How to track skills in manufacturing?

In today's manufacturing environment, tracking employee skill levels is a complex and time-consuming task. The sheer number of different job tasks and the ever-increasing rate of turnover make it difficult to keep track of employee skills using Excel or paper-based systems. These traditional methods are simply not scalable or efficient enough to meet the needs of modern manufacturing organisations.

Five approaches for effective skill training:

Effective skills tracking can help organisations improve safety, productivity, and worker performance by ensuring that the right people are assigned to the right tasks. There are a variety of methods and tools that can be used to track skills, including:

1. Direct assessment: This approach involves one employee directly assessing another's skills and knowledge. This can be done as a form of peer review, where two employees assess each other's skills, or it can be done by a manager.
2. Self-assessment: This approach consists of employees conducting self-assessments of their skills and qualifications through surveys every few months.
3. Anonymous peer assessment: This approach involves co-workers anonymously assessing each other’s performance on projects or other tasks.
4. Skill assessment using HR: This type of assessment can be done using an HR system (or a Learning Management System) to assess and update employee profiles based on training completed. For example, workers can report any courses finished, track their training data or report new certificates.
5. Connected worker platform: Any of the above 4 methods are commonly used, however, the increasing workforce variability, absenteeism, and turnover is forcing new requirements. Increasingly, manufacturers are turning to connected worker platforms to help digitally track and manage skills, and connect them with work execution.

Some benefits of tracking your employees’ skills using this approach include:

1. Boosts productivity: When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to perform better. Skill tracking can help ensure that employees have the skills they need to do their jobs effectively, which can lead to increased productivity.
2. Ensures safety: By tracking skills, organisations can ensure that the right person is assigned to the right job. This can help mitigate risk and ensure safety in the workplace.
3. Closes the skills gap: Tracking skills can help identify gaps between the skills employees already have and the skills they need. This information can be used to provide additional training or other development opportunities, which can help close the skills gap and keep employees up-to-date on the latest technologies and processes.
4. Boosts internal communications: When employees feel that their skills are being valued, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This can lead to improved communication and collaboration within the organisation.
5. Enhances competitive edge: By tracking skills, organisations can identify areas where they need to improve. This information can be used to develop training programs and other initiatives that can help the organisation stay ahead of the competition.

How can a connected worker platform help you?

1. Real-time data collection: A connected worker platform can collect data on employee skills in real time, as they are performing their jobs. This data can be used to track employee progress, identify skills gaps, and make sure that employees are up-to-date on the latest technologies and processes.
2. Automated analysis: A connected worker platform can automatically analyse the data it collects to identify trends and patterns in employee skills. This information can be used to make informed decisions about training and development, and to ensure that the workforce is aligned with the organisation's strategic goals.
3. Collaboration and communication: A connected worker platform can facilitate collaboration and communication between employees, managers, and trainers. This can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page about employee skills, and that training and development opportunities are being effectively communicated.
4. Improved decision-making: A connected worker platform can provide insights that can help managers to make better decisions about employee skills. For example, the platform can help managers to identify which employees are most likely to be promoted, or which employees need additional training.

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