Disruptions like automation and digitalization are changing the skill sets needed for managing manufacturing operations. Companies increasingly prefer to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) rather than up-skilling their employees. According to Sudeep Sen, Head of Manufacturing, Industrial and Engineering Vertical, TeamLease Services, skill sets around artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics will be most valued in the manufacturing industry in the coming years. Here, he discusses the effect of Industry 4.0 on the workforce and steps to be taken to make them future ready. 

 

How is the advent of robotics and other advanced automated tools changing the manufacturing sector in India? 

In the factory of one of the largest automobile manufacturers in India, there is one robot for every 4 workers, this is clear evidence that automation is practical and deploying it makes economic sense.When we compare various sub-sectors within manufacturing, we see a wide variation of automation potential that can be explained partly by the nature of the activities themselves, and partly by differences in the skill levels required of workers and in the technological complexity of the manufactured product. 

 

In the apparel, fashion and luxury segment 82 per cent of hours worked can be automated; similarly, agriculture processing 80 per cent, food 76 per cent and beverages 69 per cent. The predominance of repetitive, low-skilled activities in these groups make them highly susceptible to automation.

 

Is the rise in automation leading to loss of jobs in India? 

According to a worldwide survey conducted on a sample size of 19,000 employers in 44 countries on the impact of automation on job growth in the next two years. It noted that 87 per cent of employers globally and 76 per cent of Indian employers plan to increase or maintain headcount as a result of automation.

 

What types of skill sets will be needed to handle new job roles in the manufacturing industry in India?

Categorised by digital and automation disruptions, Industry 4.0 is a critical mega-trend affecting India. Skill sets around artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics will be most valued in the manufacturing industry in the coming years.

 

What has been the impact of the government’s Skill India programme?

Under the Skill India initiative, the government aims to train over 40 crore people in India in various skills by 2022. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) enable the youth in the country to take up industry-relevant skills training that will help them in securing a better livelihood. Through such schemes organisations will able to recruit skilled talent that could improve the efficiency in processes. 

 

Are companies in India investing enough in up-skilling their employees to prepare them for the future?

As per a global survey by Wiley Education Services and Future Workplace, the skills gap is widening. It also found that the number of recruiters who would prefer to invest in AI (artificial intelligence) rather than up-skilling their employees has increased to 40 per cent this year from 29 per cent last year.

 

What is the outlook of jobs in manufacturing in the nexttwo years (given the fact that the government aims to make India a $1 trillion manufacturing economy)?

Manufacturing companies in India have also enhanced investment in innovation and emerging new technologies. As per the PwC’s India Manufacturing Barometer 2019, 58 per cent of the respondent companies have increased technology integration in R&D, innovation and processes. Technological disruptions driven by Industry 4.0 will transform the Indian economy and jobs in the manufacturing sector.