathways for professional advancement.
Enhanced Adaptability
In your fast-paced work environment, adaptability is key to success. Digital work instructions and training ensure that employees can quickly learn and apply new skills as needed, helping the organization stay agile in the face of change. Adaptability is crucial for responding to new market demands, technological advancements, and regulatory changes.
Improved Quality and Safety
Well-trained employees are less likely to make errors that can lead to quality issues or safety incidents. Digital work instructions can include interactive modules, such as mixed reality (MR), that reinforce safety protocols and quality standards, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall product quality.
Competitive Advantage
A well-trained and adaptable workforce is a significant competitive advantage. Manufacturers who prioritize training with digital work instructions can leverage the latest technologies and methodologies to innovate and improve their processes. The agility and innovation can set a company apart from its competitors, leading to increased market share and overall profitability.
The manufacturing industry is rapidly advancing with technologies like automation, artificial intelligence (AI), mixed reality (MR), and the Internet of Things (IoT). To stay competitive, you must ensure your workforce is proficient in these new technologies. Digitizing training programs make it easier to bridge the skills gap and prepare employees for the future of manufacturing.
As the workforce becomes increasingly diverse, with a mix of generations bringing different skills and experiences to the table, effective digital onboarding and training help accommodate the diversity by providing tailored learning experiences that meet the varied needs of employees.
Economic uncertainties and market fluctuations necessitate a nimble and responsive workforce. Companies that invest in digital work instructions are better equipped to pivot and thrive in volatile conditions. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, you can mitigate risks and seize new opportunities.
Manufacturers must comply with a host of regulations, which can change frequently. Digital training programs and software solutions ensure that employees are always aware of the latest regulatory requirements and best practices, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
The importance of digitizing tribal knowledge and investing in onboarding, continuous training, and upskilling/reskilling cannot be overstated. These efforts are not just about preserving valuable expertise but also about driving productivity, employee retention, adaptability, quality, and competitive advantage. By prioritizing digital work instructions now, you can build a resilient and future-ready workforce poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern manufacturing landscape.
