By Antoine Bisson, co-founder and CEO of Poka
Key takeaways:
- Shift from automation to empowerment. Empower frontline workers with digital insights for better decision-making.
- Bridging the skills gap. Utilize connected worker tools to streamline training and onboarding processes.
- Agility through governance. Integrate risk management and governance to enhance resilience in manufacturing systems.
As we stand on the brink of a new era in smart manufacturing, the emphasis is shifting away from mere automation. The focus is now on enabling frontline workers to excel in an increasingly digital environment.
According to the Deloitte 2025 Smart Manufacturing Survey, 85% of manufacturers believe smart manufacturing transforms factories into more efficient environments. However, the rising complexity of technology poses challenges in workforce agility and resilience. The pressing question is how to keep frontline teams empowered amidst rapid automation.
1. Addressing the Skills Gap
The survey indicates that 48% of manufacturers face challenges hiring for production roles, while 46% struggle with workforce planning. As workforce demographics change, manufacturers must optimize talent while adapting to advanced technologies and workflows.
Connected worker tools can not only help in retaining legacy knowledge but also make its absorption easier for newer employees through reactive learning environments that provide bite-sized training modules.
2. Navigating The Last Mile
Manufacturers are investing heavily in factory automation and sensor technologies, but the “last mile”—the gap between data and frontline production—remains a challenge. Effective utilization of AI can transform this data into actionable insights for operators.
Machines today have advanced capabilities, but without connected worker solutions, critical insights may remain underutilized. These solutions enhance access and collaboration, ultimately bridging the gap between data generation and frontline actions.
3. The Human Element in Smart Manufacturing
Despite the technological advancements, the human factor remains essential for sustainable competitiveness. Deloitte emphasizes that aligning technology with human processes significantly enhances productivity and operational output.
Smart manufacturing should be about integrating human effort with digital capabilities. For instance, operators can easily consult instructional content to resolve quality issues, illustrating the importance of a seamless connection between people, machines, and processes.
4. Agility Through Governance
As complexity in manufacturing increases, so do the demands for effective governance and risk management. The Deloitte study reveals that 65% of manufacturers view operational risk mitigation as a top priority.
Modern connected worker solutions can define and enforce operational practices through digital tools. This approach not only streamlines processes but also ensures adaptability amid changing market conditions.
Conclusion: Empowering Teams for Manufacturing Success
The future of smart manufacturing is not solely about automation; it is about empowering the workforce. Connected worker tools are instrumental in bridging gaps and unlocking the full potential of smart manufacturing initiatives.
Antoine Bisson is the co-founder and CEO of Poka, guiding the company towards being an AI-native organization that enhances performance through the connection of people, knowledge, and processes.
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