Digital Communication in Manufacturing

Communication and clarity are vital to success in today’s workplace. Digital communication addresses the need for consistent, clear messaging, and a digitally connected workforce is well informed and more engaged. Digital communication is already ingrained in everyday life, and it’s increasingly essential in the modern workplace.

In the manufacturing sector, an exponential increase in the use of advanced technology mirrors the digital transformation occurring throughout the business world. Digital communication keeps manufacturing employees informed of, and aligned with, production goals, and internal communication channels, such as mobile apps, give employees access to the information they need to do their jobs.

Manufacturing communication goes digital

There are two primary digital communication tools common in manufacturing today. Digital displays and readouts, or manufacturing metric displays (MMDs), are digital message boards for factory employees, most often used to display production metrics, announcements, and/or workplace safety information. Mobile employee communication apps allow employees to receive quick and reliable updates on their mobile devices. Mobile apps are good for conveying emergency information, issuing important reminders, and even recognizing employee achievements.

Enhancing workplace communication is always a priority, and digital communication tools come with benefits for:

• Empowering employees with up-to-date information.
• Creating a more transparent working environment.
• Reducing employer and employee stress.
• Streamlining and integrating manufacturing workflows.
• Building a more engaged, inclusive, and efficient workforce.

Internal digital communication enhances engagement for increasingly positive effects in manufacturing facilities. Communication has come a long way since the days of printed newsletters and posters. Employee communication apps are efficient and far reaching, which makes them ideal for delivering real-time information. MMDs seamlessly relay information without relying on verbal orders or more traditional communication methods that are prone to delay or likely to be overlooked. Two-way radio systems have long been the communication workhorse of the manufacturing world, but digital radios provide improved voice quality to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety.

Implementing digital communications

Implementing internal digital communication channels allows every employee access to fast, reliable information sharing, but setting up a new communications strategy can feel overwhelming. Consider these best practices for your company’s communications upgrade:

• Choose a mobile-first platform. Choose a mobile-friendly, cloud-based communication system to make sure every employee has access. Mobile devices are ubiquitous, so take advantage of the fact that most employees are already equipped with digital communication technology.
• Provide training. Implementing a new communication platform requires training to help employees feel comfortable and increase immediate engagement.
• Develop a rollout plan. Ensure a successful rollout by engaging employee champions to drive adoption of your company’s internal communication app. Offer participation incentives and encourage company leaders to use the platform regularly.
• Set and respect boundaries. The round-the-clock availability of digital communication should not require employees to be “always available.” Set reasonable and appropriate boundaries early, so everyone will understand when they should, and should not, engage.
• Measure ROI. Digital communication platforms are typically equipped with data and analytics to track success. Use the available data to measure engagement through metrics like app adoption, productivity, job satisfaction, and turnover rates.

Digital communication tools are an efficient addition to the manufacturing space. They keep employees and employers up to speed on critical production metrics and company goals and drive engagement with clear, up-to-the-minute information.

To learn more about building efficient, effective communication strategies for your employees, visit terrastaffinggroup.com. ?