How Intelligent Shift Filling Automation Can Optimize Staffing in Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry is no stranger to workforce challenges, but in recent years these issues have only become more complex and varied. With over 14.7 million people working in U.S. manufacturing – representing nearly 10% of total U.S. employment – the impact of these trends cannot be understated. In fact, US manufacturing is expected to see 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, which could deliver an economic hit in excess of $1 trillion. The need to address these challenges and create innovative solutions has never been more pressing.

Recent reports shine a light on emerging workforce trends that will have a significant impact on the manufacturing industry. This blog will explore three reports on workforce trends and discuss intelligent shift filling’s role in addressing these trends in manufacturing.

Digitalization

One significant trend highlighted in the Deloitte 2023 Manufacturing Industry Outlook Report is digitalization. The report suggests manufacturers need to embrace new digital technologies to improve productivity, increase efficiency, and enhance their supply chain operations. In particular, manufacturers are focusing their investment efforts on technologies that maintain momentum, protect long-term profitability, and broaden advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Intelligent Shift fill automation software is a key component of digitizing the workplace. By embracing new technologies, manufacturers can optimize their scheduling process to improve workforce efficiency, allowing them to effectively leverage their workforce to meet changing staffing demands. This results in improved scheduling and staffing outcomes, ensuring the right person is in the right shift at the right time. The best shift filling automation technologies also provide centralized, actionable data, which helps drive more informed scheduling decisions. Understanding your real-time movement of staff and how you can best work with them is crucial in staying ahead of industry trends.

Talent Shortage & Workplace Flexibility

With an aging workforce at/near retirement and a lack of younger workers entering the industry, manufacturers are struggling to fill open positions with skilled workers. As a result, almost 45% of manufacturing executives report turning down business opportunities due to staff shortages. One of the reasons behind this is an increased interest in remote work, especially among the younger generation. 

The Indeed Glassdoor Workplace Trends Report suggests that the remote work trend born out of the pandemic is here to stay. However, it’s estimated that only one-third of occupations (including many manufacturing roles) are compatible with remote work, which leaves employers filling in-person roles at a disadvantage. That said, Deloitte highlights a flexible work environment as one way for manufacturers highing on-location roles to stay competitive.

Intelligent shift filling solutions leverage automation to enable a more efficient and flexible work environment for both employees and employers. These technologies, when effectively deployed, can help manufacturers address the talent shortage by seamlessly integrating with existing workforce management solutions. This integration enables end-to-end automated workflows to identify, communicate, and award vacant shifts to eligible employees. The end result is reduced stress for staff schedulers while providing employees with more control over their schedules. Empowering employees with a greater opportunity to balance their work and personal lives leads to higher satisfaction scores and reduced absenteeism. 

Employee Wellbeing

Global CHRO of the Future Research report outlines employee wellbeing as another trend emerging in the workforce. Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) in manufacturing and other industries are recognizing the importance of creating a positive work environment that prioritizes employee health and wellbeing. The report highlights that investment into employee wellbeing initiatives spiked during the pandemic, but has since decreased. Despite this, 11% of CHROs reported employee wellbeing and mental health as a top area of focus in 2022. Improving employee wellbeing initiatives was also among the top five areas those surveyed would allocate more funding to if given the opportunity.

Intelligent shift fill automation software can have numerous positive effects on employee wellbeing. Eliminating menial and tedious scheduling tasks frees up time for schedulers, allowing them the opportunity to refocus their efforts on more critical work. Moreover, more effectively leveraging internal staff resources can reduce understaffing strain and mitigate the potential for employee stress and burnout.

How Andgo Can Help

Andgo's Intelligent Automation Suite is specifically designed as an innovative solution to complex scheduling and staffing issues across the entire organization. By helping manufacturers optimize their scheduling process, Andgo improves workforce efficiency and reduces the impact of the talent shortage. With Andgo, manufacturers can seamlessly integrate technology to gain insights into real-time staff movement, increase workplace flexibility, improve employee satisfaction rates and ultimately drive better business results.

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