Technology Learning Curve for Industry 4.0
It does not matter the level of difficulty associated with a technology, there is a learning curve that applies. Whether it be as simple as upgrading your cellphone from iPhone 7 to an iPhone 10, or switching your laptop from Lenovo to an HP, there is still some new features and functionalities that must be learned. The digital transformation and Industry 4.0 are sweeping through the manufacturing industry at an alarming speed and there is no slowdown in site.
Industry 4.0 has introduced manufacturers to many new technology trends such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, cognitive computing, internet of things, big data/analytics, power BI, cloud computing, advanced robots, etc….. With each of these technology trends, there is a new set of hardware and software applications that could be introduced within your organization. This presents a huge challenge for businesses, which is the learning curve for employees to adopt and understand these new technologies.
As important as it is to purchase new software and hardware to keep up with the emerging technologies, it is equally important to have a plan in place to train your employees on how to use the new technology.
Here are some tips to help your team adapt:
- Opt for an incremental transition: do not implement multiple new technologies at once. Let them get used to 1 change before you thrust a second or third upon them.
- Define goals/procedures for technology training: set small and specific training goals until you have completely trained them on the entire system. Do not overwhelm them by just simply telling them to go learn the new system.
- Keep training short and sweet: No one wants to sit in place an learn hours upon hours. Give the small chunks of knowledge at one time, give them time to adjust, then move on.
- Chose a power user: having that go to person who is already fully trained will really help your other users embrace the learning.
- Provide them the necessary tools they need: make sure they have log-in info, pin numbers, manuals, etc. The more you make them search for basic information, the quicker you are going to demotivate them to learn.
Making this investment of time to help your employees with the learning curve associated with new technology, will make the transition from old technology to new technology less intimidating. As Industry 4.0 moves into Industry 5.0, the technology is going to continue to evolve and introduce us to new terms and applications we do not yet know is possible. Make sure you don’t lose sight of the importance of training your team on the tools they have at their disposal to make them, and ultimately the company successful.
2W Tech is a technology service provider specializing in solutions for the manufacturing industry. Give us a call today to learn more about any of the technologies Industry 4.0 has introduced us to, or if you need help with training your users on any technology tools.
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