A shortage of skilled workers in the area of conflict between demographic change and new technologies: A persistent, high-level and challenging problem not only in Germany, which inevitably affects almost all companies. The fact is that this trend will not be reversed in the foreseeable future. However, there are effective ways to counter this shortage and to integrate unskilled workers in a meaningful and future-oriented way. A promising approach that also has many other positive effects: simplifying the operation of existing machinery!
Sustainable human-machine interaction: reducing complexity + usability as an opportunity
Simple, intuitive, fast: user-friendly, effective and efficient machine operation is a key component in the development of future-proof production processes. This is the view of the Fraunhofer Institute, among others, which has now carried out various studies and offers accompanying workshops and events: “The increasing complexity and digitalization of technical systems requires user-friendly operation.”
The challenge for industry and research is clearly defined: The constant change towards greater system complexity in combination with less user experience. A development that leads to new requirements in the design of the user interface, the so-called HMI (Human Machine Interface). Modern, future-proof technical systems and machines should include people as users in the development process. This is the only way to ensure that even unskilled personnel are quickly able to operate the system effectively thanks to suitable user interfaces. And at the same time, of course, we do not lose sight of the know-how of our experienced employees.
Advantages of easy machine operation at a glance
Increased efficiency
Simple + intuitive operation = faster + more efficient implementation.
Productivity increase
More efficient, faster machine operation leads to a significant increase in productivity.
Lower training costs
Less time and effort required for machine operation training leads to direct cost savings.
Reduced error rate
The simpler the operation, the lower the probability of operating errors.
Faster familiarization
Not only new employees benefit from easier, more comprehensible operation.
Increased security
Easier operation reduces the risk of accidents at work – a plus for safety in the workplace.
Improved user-friendliness
Easy machine operation = positive, motivating user experience.
Greater flexibility
All users can quickly adapt to different operating conditions thanks to the simple operation.
Conclusion: Simple, intuitive machine operation can be an effective way for industry to meet the challenge of a shortage of skilled workers. And how it can secure additional opportunities by developing user-friendly HMIs.
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