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WorkForce Software, a global provider of integrated employee experience and workforce management solutions, released the 2023 IDC Tech Spotlight report titled, "New Perspectives on Intelligent Workforce Management for the Manufacturing Industry." The report, sponsored by WorkForce Software and Oracle, delves into the changing landscape of workforce management within the manufacturing industry. Authored by Anu Mehta, Senior Research Analyst, Future of Work, and Amy Loomis, Ph.D., Research Vice President, Future of Work at International Data Corporation (IDC), the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets, this report offers valuable insights into challenges and trends that are shaping the future of workforce management for manufacturers and is based on survey data from IT and business executives in the manufacturing sector.

The manufacturing industry faces unique challenges, including a significant skills shortage, with North America alone experiencing an over 50% shortage in frontline employees. An aging workforce, limited job experience among recruits, and a backlog of physical operations further compound these complexities. In response to these challenges, reevaluating investment strategies for frontline operations and reimagining workforce management have become imperatives. The 2023 IDC Tech Spotlight report reveals that 46% of manufacturers consider enhancing employee experience and boosting productivity as crucial drivers for business growth.

Manufacturers are now reevaluating their approaches to workforce investments by hiring more deskless shift workers, retaining existing employees, and creating new opportunities for frontline operations. The report highlights the growing importance of the frontline employee experience and increased investments in enhancing workforce productivity.

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"Our research with IDC shows that by 2024, companies offering frontline workers access to digital collaboration, process automation, and similar tools will see a 20% increase in revenue due to improved productivity," says Sandra Moran, Chief Customer Experience and Marketing Officer at WorkForce Software. "It’s imperative that manufacturers with a large deskless workforce invest in the digitization and modernization of their employee-focused systems like time management — where they will likely see significant savings that often can fund their entire digital transformation project and are realized funds that can be reinvested back into the employees and future-proofing the business."

Key takeaways from the 2023 IDC Tech Spotlight "New Perspectives on Intelligent Workforce Management for the Manufacturing Industry" report include:

- Investing in hardware, collaboration platforms, and automation technologies is enhancing productivity and experiences for frontline workers.

- The most significant challenges for frontline workers are high churn rates, insufficient training, outdated technology, and ineffective productivity measurement.

- Security concerns regarding unsecure networks, non-compliant devices, compromised monitoring, and risky behavior can be addressed by migrating services to the cloud.

- Frontline workers can benefit from automation by providing easy-to-use tools, skills training, and peer support.

- Modern productivity metrics are evolving to focus on quality scores, team behaviors, agile metrics, and skill levels alongside task completion.

The 2023 IDC Tech Spotlight report offers invaluable insights to help tackle these challenges and shape future strategies. It underscores the significance of employee experience and productivity in driving business growth and emphasizes the strategic importance of leveraging technology resources to achieve organizational goals. By applying the report’s insights, manufacturers can take steps forward to creating a future-ready and well-equipped workforce.

#contactcenterworld, @WorkForceSW

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: WorkForce Software