Nine out of 10 (93%) operations leaders in the UK’s industrial, manufacturing and logistics industries see artificial intelligence (AI) and automation as key to addressing the skills shortage, according to research from fleet management firm Samsara.
The research involved 1,500 industrial operations leaders, including 200 in the UK. It revealed that AI and automation technologies are apparently increasing employee retention and making the industrial sector more attractive to new recruits.
The publication named several key benefits to introducing AI and automation across these sectors, such as allowing employees in physical operations to work remotely and minimising time spent on-site.
Some 54% of respondents said AI improved competitiveness, 51% said it led to higher employee engagement and 39% said it improved recruitment processes.
The use of AI and the automation of processes is becoming increasingly popular across the industrial sector, for applications ranging from real-time diagnostics to walk-through training.
“Although technology has modernised the employee experience in nearly every other sector, the people that power physical operations – drivers, frontline workers, and field technicians – have, until recently, been under-served by technology,” said Philip van der Wilt, VP and general manager at Samsara.
“The biggest obstacle to the modernisation of the logistics industry is the continued reliance on pen and paper processes.
“At a time when the sector is crying out for more staff to drive vehicles, supervise warehouses and manage the overall supply chain, we know that embracing digital transformation can improve working conditions, reduce costs and drive increased productivity.”
The report also showed that half (50%) of UK operations leaders pointed to easy-to-use technology as a major factor in employee retention.
