Industrial Firms Must Embrace Automation to Remain Competitive
By Aamir Paul
Welcome to the era where digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a revolution that’s shaking up the way we conduct business. We’re standing at the forefront of an age where data flows like water, processes are lightning-fast, and workplaces are becoming safer and more efficient thanks to technological advances.
Yet, here’s the kicker: while many sectors are riding the wave of digitalization, the industrial realm is struggling to keep pace. An outdated fear of automation—specifically, the myth that robots will take jobs away—continues to hold back a sector ripe for innovation.
Let’s set the record straight. Industrial automation isn’t about replacing the workforce; it’s about elevating it. Think of control systems, computers, and advanced tech as your best allies in the quest for efficiency. By minimizing the burden of repetitive or hazardous tasks, automation empowers your team to focus on strategic, high-impact work where human intuition and creativity soar.
In this competitive landscape, embracing automation is non-negotiable for manufacturers who want to thrive and attract top talent. It’s no wonder that nearly half of all industries are initiating digital transformation efforts. However, the early stages of these ambitious automation projects can come with their own set of trials—tight deadlines, spiraling costs, technical hiccups, and communication breakdowns can derail even the best intentions.
So, how do we overcome these hurdles? By collaborating with expert partners who specialize in digital transformation. These partnerships not only streamline resource allocations but also tackle skills gaps head-on, lay out effective digitalization strategies, and foster innovation across industries to cater to ever-changing market demands.
Addressing the Digital Demand
In today’s tech-savvy world, industrial players must leverage automation and digital tools to keep pace with the evolving preferences of customers. Gone are the days of standard products and long wait times; today’s consumers crave customization and rapid delivery like never before.
Consider Whirlpool Corporation, which deployed a resource management strategy across 40 global manufacturing sites to elevate efficiency and meet its sustainability targets. By teaming up with Schneider Electric, Whirlpool integrated a digital framework that unveiled previously hidden inefficiencies—turning an astonishing 20 million pounds of cardboard waste into an anticipated $1 million in savings over three years. Talk about a win-win!
This is the power of data insights: they make the invisible visible, enabling businesses to streamline operations, cut costs, and provide teams with real-time information for faster, smarter decision-making—without sacrificing product quality.
Automation also plays a critical role in addressing challenges tied to reshoring and nearshoring—two strategies many U.S. manufacturers are adopting to ensure sustainable growth. By improving operational efficiency and scalability, automation makes American manufacturers more competitive on the global stage.
Pioneering the Industries of the Future
With rapid digitalization transforming the industrial landscape, companies now require talent equipped with skills in data science, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Moreover, the transition to greener practices is opening the door for professionals who care deeply about environmental sustainability and efficient resource management.
But here’s the catch: the U.S. industrial sector is facing a talent shortage, with around 600,000 jobs currently unfilled. This gap translates to rising costs, safety hazards, production delays, and quality concerns. Unquestionably, industrial automation presents a unique opportunity to attract new talent, as modern professionals are digitally savvy and expect cutting-edge technology from their employers.
However, many seasoned workers—and those poised to retire—have yet to embrace the shift. A recent survey highlighted that while 73% of industrial companies believe digitalization will significantly reshape work in the next three years, almost half (49%) acknowledge a lack of skills in robotics or programming. Meanwhile, 30% feel unprepared in data processing and analytics.
Bridging this skills gap is essential, and partnering with tech experts can facilitate onboarding and skill development to create tailored training programs. Such initiatives will ensure that current employees feel confident adapting to new technologies, while employers build a powerhouse workforce ready for the future.
Crucially, successful digital integration demands a collective commitment from the workforce. While expert partners can help devise effective upskilling strategies, it’s the responsibility of business leaders to champion a culture of innovation and automation. This means investing in comprehensive training and emphasizing growth opportunities for all employees.
The road to widespread industrial automation is paved with thoughtful investments and cultural shifts. Companies that see automation as an enabler—not a threat—will cultivate talent aligned with forward-thinking roles, fostering both economic and social advancement. As manufacturers integrate automation into their operations, they’ll be poised to develop groundbreaking solutions that redefine industry standards and meet emerging market needs.
Discover how your operations can be transformed by partnering with Schneider Electric.
