8/26/2024
BY: JERED TYACK
Employee turnover is a significant issue in the manufacturing industry, with rates often higher than in other sectors. High turnover can result in decreased productivity, as new employees take time to reach the same level of proficiency as their predecessors. It can also increase recruitment and training costs, as companies must constantly find and onboard new employees. Additionally, high turnover can negatively impact morale among the remaining employees, who may feel overworked or undervalued, further intensifying the problem. Training is an important part of efficient recruitment and employee retention, as it helps people quickly onboard, understand their roles, perform tasks effectively, and identify paths to advancement. Manufacturers must invest in high-quality training to help maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) AND VIRTUAL REALITY (VR)
Industry 4.0 technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), offer significant advantages for training new employees, particularly in machine maintenance. AR can overlay digital information, such as step-by-step instructions or interactive 3D models, onto the real-world environment. For a new employee learning machine maintenance, AR can provide real-time guidance and visual aids, highlighting specific components and procedures directly on the machinery. This hands-on, interactive approach enhances learning retention and reduces the risk of errors.
VR, on the other hand, can simulate realistic environments where new employees can practice maintenance tasks in a safe and controlled setting. By immersing trainees in a virtual environment, they can familiarize themselves with the machinery and its operation without the risk of damage or injury. VR simulations can also simulate various scenarios and malfunctions, allowing trainees to develop problem-solving skills and gain confidence in their abilities before working on actual machines.
Together, AR and VR technologies can revolutionize the training process for new employees in machine maintenance by offering a dynamic, engaging, and safe learning experience.
DOCUMENT & ENHANCE YOUR COMPANY'S TRAINING PLANS
Incorporating recorded video and audio can further enhance the training process by capturing the experiential knowledge of seasoned maintenance technicians. These recordings can document the real-life challenges and solutions technicians encounter during maintenance tasks. New employees can benefit from watching these recordings to gain insights into best practices, troubleshooting techniques, and tips for efficient maintenance. Additionally, these recordings can serve as a valuable resource for future training sessions, allowing new employees to learn from the experiences of seasoned technicians even after they have moved on from the company.
Implementing a robust training program can help manufacturers retain and upskill staff and quickly onboard new employees, and advanced technology can provide valuable support during this process. From offering virtual “hands-on” experience in a controlled environment to facilitating problem-solving and experimentation, augmented reality and virtual reality tools can help a wide range of learners develop vital skills and retain mission-critical information. Get expert insights to take your training program to the next level—contact an MMTC representative today.
Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses to successfully compete and grow. Through personalized services designed to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.the-center.org.
Categories: Advanced Manufacturing,
Industry 4.0,
Innovation,
Leadership/Culture,
Smart Manufacturing,
Technology,
Workforce