The skilling evolution in India’s manufacturing industry

  • Articles
  • Feb 17,23
Over the past decade, the role of automation in manufacturing has increased significantly. As the sector continues to change and evolve, the skill sets required to succeed are changing as well. The need for strong core competencies alongside new age skills and soft skills will be critical to success, says Neeti Sharma.
The skilling evolution in India’s manufacturing industry

Over the past decade, the role of automation in manufacturing has increased significantly and with the ever increasing need to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, streamline processes, and reduce human dependency, the role of automation in manufacturing is likely to increase even further. For many decades, the manufacturing industry has used physical robots in their assembly lines, to test products, and in packaging as well. However, the lack of unskilled labor has led to poor deficiencies in back office processes. Moreover, ineffective supply chain management, and changing regulatory policies have also led to further inefficiencies. In such a scenario, manufacturing firms are looking to Robotic Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Intelligence Document Processing, and Business Process Automation to fill in the gaps and overcome pain points.

Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, and additive manufacturing are increasingly being adopted by manufacturing firms in India. These new technologies enable companies to manage end to end processes, handle entire supply and logistics chains, and achieve zero waste production as well. With the manufacturing sector contributing approximately 17 per cent of the total GDP and with projections expected to grow exponentially due to global scenarios, robust automation processes are the need of the hour.

As the sector continues to change and evolve, the skill sets required to succeed are changing as well. The need for strong core competencies alongside new age skills and soft skills will be critical to success. Over the next decade, automation is expected to take over more jobs and the workforce will be expected to upskill, reskill, and cross skill itself in order to stay relevant. Here are some of the key skills that both freshers and experienced candidates will be required to master:

Digital tools
As the sector continues to become more tech-focussed and digitally driven, understanding and mastering key digital tools that are used on the shop floor will be critical. Skills such as big data, data analytics, cloud computing, advanced robotics, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, and machine learning will continue to be in demand going forward.

Lean manufacturing
As manufacturing firms strive to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase productivity, the concept of lean manufacturing will become extremely important. Candidates who are well versed in lean manufacturing can look at the big picture and evaluate and implement processes on the factory floor. Moreover, having a strategic mindset enables future growth and rapid opportunities for promotion as well.

Complex problem solving
The dynamic nature of the shop floor requires employees at all levels to be well versed in complex problem solving and critical thinking. Complex problem solving can be defined as a set of psychological processes that are self-regulated and activities that are necessary for dynamic environments that cannot be completed by actions that are routine. Employees who are capable of troubleshooting, resolving issues quickly, and thinking on their feet will stand out in a crowd.

STEM
The world of modern manufacturing is changing rapidly and STEM (Science, technology, Engineering, and Math) skills play a crucial role in this dynamic world. Organisations are looking for candidates who have advanced math skills that can be applied for analysing, troubleshooting, and design based work. Learning STEM skills at the school level also helps students understand modern technology and stay ahead of the curve at the graduate and postgraduate levels.

Increasingly, across all sectors, HR teams are looking beyond just core skills or hard skills while evaluating employees. Soft skills and interpersonal skills such as communication, time management, teamwork, leadership, stress management, adaptability, creativity, resourcefulness, conflict management and persuasion are crucial to the success of any team. Manufacturing firms that have a culture of togetherness and inclusivity are likely to have more success in the current era.