How Automation Is Solving Manufacturing Labor Shortages

Employees are integral to the success of any company. From product assembly to research and development, each team is a vital part of the ecosystem. The successes made by these folks, along with industrialization, have allowed for the development of higher quality products in the manufacturing space. Unfortunately, the industry has had a difficult time equipping sufficient labor forces to keep up with the demand caused by this increase in quality.

To paint a picture, the average car manufactured today is equipped with airbags, anti-locking brake systems, traction control, rearview cameras, cruise control, and pedestrian detection systems, none of which were available 100 years ago. As you can imagine, installing these features requires much more labor than older models. Fortunately, the growth of automation has helped companies keep up with these increased demands, even throughout labor shortages.

The Manufacturing Labor Shortage Explained

While labor shortages in manufacturing aren't a new issue, a variety of factors have exacerbated the issue in recent years. The impact of these shortages affects every aspect of the industry, including production timelines, cost efficiency, and morale. Understanding the underlying causes can help us create better systems to implement moving forward.

Aging Workforce

The manufacturing workforce is dominated by the Baby Boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964. Because they grew up in a time of significant industrial growth, Baby Boomers saw a rapid expansion in the number of factories being built. This created a vast number of job opportunities in the manufacturing sector, turning into a lifelong career for many.

As the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age, the workforce is struggling to find ample candidates to replace them. The invaluable skills and knowledge held by Baby Boomers is not found as easily in younger generations, which has created a skills gap this is difficult to fill. Additionally, the retirement rate for Baby Boomers is increasing at a steady rate, further widening the gap.

A Wide Skills Gap

As stated previously, manufacturing companies are struggling to find suitable candidates from younger generations that possess the same skills as Baby Boomers. Modern manufacturing requires a high level of technical skill and proficiency with advanced technologies and machinery. However, there is a lack of candidates in the application pool that have undergone the necessary vocational training for these jobs. It is difficult to pinpoint an exact reason for the lack of qualifications, but one reason could be that many don't want to dish out the required funds to undergo training.

Changing Job Preferences

Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, have different career preferences than previous generations. A push for work-life balance has caused them to seek out jobs that offer flexibility and opportunities for personal growth and advancement. These generations have a different perception of manufacturing jobs than older folks, which has led to declined interest.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the manufacturing labor market. Although many jobs in manufacturing were considered essential, the industry had a difficult time maintaining adequate levels of staffing. During the pandemic, many workers left their jobs due to health concerns, caregiving responsibilities, or early retirement. The disruption in global supply chains also affected manufacturing operations, leading to further workforce reductions. Now on the other side of the pandemic, the industry continues to face challenges in rehiring and training new employees to meet renewed demand.

Automation Saves the Day

Fortunately for manufacturing companies, major strides in automation are helping to address the setbacks caused by labor shortages. Technologies like robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), are being used to perform a variety of tasks that once required skilled workers.

Advanced Robotics

Robotics are playing a crucial role in addressing the labor shortage in manufacturing. By taking over repetitive, dangerous, and labor-intensive tasks, they are filling the lowest demand roles. Robots can also work around the clock without fatigue, significantly boosting productivity and efficiency. Equipped with sensors and AI, advanced robotics systems can perform complex tasks with high precision and consistency, reducing errors and waste significantly. These systems can not only perform physical tasks, but also assist in quality control and packaging. By automating these processes, manufacturers can maintain high levels of production, despite a shrinking workforce.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things has been revolutionary in the automation sphere, since its inception. IoT is a network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to connect and exchange data with other devices over the internet. The goal is IoT is to create a seamless integration of physical space and the internet, allowing objects to be sensed and controlled remotely.

The Internet of Things is significantly helping alleviate labor shortages by allowing for the creation of smart factories. In these highly productive factories, IoT-enabled sensors and machines collect real-time data throughout the production process, providing insights into equipment performance, maintenance needs, and workflow optimization. This allows for predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of machinery.

IoT systems also enable remote monitoring and control, allowing a smaller workforce to manage larger and more complex operations. Additionally, IoT can automate inventory management and supply chain logistics, ensuring that stock is replenished in a timely manner, without the constant need of manual oversight. By taking advantage of IoT, manufacturers can significantly cut down on the need for human intervention, reducing the need for manual labor, while improving overall productivity.

New Employment Opportunities

As engineers continue to develop advancements in automation, many have begun to worry that the need for skilled workers will diminish. While automation has helped to address the skills gap, it doesn't eliminate the need for skilled workers, but rather changes the skill set required. There is a growing demand for workers who can manage and maintain automated systems, creating new opportunities for training and development. Potential areas include programming and troubleshooting robots, working with AI algorithms, and analyzing data from IoT devices. This shift can lead to more fulfilling and higher paying jobs, and even increases safety in manufacturing facilities.

Moving Forward with Automation

Embracing automation is no longer an option, but a requirement for the manufacturing industry. In order to stay competitive, agile, and resilient amidst labor challenges, companies have had to invest in automated technologies. By increasing productivity, enhancing precision, and addressing the skills gap, automation is transforming the industry. Though roadblocks are expected to happen in any industry, automation will help manufacturers smooth over the bumps much more quickly.

Interested in implementing automated solutions in your manufacturing facility? Contact a trusted provider, like Caster Connection for expert advice on casters to use with a variety of automated vehicles.

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How Automation Is Helping Solve Labor Shortages In Manufacturing