Manufacturers and industrial operators around the world are contending with a growing skills shortage resulting from an evolving workforce and the influx of new technologies. These issues are forcing business leaders to reconsider their approach to machinery and facility design, training, technology and safety. 

To address these challenges, Rockwell Automation has outlined a five-step approach to help organizations better prepare their operations and empower their workers. 

The four steps for addressing workforce availability include:

Improving machinery design to address ergonomics and safety risks for a more diverse workforce, including older and younger workers.

Building a Connected Enterprise to improve productivity and efficiency through information-enabled operations.

Training workers to preserve and pass on the knowledge of experienced workers, and to equip workers with the skills needed to take advantage of new technologies.

Leveraging vendors and suppliers to augment core competencies when specialized skills are only occasionally required or when local talent is not available.