2023 EDITION

ManufacturingGlobal HR Trends

Digital transformation as a strategy to overcome modern crises in Manufacturing

The global situation triggered by COVID-19, conflict in Ukraine, rising inflation and the shortage of raw materials is pushing the manufacturing industry to adopt new technologies.


In recent research, conducted in Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom, we asked HR managers, plant managers and production managers about the challenges and opportunities of the 4th industrial revolution.


16.4 T$

84%

66%

76%

of experts
consider continuous learning vital

global Value of Manufacturing

of companies have introduced Smart Factory Technologies

of companies report difficulty finding specialised workers

Economic


Relevance

The backbone of social and economic development

trillion $

Despite widespread instability affecting all economies, the manufacturing industry is experiencing substantial growth.

In 2021, the industry was worth 16.4 trillion U.S. dollars, a 21% increase on 2020.

Its economic importance is evident in the 17% share of the global Gross Domestic Product.

This growth is welcomed by experts, who are generally optimistic about the industry’s development and highlight two new global trends: automation and sustainability.


16.4

global Value of Manufacturing

Smart

Factory

The 4th industrial revolution is here

Companies have access to a wide range of technologies to automate tasks. Our results show that 84% of companies have already implemented some digital solutions. The most common are cloud computing and digital integration, followed by big data analytics and cybersecurity.

This trend is set to continue, and the global industrial automation market is predicted to grow rapidly, reaching 265 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.

22% of respondents indicated they would definitely implement digital technologies in the next five years, and 63% said they probably would.

Experts believe new technologies will increase productivity and efficiency, but will also present some difficulties, such as a lack of operator skills.


Labour

Market

Different roles, and a move away from phsyical labour

Labour shortage is one of the main challenges faced by Manufacturing.

On one hand, the shortage can be attributed to fewer people wanting a blue-collar career and on the other, to difficulties finding workers with the necessary skills.

36% of interviewees believe the problem lies in the outdated belief that Manufacturing involves a lot of manual or low-skilled work.

Nevertheless, 85% of experts believe that the demand for specific profiles is changing. Companies will increasingly need Data Analysts and Scientists, while factory-floor workers will be increasingly focused on setting up machinery and monitoring production quality.


66%

of companies
report difficulty finding specialised workers


Learning

Continuous

Combatting the labour shortage and upskilling your workforce

76%

Training is crucial to developing the skills of current employees, attracting new workers, and overcoming labour shortages. According to the research, 76% of experts consider continuous learning key to ensuring lifelong employability.

42% of respondents consider employee training the best solution to the skills gap, because it combines acquired work experience with new skills.

Manufacturing companies now offer training programs on soft skills, like managing interpersonal relationships, and hard skills, such as how to operate new machinery.

Specifically, 87% of the companies contacted are already planning training on digital tools.


of experts
consider continuous learning vital

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