AS the COVID-19 outbreak continues to rage on, more companies are starting to win the fight against the pandemic by automating some of their production processes with many showing great results.
According to a report by Deloitte, two thirds (68%) of businesses around the world used automation to tackle the challenges caused by the pandemic, bringing the total number of businesses using modern technology to about 73% globally (48% increase from 2019).
The report also showed that the number of businesses adopting automation at scale has tripled in the last two years.
Implementing the new technology, however, is not without its challenges, and if businesses are to continue on this path, they will need to retrain and upskill their workforce.
The report further projects that over the next three years, business leaders can expect to have to re-train a third of their workforce.
Today, almost a quarter (23%) of workers experienced their roles changing because of automation. A tenth has already had to re-train due to the significant changes brought upon them by technological innovation.
Optimistic on automation
In attempts to cut down costs while also boosting productivity and output, safety gear manufacturer and supplier Proguard Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd automated its production lines for as many times as it can.
Over the years, Proguard invested a significant amount to upgrade and brought in newer machinery.
Although it may cost two to three times more compared to the older ones, they are able to produce better quality and volume.
“In business, you have to be very optimistic. You can’t always think negatively. Automation is to improve output, not reduce staff,” Proguard co-founder and CEO Datuk Lee Ngai Mun told FocusM.
On the same note, Proguard also uses rejected products as recycled materials for the lower range products as part of its “no-waste strategy” in order to reduce waste and disposal costs, to target the lower-end market while minimising its impact on the environment. – Nov 30, 2020
