Companies are increasingly turning to new technologies to help train workers and automate repetitive tasks as workforce challenges persist. Packaging and processing companies are utilizing retention efforts, new technologies, and improved training to help find and retain skilled workers, according to the 2023 report from PMMI Business Intelligence, "Sustainability and Technology - The Future of Packaging and Processing."
The US Department of Labor indicated that the job market remained strong in 2022, with an additional 223,000 jobs added in December 2022, according to the Washington Post's "December Jobs Report." The manufacturing industry continues to experience labor shortages. Industry stakeholders recognize the need to effectively train more people in modern manufacturing techniques and automate simple, repetitive tasks to improve productivity and retention rates.
A company representative interviewed by Business Intelligence researchers stated that recruitment, training, and retention initiatives aimed to "make work meaningful and rewarding with good pay and benefits."
Retention efforts are paying off
Over four in five executives surveyed (81%) described retention efforts as "successful" or "very successful." The remaining 19% stated that their efforts had not been successful at all, and many reported continued difficulties in recruiting and retaining employees. Successful initiatives include profit-sharing, regular career discussions, benefits such as health insurance, and changing the company culture to provide "a better, more desirable/pleasant work environment," according to one respondent. Several respondents also mentioned competitive wages, reflecting rising inflation and labor shortages.
Technology helps address workforce challenges
Technology clearly plays a significant role in all aspects of manufacturing, including training, recruitment, and retention. Survey respondents mentioned "data transparency" and "implementation of remote and hybrid work for packaging engineering positions" as top priorities. Others mentioned "engagement and development of [the team] using newer technologies/updated equipment."
The majority (82%) of survey respondents found that technology enhanced training efforts. Initiatives cited by these respondents included equipment training supported by OEM/suppliers or led by them, involving all employees in driving and managing continuous improvements, video training, virtual training systems for remote workers, cloud-based guides, digitized work instructions, and software to test, record, and store training data.
When asked about the success of using technology to increase the extent of real-time operational control, 90% of those who responded said it was successful or very successful.
The use of technology to provide line operators with more control reduced "dependence on others and/or manual tasks," said one respondent, with more recognized HMI setups helping hourly employees manage roles such as scheduling, material release, and inventory management. "We have increasingly automated production processes, such as material dosing, weighing, and preparation times," wrote an engineer and project manager from an international food producer, importer, and distributor. "This is done to have better control and traceability of the process."
SOURCE: PMMI Business Intelligence, 2023 Sustainability and Technology - The Future of Packaging and Processing
source from packworld
