AUDIT SOFTWARE TOP PRIORITIES IN 2021
Eric Stoop, CEO, EASE, outlines the five things plant managers must prioritise in 2021, to help overcome the current challenges and build a strong manufacturing organisation
A
s the UK manufacturing sector continues its economic recovery,
albeit slowly, a feeling of optimism is spreading throughout the industry as vaccines against COVID-19 continue to be rolled out. And while this creates a mixed picture for the sector, and it remains unclear how 2021 will play out, there are some considerations that will remain constant for the year ahead.
In any scenario, quality has a large part to play in determining which companies come out strong and which ones may struggle. So what should quality leaders prioritise to build a stronger, better manufacturing organisation overall? 1. COVID-19 Safety Employee safety remains the number one
priority that quality leaders must focus on. Beyond the sizable personal impacts of COVID-19 on workers and their families, manufacturers must also keep in mind the impacts on productivity and potential liabilities and costs. Guidance on how to provide a safer plant
environment is changing all the time as the virus itself evolves, but not keeping pace with the latest Government instructions could result in significant financial penalties for the business, or even criminal prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. However, given how unprecedented the pandemic is, it is unlikely this will be enforced in most cases. It’s also worth noting that, at this time, the
latest round of pandemic relief does not include liability protections for employers, underscoring the importance of frequent checks to reduce COVID-19 business risks. 2. Digital Transformation The second major priority for quality leaders
in 2021 should be digital transformation. McKinsey notes that Industry 4.0 adoption is
becoming a critical differentiator between “technology haves and have nots.” Accelerating digital transformation is making some companies more resilient to fluctuating market conditions, while those who sit on the side-
lines only stand to fall further behind. One strategy the consulting giant points out
is implementing what they call “quick-win solutions” such as technology to ensure safe distancing on the plant floor. Technology like mobile audit software is one example, allowing companies to verify compliance with safety protocols while reducing defects. 3. Addressing the Talent Gap A 2018 Deloitte report projected the
manufacturing skills gap could put $2.5 trillion in manufacturing GDP at risk through 2028, making addressing the shortage a key priority in the coming year. What’s more, the ability to implement new technologies such as Industry 4.0 relies on having the skilled workers to run the equipment. Interestingly, while the manufacturing
sector has seen recent job losses, many positions still remain unfilled due to the skills shortage. How can quality professionals have an impact on solving this industry challenge? Strategies to consider include: ・Improving compensation packages ・Offering additional training, professional
development and promotion opportunities ・Investing in upskilling workers to drive
digital transformation ・Incorporating modern technologies to
make careers in quality more attractive to the next generation of manufacturing professionals 4. Improving Operational Efficiency Reducing operational costs will remain a
top concern for many organisations. Improving operational efficiency is the key to doing more with less, ensuring companies don’t lose their hard-won gains through
indiscriminate cuts that put key goals at risk. In any manufacturing plant, a hidden
factory exists that continually works against standardisation, quality and efficiency. A commitment to uncovering hidden factory elements such as undocumented process steps and versioning errors through ongoing verification can improve transparency. Again, it’s an area where digital
technologies can help raise visibility, both in terms of identifying problems and highlighting how quality contributes to overall productivity. Adopting automated technologies such as EASE cloud-based mobile audit software can provide visibility and rapid scaling without major capital investments. 5. Ensuring Quality in the Face of Change If there’s one thing we can be sure of in 2021, it’s change. Changes in products, changes in how people work together and even potential changes in the trajectory of the manufacturing industry as a whole. Amid all this change, manufacturers will be
faced with the central challenge of maintaining a high level of quality. Product safety and customer satisfaction are as important as ever in the new normal, with the stakes so much higher as companies compete for a smaller piece of the pie. Managing new products, fewer staff and
increased distancing will become a critical capability. Tools like layered process audits (LPAs) can help keep a finger on the pulse of quality while achieving production targets. All things considered, quality professionals
have a crucial role in how the manufacturing industry continues its comeback. By focusing on strategies such as digital transformation, safety, operational efficiency and closing the talent gap, companies can continue to make strides and set a course for operational excellence in 2021.
EASE
www.ease.io
FEBRUARY 2021 | PROCESS & CONTROL 47
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