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» PCB & ASSEMBLY Transforming labour shortages into business advantages Addressing labour challenges in electronics manufacturing In 2014, a study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group predicted that many countries would experience labour shortages in the 2020s and “a massive shortfall” by 2030. This is proving correct. In an age of supply chain disruptions and generational workforce evolution, manufacturers are struggling to find qualified employees. Increasing digitalization may be the key to finding and retaining talent. » Oren Manor and Markus Sauter, Siemens Digital Industries Software Staffing and resource constraints According to Ranstad, an aging global population is a significant factor in the current labour shortage. By 2030, 16 percent of the world population will be 65 and over, and, by 2050, this proportion will have doubled. Finding skilled replacements is an urgent matter. Manufacturing today’s complex products demands a higher level of skilled workers. Adaptability and flexibility are increasingly important as shorter lead times create the need for more versatile workers who can perform multiple functions. The convergence of various major global trends is increasing the complexity of electronics manufacturing and impacting the workforce Even before Covid-19, staffing was a challenge. Then, with the arrival of the great resignation, the challenge became even more acute. Today, the convergence of various global events and industry trends is increasing the complexity of electronics manufacturing, and this is having a knock-on effect on recruitment. Understanding how each factor impacts the workforce is vital to finding effective solutions to labour shortages, so here’s a short overview. Supply and component shortages Global events such as the pandemic, the Russian war with Ukraine, international trade tensions, global shipping bottlenecks and surges in demand for materials all contribute to supply chain volatility. This impacts every sector from metals to chemicals, including, of course, manufactured components, as well as semiconductors and related devices. This level of unpredictability directly affects manufacturing workflows. Source: Siemens Sustainability The desire to create a more sustainable work environment that lowers ecological impact, reduces energy usage, reduces waste and improves operational excellence is transforming the workplace into a healthier space for employees. Fortunately, solutions to these issues are beginning to emerge. According to Ranstad’s 2022 study, “Why is there a global labor shortage?”, it is vital that employers understand the candidate-driven employment market, and the factors valued most-highly by workers. These are competitive salaries (58 %), job security (56 %) and work environment (55 %). The biggest opportunity for employers to attract skilled workers is to address the working environment. And digitalization could be the key to success in this area. Finding and retaining talent If you want to land talented individuals in today’s competitive hiring environment, it is essential to think outside the box. Increased digitalization can help upgrade production environments and elevate worker experience, paving the way for new recruitment opportunities. Digitalization can help make the working environment a more enjoyable place for younger workers. 30 EPP Europe » 11 | 2023
Source: Siemens With the shift to high-mix manufacturing and increasing supply chain disruption, manufacturers need to find creative and effective new ways to attract, train and maintain their workforce Source: Siemens Ensuring consistency and traceability of product and process for all manufacturing strategies With increased automation, skilled personnel will have greater opportunities to expand their skillsets and become upwardly mobile as they learn to perform a variety of jobs across various manufacturing processes. Digitalized planning and advanced automation enable a flexible, optimized workflow. Options such as offering a four-day work week to recruits who would value this arrangement could give your company a competitive edge. Another option is to prioritize the recruitment of young talent. Young people can be brought in at a lower level and gradually move up into positions of increasing responsibility as they learn the manufacturing system and acquire a variety of skills. Surprisingly, only 38 percent of organizations currently make it a priority to recruit young talent, according to the Ranstad study. Digitalization can facilitate options for remote working including remote roles, remote monitoring and job variations. These options can help companies manage critical processes and still provide workers with flexibility at work and at home, making jobs more attractive to a wider range of people. Recruiting talent for specific skill sets from abroad, from South America, Africa and Asia, for instance, becomes easier if you offer remote working. This means new hires do not have to physically relocate across borders to your plant location, avoiding extra expense. The digitalization difference “In a world where more than half the population is under 25, businesses cannot afford to ignore digital transformation,” McKinsey & Company recently observed. Digital transformation is one variable that can enable manufacturers to significantly improve performance, both on the shop floor and in terms of the quality of their workforce. A talented workforce that spans generations has the potential to take a company’s performance to an entirely new level. Young talent is attracted to digital transformation and digital technology. Unlike older workers, many younger workers have experienced digital classrooms firsthand. They are better prepared to adapt to the greater flexibility of skills needed for an evolving manufacturing workplace as digitalization and automation expand. A talented workforce that spans generations has the potential to take your company performance to an entirely new level. DISCOVER 1 STOP SMART SOLUTION GET UNIQUE BENEFITS FOR EFFICIENT AND HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTION Check Cutting-edge capability for every process in your line Check M2M communication with our YSUP intelligent factory software Check Easy to use with our intuitive graphical interface Check Backed up by world-class support SEE THE NEW YR SERIES Visit us! 14.-17.11.2023 • Munich, Germany Hall A3, Booth 323 smt.yamaha-motor-robotics.eu EPP Free Europe entry ticket! » 11 | 2023 31 Code: Yamaha-prod2023
