The industrial sector’s qualification journey requires professionals to develop knowledge in emerging technologies, as these tools are fundamental to digital transformation. Skills in agile methodologies and design thinking are important to promote innovation and efficiency.
Marc Tawil, communications strategist, mentor, speaker and educator, says this in a chat with ST-One about transformations in the industrial sector and the impact of emerging technologies. Tawil highlights that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation will be the main shapers of the future of work in industrial sectors in the coming years.
“In my point of view, they will completely transform industrial sectors in the next ten years. AI will allow us to analyze large volumes of data much more efficiently, improving operations and decision-making. In manufacturing, for example, predictive maintenance with AI can today reduce machine downtime by up to 20% and maintenance costs by 10% to 40%. Imagine this in 5 years. And in 10!”, he says.
For him, with automation, productivity and precision in production lines will increase significantly. “Collaborative robots, so-called cobots, will work alongside us, performing repetitive and dangerous tasks, while we focus on more complex and creative functions. The forecast is that, by 2025, around 60% of manual tasks can be automated, increasing safety and efficiency”, says Tawil.
Below, check out more of the expert’s views on adapting organizational cultures for a data-driven future, developing skills for the industrial future and much more.
What are the main challenges companies face when trying to adapt their organizational cultures to be more data-driven?
A: Resistance to change and the lack of technical skills to deal with the new. Changing employees’ mindsets to value data in decision-making is not easy. There is also a need to train the team so that they know how to interpret and use data effectively. Another challenge is ensuring the quality and integrity of data so that decisions are based on reliable information. Finally, knowing how to integrate data systems across the company, which can be complicated and costly.
How can data-driven culture benefit industrial sectors?
A: A data-driven approach makes operations more agile and competitive. Improves decision making, allowing choices based on concrete data rather than assumptions. This increases efficiency and reduces operating costs. Data analysis also predicts machine failures, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime. Customizing products is also made easier, better meeting customer demands.”
What strategies might be most effective in overcoming these challenges?
A: I will indicate the 7 that I understand are the most relevant at the moment:
1. Leadership by example, with executives adopting the use of data in their decisions.
2. Continuing education with investment in training for all employees.
3. Culture change, with the creation of workshops and internal campaigns.
4. More intuitive data analysis tools.
5. Pivot through smaller projects that quickly demonstrate benefits.
6. Interdisciplinarity, with teams combining technical and business knowledge.
7. Continuous feedback loop to adjust strategies.”
With increasing digitalization, what skills and competencies do you consider essential for professionals who want to stand out in the industrial job market?
A: If you are a professional and want to stand out in the industrial job market, you need to develop skills and competencies beyond the traditional ones. Here are some that I think are important today:
- Data literacy: ability to interpret, analyze and use data effectively to make informed decisions.
- Critical thinking and problem solving: ability to approach complex problems with an analytical and innovative mindset.
- Adaptability and continuous learning: willingness to continually learn new technologies and methods, keeping up to date with rapid changes.
- Interdisciplinary communication: ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse teams, combining technical and business knowledge.
- Cybersecurity: understanding digital security practices to protect sensitive data and industrial systems.
- Design Thinking: application of user-centered methodologies to develop innovative and efficient solutions.
- Agile project management: competence in agile methodologies to manage projects in a flexible and efficient way, responding quickly to changes and market demands.”
As an edtech educator, how important is it to integrate technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things) and Big Data into education to better prepare future professionals in the industry?
A: I see IoT as a catalyst for practical experiences and realistic simulations, in which we develop essential skills for the job market, while Big Data allows for the personalization of teaching, identifying students’ individual needs and improving the educational process. These technologies familiarize students with modern tools and processes, increasing their employability and readiness to face challenges in an increasingly interconnected work environment with more fragmented borders.”
Could you share some strategies that companies are adopting to ensure that the implementation of new technologies results in an inclusive work environment that promotes the continuous qualification of workers?
A: Companies are adopting several interesting strategies, from the most traditional to interesting innovations: continuous training and skill development programs, mentoring systems to help adapt to new technologies, promoting diversity in technology teams, intuitive tools to facilitate employee adaptation, open communication channels for continuous feedback, encouraging an organizational culture that values continuous learning and adaptation, collaborations with universities and educational institutions to offer courses and certifications that complement internal training.
About the Interviewee
Marc Tawil is a communications strategist, mentor, speaker and educator. He is #1 LinkedIn Top Voices, LinkedIn Creator and Official LinkedIn Learning Instructor.
He is a professional speaker in the areas of Future of Work, Future of Communication, AI and Digital Authority, Evolution of Brands and Society 5.0, and is a four-time TEDxSpeaker and TEDx emcee. He won the Aberje Vozes da Comunicação Special Award in 2023.
Furthermore, Tawil is a columnist for Época Negócios and Eletromidia Out Of Home, and acts as a Master Expert (curator) of the MBA in Executive Communication at HSM University and as a LinkedIn Expert at O Novo Mercado. He is also a member of the Reputation Board of Ipsos – a global leader in market research. Between 2010 and 2020, he was involved in communications through Tawil Comunicação, agency No. 1 Great Place To Work Brazil and BCorp by Sistema B.
– Interview carried out through the ST-One Press Office: assessoria-imprensa@st-one.io