Your industrial engineering team faces technological disruption. How will you maintain workflow efficiency?

In an era of rapid technological change, industrial engineering teams are increasingly confronted with the challenge of maintaining workflow efficiency. This disruption can be daunting, but with a strategic approach, you can navigate these changes successfully. By leveraging new technologies, upskilling your team, and optimizing processes, you can not only adapt to disruption but also use it as an opportunity to enhance your operations. The key lies in being proactive, embracing innovation, and maintaining a focus on core industrial engineering principles.

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1 Embrace Change

When technological disruption hits, your first step is to embrace the change rather than resist it. Understand that these advancements can lead to significant improvements in your workflow efficiency if harnessed correctly. Begin by assessing the new technology's impact on your current processes and determining how it can be integrated smoothly. Communication is critical; ensure that everyone on your team understands the reasons for the change and the benefits it will bring. This will foster a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement, which is essential in the dynamic field of industrial engineering.

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Mark Robertson

Revenue Leader | Podcast Host | Ultrarunner
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Coming from a technology background, and having worked in cloud manufacturing for a while, continuous 'disruption' is the nature of the game. I would often interview candidates and try to discover their willingness for change, and how they adapt to change. This was a constant for us, and therefore, if a workforce want to get a competitive advantage over others then they need to be front foot and search out the best solutions. This would always lead to change, but something to feel excited about.

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2 Upskill Team

To keep up with technological advancements, it's crucial that your team's skills are up to date. Identify the competencies needed to operate new technologies and provide training to fill any gaps. This could involve formal education, on-the-job training, or even self-directed learning. By investing in your team's professional development, you not only equip them to handle current disruptions but also prepare them for future changes. A well-trained team is a resilient team, and this will greatly contribute to maintaining workflow efficiency.

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Mark Robertson

Revenue Leader | Podcast Host | Ultrarunner
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Having spent most of my working career working in scaleups, the ability to self direct learning is really critical. Budgets, resource and personnel are simply not there to fund the 'formal' training needs of a business. That all being said, the amount of self directed learning material available is immense. Additionally, part of working in a scaleup is experiment with new apps and new ideas - so in many ways, 'the hands on' nature of working in a start up is in itself a great place to upskill and bring new ideas to the table.

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3 Optimize Processes

With new technology comes the opportunity to optimize your processes. Conduct a thorough analysis of your workflows to identify bottlenecks and areas that can benefit from automation or improved technology. Implementing lean manufacturing principles, such as value stream mapping and waste reduction, will help streamline operations and eliminate inefficiencies. By continuously seeking ways to improve your processes, you ensure that your team remains productive and competitive in a technologically evolving landscape.

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4 Leverage Data

Technological disruption often brings with it a wealth of data that can be used to enhance workflow efficiency. Implement systems to collect and analyze this data to gain insights into your operations. Use these insights to make informed decisions about process improvements, quality control, and predictive maintenance. By becoming data-driven, you can anticipate problems before they occur and make adjustments that optimize performance and reduce downtime.

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Mark Robertson

Revenue Leader | Podcast Host | Ultrarunner
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I'm personally a huge fan of data driven decisions, and very often favour those who can bring ideas supported by data. Previously, this was harder to come by - accessing data was challenging and time consuming. However, today, there is a huge amount of data easily made available by the thousands of apps being used by companies across the world. Most are cloud based, SSO, monthly subscriptions with easy to use reporting interfaces.

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5 Foster Collaboration

Maintaining efficiency in the face of technological disruption requires a collaborative effort. Encourage open communication and teamwork across all levels of your organization. Cross-functional collaboration can lead to innovative solutions that might not have been discovered in silos. Consider creating task forces or working groups that focus on integrating new technologies and improving workflows. Collaboration fuels creativity and problem-solving, which are invaluable when navigating disruptive changes.

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6 Continuous Improvement

Finally, adopt a philosophy of continuous improvement, known as Kaizen in Japanese. This approach involves making small, incremental changes that lead to significant improvements over time. Encourage everyone on your team to contribute ideas and to be on the lookout for ways to enhance efficiency. By making continuous improvement a part of your team's culture, you create an environment that is always ready to adapt and improve, regardless of technological disruptions.

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Your industrial engineering team faces technological disruption. How will you maintain workflow efficiency?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Embrace Change

2 Upskill Team

3 Optimize Processes

4 Leverage Data

5 Foster Collaboration

6 Continuous Improvement

Industrial Engineering

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Your industrial engineering team faces technological disruption. How will you maintain workflow efficiency?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Embrace Change

2 Upskill Team

3 Optimize Processes

4 Leverage Data

5 Foster Collaboration

6 Continuous Improvement

Industrial Engineering

Rate this article

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