FEATURE SKILLS
DON’T FALL OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE How manufacturers can thrive in turbulent times
by Tom Holloway, principal business resilience consultant, Sungard Availability Services
Tom Holloway, principle business resilience consultant, Sungard Availability Services
responsibility is being pointed at the chief information officer and chief digital officer when it comes to GDPR compliance. Worryingly, none of those polled see it as the responsibility of the entire organisation. It’s crucial that employees and business leaders alike are aware that, whatever your role or stature in an organisation, everybody has a part to play in GDPR compliance. As with the majority of change programmes, we believe that it should be a companywide initiative with regular assessment to ensure awareness, buy-in, participation and compliance from all.
T
he Irish government has called on innovators to compete for a share of
a new €500m Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF), which holds the potential to drive disruption in advanced manufacturing. The fund also encourages innovation in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence; technologies with the capacity to revolutionise supply chain management. In fact, digital tools are already radically
changing each stage of the supply chain. Technologies such as analytics and automation are driving output expectations and causing organisations to feel the heat of market competition. Cloud computing in the industry has sky rocketed; with cloud-based apps helping bolster output and identify ways to squeeze costs.
DIGITAL INVESTMENT This continued investment shows no sign of abating either. Our research shows that in the next two years, AI is in the top three priority technologies for the sector, which if utilised correctly could give manufacturing firms an edge in terms of productivity. This is reflected in the EU’s Digitising European Industry Strategy, which identifies Robotics and Artificial Intelligence as cornerstone technologies. However, success not only depends on having the right tools for the job; it relies on getting the entire workforce on board, by ensuring they are up-to-date with the organisation’s digital roadmap.
PRODUCT LINE HEALTH AND SAFETY Cyber-attacks are increasing in sophistication, with new tactics
38 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 | IRISH MANUFACTURING
constantly evolving. The manufacturing industry is one of the most heavily targeted industries, with cybercriminals launching attacks to steal invaluable information and intellectual property. Even more concerning – and arguably more damaging – is the increasing number of attacks on production facilities and critical infrastructure. With increased levels of networking, and technologies such as robotics, 3D printing and the Internet of Things (IoT) becoming more accessible, hackers are finding new ways to disrupt production, or commit industrial espionage. Nonetheless, our research showed that
half of Irish IT decision makers in the manufacturing sector feel fully prepared for a cyber-attack. This makes them the most confident sector, along with the energy sector. However, while this is positive, leaders in the manufacturing sector cannot afford to get complacent and let their guard down when so much is at stake.
A BATCH OF REGULATIONS In the wake of these ever-growing and evolving threats, businesses across the globe are having to adapt to constantly evolving environment. Take the introduction of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) as an example; while some in the manufacturing sector may focus on the negative aspects of GDPR, such as the financial and reputational consequences of failure to comply, others will be looking at adapting their business processes to create competitive advantage. But who is actually taking charge
within the manufacturing sector? Our research found that the finger of
ILL-EQUIPPED LINE WORKERS A worrying 68 per cent of employees openly admit to having little or no understanding of upcoming changes to compliance. This apprehension is shown not solely towards new regulations, but their wider capabilities within the business. Our research shows that 15 per cent of employees in the Irish manufacturing industry still do not think they have been given the tools they need to navigate future challenges. This underscores the importance of communication and shared understanding in setting the conditions for success in any endeavour, not only GDPR. Leaders in the sector need to take care
not to become complacent with their staff or take for granted that they will be able to keep up with the pace of technological change and the resulting implications for skills in the workplace. This approach could prove costly to an organisation at a time when science, technology, engineering and maths skills are so few and far between.
MAXIMISING OUTPUT As their sector booms, manufacturers will need to be at the top of their game. But over confidence in the face of cyber- attacks, data protection and staff wellbeing could prove costly when so much uncertainty remains on the horizon. To navigate choppy seas ahead, manufacturers will need to realise the importance of getting the most out of processes, technology, and their biggest asset – people.
Sungard Availability Services
www.sungardas.com T: +353 (0)1 467 3640
/ IRISHMANUFACTURING
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