Human labor will remain crucial in production

With a global market worth US$16.4 trillion (17% of global GDP) in 2021, manufacturing is considered the backbone of social and economic development. Robots and artificial intelligence are entering the industry, but the human workforce will remain the deciding factor, according to expert analysis.

In a new report based on a survey of industry managers on different continents, the Gi Group Holding company outlines global HR trends in manufacturing. Here’s who they are:

AI and automation in the production

Despite the increased use of AI and automation in manufacturing, 51.3% of managers say the human workforce will remain critical to the industry. 85% of decision makers in the manufacturing industry believe that the demand for specific job profiles will change in the future.

Amid the widespread belief that technological tools will render a large number of human jobs redundant, more than one in two (51.3%) manufacturing managers are convinced that the workforce will remain critical in the future. 23.3% expect that automation will create new jobs and career opportunities, and another 20.3% believe that workers will be moved to new positions.

In general, automation is seen as an opportunity for companies to increase production and remain competitive, and for employees to improve their skills, grow professionally and receive higher wages. However, this can pose a risk to workers with insufficient or outdated skills.

A third (33%) of respondents mentioned that many workers currently do not have the right skills for new jobs, highlighting the crucial role that training will play increasingly in the coming years.

The smart factory: the evolution of manufacturing

Automation, along with sustainability, is one of the main trends leading the industry and contributing to its development. According to the report, 84% of companies have already implemented digital transformation tools, with cloud computing (27%) and digital integration (22%) being the most used, followed closely by big data analysis – analytics (20%), cyber security (19%) and, last but not least, robotics and artificial intelligence (16%).

Labor shortage

66% of companies report some difficulty finding skilled workers, making labor shortages the biggest concern facing the manufacturing industry right now.

The generally observed labor shortages are due to several reasons, including the misperception of manufacturing as a physically demanding industry and an area where manual or low-skilled labor predominates, as well as the lack of appropriate skills.

What skills and occupations will be in demand in the near future

Experts agree that low- and medium-skilled workers will increasingly require experience with specialized tools and machinery, as well as specialized training, while it will be critical for skilled workers to have digital skills, project management skills and public relations skills. speaking.

85% of respondents believe that demand for specific job profiles will change profoundly in the coming years as manufacturing evolves. When it comes to low- and medium-skilled workers, companies in the near future will mainly be looking for production operators, machine and device operators.

The most sought-after specialist roles will be of people who plan the production process, quality assurance managers and maintenance managers.

Gender distribution

The research reveals a new mindset and the development of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills among women that could transform this historically male-dominated industry. 83% of respondents believe that the number of women in their companies will increase in the next 5 years.