COVER STORY
Manufacturers have the responsibility for ensuring that their workforce understands I4.0 technologies and does not fear being displaced or left behind
member of the Steering Group for Industry Strategy 4.0. This work includes overseeing the output of the workgroups developing the standards and implementing the infrastructure behind the strategy.
NEW RESPONSIBILITIES For most, the limit of our ability to absorb new information is how much time we allocate to learning and self-development. Acquiring knowledge and experience takes time, away from operational pressures, and must be
built step-by-step. Therefore, manufacturers need to create the space to understand the technological changes and to learn how to apply the new products, systems and services. They also need the tools – the learning materials and hardware – to understand and practise in a safe environment. Within Festo, this is the domain of our training division – Festo Didactic. Initially established to train inwardly, it is now the largest technical training company in its field, training more than 40,000 engineers every
Automation engineers are already embracing I.T. platforms in the Cloud and On-Premise
Mark McArdle, General Manager, Festo Ireland
year – young or old, new or experienced – to build their knowledge from mechanics, through fluids, electrical and electronic disciplines. This culminates in complete Cyber- Physical production lines where all the latest Industry 4.0 technologies can be explored and combined. Access to systems like these, supported by trainers and facilitators, are essential if the manufacturing sector is to develop as it must. Manufacturers must also ensure that their teams understand the evolution of the technologies that surround them – the ‘mega trends’ – and their company’s strategy and objectives. They can then inspire staff to identify how they can best utilise these technologies. However, change that is too fast is de-stabilising and can quickly create insecurity that comes across as disengagement. It is essential to anticipate and be aware of what can appear to be disengagement, but is actually fear of change or fear of the impact of change. Manufacturers have the responsibility for ensuring that their workforce does not fear being displaced or left behind, but is excited by the opportunities that Industry 4.0 brings.
IN CONCLUSION McArdle concludes: “The reality is that we’ve barely touched the surface of what’s possible with Industry 4.0, but that means manufacturers can start taking initial steps, enabling them to avoid having to make a big leap in the future. Building your understanding of the technology and getting people on board are the things that will take time – so that is where the focus should currently be.”
Festo
www.festo.com/ie Tel: +353 (0) 1 2954955
www.irish-manufacturing.com Irish Manufacturing June 2021 9
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