Manufacturing is Getting Smarter: What Does That Mean for Hiring?
The rate of change has quickly accelerated in the manufacturing industry, with the advent of automation technology and the cost of on-floor solutions steadily decreasing. One of the most significant shifts we've seen is the integration of smart technologies, giving rise to the concept of "Smart Manufacturing." But what does this mean for hiring?
In September, the sector added 17,000 US jobs, up 54% from August and a peak for 2023. Still, a recent Deloitte report studying the sector spoke to the challenges hiring teams face. “Many manufacturing companies are increasingly competing with other sectors for skilled labor,” experts wrote. “There is a perception among those surveyed that jobs in high-growth sectors, such as retail or services, offer better salaries and benefits.”
To compete for top talent and keep up with workplace needs, employers have an opportunity to give candidates a tech-first hiring experience, including fast and flexible background screenings. In this article, we’ll explore the implications of Manufacturing 4.0 and discuss accessible, inclusive, and tech-savvy solutions that can help companies stay ahead in the game.
The Evolution of Smart Manufacturing
A sector once characterized by manual labor, limited automation, and a heavy reliance on human skills has been completely reinvented. A decade ago, employees operated machinery, assembled products, and managed processes. Today, more technologically-aware talent is needed to oversee on-floor automation, manage procurement, and oversee safety.
Companies are focusing on integrating advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data analytics into manufacturing processes. It's all about data-driven decision-making, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring.
A Shift in Skill Requirements
To align with that new focus, employers are now seeking candidates with expertise in data analysis, programming, and the ability to work with smart machines. Importantly, the shift towards smart manufacturing presents an opportunity to create a more inclusive workforce. As technology reduces physical demands, manufacturers can open doors to a broader talent pool, including individuals with disabilities.
Hiring technologically capable employees requires hiring teams to demonstrate a tech-first and forward-thinking culture in their hiring process. Technology has become a part of every step in the process, from contacting candidates to submitting offers and processing background screenings.
At Authentica, our platform provides efficiency above the industry standard–a compliant, cost-effective, and integrated strategy allowing Authentica to offer hiring teams advanced business intelligence tools to reduce risk and speed up their compliance. We offer an intuitive platform with powerful reporting capabilities to aggregate actionable data and analytics to help teams inform their business decisions and accelerate their hiring over time. Our mobile-friendly platform reduces delays between hiring teams and candidates. Candidates can use their smart devices to view disclosures, submit their information, and complete the full screening process with text-based reminders to help them submit within their deadline. Companies can prove their commitment to a tech-forward working culture with our user-friendly mobile interfaces.
Manufacturing is getting smarter, and this transformation profoundly impacts hiring practices. Employers have the opportunity to attract more specialized and motivated talent by embracing diversity and inclusion and demonstrating a tech-forward approach to hiring and onboarding. Our customizable packages, advanced reporting capabilities, and mobile-friendly platform make it easy to modernize background screenings without compromising compliance or paying more than you need. By leading with technology across the full employee experience, employers can stay competitive in a dynamic and ever-changing job market.