• • • TRAINING• • •
Unlocking the digital future: Upskilling your workforce in the
age of digital transformation By David Williams, VP transactional business at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland
t is undoubtable that digitisation will change how a business operates and deliver value to its customers. The speed of this transition is quickly opening new avenues for efficiency, innovation and customer engagement. As it dramatically transforms the business landscape, people will need to learn new skills and ways of doing things to keep up.
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Creating the digital workforce Digitisation means more than new gadgets. The integrated technology can improve and streamline business processes at every step. Supporting operations from planning to maintenance enhances analytics and decision-making, automates tasks and personalises customer experiences. It also fosters new business models, improves internal and external collaboration, and increases market responsiveness. Design – digital tools have changed how we design and manufacture. Now, manufacturers and designers use digital twin software to create and test their ideas long before any real-world model is built. This means fewer mistakes, less waste and reduced environmental impact from the start. It first ensures everything is right in the digital world, saving time and resources. Installation – in brownfield or greenfield settings, installing digital equipment requires new skills. For example, electricians need to know more than just the physical setup of an installed device. They must also understand how to integrate these devices into digital networks to seamlessly connect with configuration settings, communication
protocols, etc. It’s a step up from traditional installation work and involves more tech knowledge. Servicing and lifecycle management – once digital devices are up and running, they collect data. This data can predict when a device needs maintenance before it breaks down (predictive maintenance) or signal when it’s time for a check- up based on its use (condition-based maintenance). It means improved reliability, less downtime and fewer resources spent on unexpected repairs. It also leads to more sustainable operations.
The digital imperative: upskilling
challenges and opportunities With the wide reach of digital transformation, companies must therefore create robust, 360 strategies to ensures the development of a digitally competent workforce. This requires continuous learning, ongoing professional development and a flexible and innovative culture. Given the pace of change, today’s essential technologies may become history tomorrow.
Upskilling the workforce to meet these new digital demands is critical for harnessing digitisation opportunities. Here’s how companies can effectively embrace this transformation: Internal training programs – developing competencies within the existing workforce is vital. Utilising internal training programs fosters a digitally savvy team ready to tackle the complexities of modern technologies.
Hiring for digital expertise – bringing in new talent with specialised digital skills is equally important. These individuals can inject fresh perspectives and expertise into the team, accelerating the digital transformation. Companies that develop internal capabilities and incorporate new engineers into the team build a digitally proficient workforce.
Digital leadership development – a cultural
shift is needed for digital operations and leads teams to embrace digital advancements. Cultivating a culture of digital innovation and leadership within the organisation is crucial. Leadership development programs focusing on digital fluency empower managers and executives to lead by example. It creates environments where digital innovation thrives.
Charting the paths of the digital journey
While digital transformation can have challenges, it also brings great opportunities to those companies willing to navigate the transition thoughtfully. Businesses that create an environment where adaptation and learning are the cornerstones of their operational DNA will have a competitive advantage. Mulino Marino, an Italian organic flour milling business that has been in operation since 1956, partnered with Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partners to integrate digital solutions into its operations. Today, they are almost completely automated and have optimised production and increased efficiency, helping them meet growing demand without losing the quality of their organic products. Thanks to their digital transformation, Mulino Marino gained more precise product information and increased transparency while continuing to produce the highest-quality flours.
Leading the digital
transformation charge Successful implementation of a digital transformation requires a human element, a digitally savvy workforce of the future. To make that happen, significant internal training, the recruitment of digital experts and the development of leaders who help guide the migration to digital- centric operational models, are necessary considerations for any business seeking to innovate and excel in its operations.
42 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • SEPTEMBER 2024
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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