Tackling Skilled Worker Shortages With Connected Worker Solutions

  • Blog
  • Operational Excellence

Tackling Skilled Worker Shortages With Connected Worker Solutions

Labour shortages has been a concerning issue for several years within industries such as construction and manufacturing. Additionally, retiring of ageing and experienced workforce along with the lack of skilled young people available to fill positions is exacerbating this problem. Firms are implementing connected worker solutions such as augmented reality solutions, wearables and mobile apps to overcome these challenges as evidenced in the recent Verdantix Operational Excellence Global Corporate Survey, in which 97% of the 301 respondents mentioned connected worker solutions as being very significant or significant in improving worker retention and 89% for solving the low availability of skilled workers.

Rogers Electric & Machine implemented Remote Spark’s mixed reality solution and saved an average of $7,000 with each use by eliminating the need to send experts to sites at short notice, but also delivered a faster service to its customers. Seventy-nine per cent of the respondents also stated connected worker solutions help to combat knowledge loss from retiring workforce. Firms are using solutions to simplify and streamline processes for the less-skilled workers as well as increasing worker satisfaction, leading to an increase in retention. Augmentir provides personalised digital work instructions based on the skill level and performance history of workers, thereby increasing their productivity.  

Although workforce challenges cannot be cured solely with technology, firms can greatly benefit from their implementation. Despite the tech bear market, spend on connected workers will continue as firms still seek to streamline operations and find productivity gains, which becomes even more important in times of economic slowdown. The spend on connected worker solutions is forecasted to nearly double from $1.56 billion in 2022 to $3.0 billion in 2026.

For more information on connected worker solutions, read the following Verdantix reports: Augmentir Differentiates Through Digital Work Instructions Tailored To Worker Competencies, Market Size And Forecast: Connected Worker Solutions 2021-2026 (Global)10 Exciting Connected Worker Solution Providers To Watch In 2021

 

Tackling Skilled Worker Shortages With Connected Worker Solutions_graphic (002)

 

Henry Kirkman

Industry Analyst

Henry is an Industry Analyst in the Verdantix Industrial Transformation practice. His current research agenda focuses on connected worker solutions, technologies for industrial asset maintenance, and the industrial applications of AI, including generative AI and computer vision. Prior to joining Verdantix, Henry completed a Masters degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter.