Autonomous Readiness Model: People - Digital Skills

The "People" Requirement of Your Autonomous Readiness Model: Digital Skills

Digital transformation has huge benefits. However, bringing new technology into any organisation can be complicated. It requires behaviour change and procedural change and often we’re creatures of habit. To simplify the digital transformation journey for companies using geospatial data, I’ve created ARM, an Autonomous Readiness Model for all autonomous tech in the industry. The model looks at three areas that you need to consider when introducing autonomous technology into your workplace: people, processes and technology.?

This first article looks at how to get your people ready. The role of people and their associated skills are paramount. With Generative AI and other disruptors, we are seeing more and more requirements for industries to pivot; rely upon and embrace new digital skills. Digital skills, related to a successful implementation of digital transformation towards autonomy, are getting more and more focus. But what are these skills? Why are they important?

Digital transformation often requires specialized knowledge of, among other technologies, AI and robotics. The below post shows, for instance, how #robotics platforms are becoming much more prevalent in deploying sensors; to digitise the environment, and inspect it on an ongoing basis. The Digital Skills required to control, program and support these platforms are some of the digital skills you need to consider when departing on a digitisation journey.

According to the above Survey Summary by The Institute for Engineering and Technology, among those that expect AI to be important for them, 50% say they don’t have?the necessary skills. Some important areas for engineers to understand by 2027 are:

• 43% cloud computing
• 39% machine learning
• 37% data security.

You have to have the right people, do the right things, and, do things right. But, how do you "Gain, train and retain" employees with digital skills, that will allow you to gear up for your autonomous journey?

Gain Employees

Mission 3 of the UK Government's UK Geospatial Strategy 2022 - 2025 is focused on getting people the right skills to deal with geospatial data.

In today's digital era, having employees with relevant digital skills is crucial for the success of any organization undergoing digital transformation. These skills encompass a wide range of competencies, including data analytics, programming, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and user experience design.

Beyond remuneration, how do you attract people with digital skills in a competitive market? Here are three recruitment strategies for technical positions:

1. Networking and Referrals: Tap into professional networks, both online and offline. On LinkedIn, showcase your ambitions for digital transformation
2. Encourage employee referrals and establish referral programs that incentivize current employees to refer qualified candidates from their own networks.
3. Collaborate with universities, colleges, and vocational schools that offer digital-focused programs. Engage in career fairs, sponsor events, or establish internship programs.

Train Employees

Some of the roles currently in an organisation may be obsolete in the face of digital transformation. Look at designing the roles required for dealing with 3D data, and working with VR and AR technologies, as an example. Roles, and therefore skills will change due to both time-based factors as well as the level of #DigitalMaturity of the organisation.

Here is an example of that change from skills that create to skills that analyse:

In the context of digital transformation, upskilling and reskilling existing employees are vital for organizations to meet evolving technological needs. There are a few ways to ensure that Digital Skills are learned or transferred in the workplace:

• On-the-job-training
• Online Training
• Inhouse development programs
• Peer-to-peer coaching
• Formal qualification/certifications
• Shadowing/Job rotation
• External conferences or training events

Retain Employees

Digital skills are vital in the geospatial sector, especially for retaining employees and driving innovation. With expertise in emerging technologies, employees can seize new opportunities and stay ahead of the competition. These skills boost efficiency and productivity by streamlining processes and making data-driven decisions. They also enable smooth digital transformations, ensuring organisations can adapt to new systems and platforms seamlessly.?

Moreover, employees with strong digital skills are agile learners, capable of keeping up with evolving technologies and market demands. They are essential for future-proofing the organization. How do you keep them? Here are three strategies for keeping your workplace attractive to digital leaders.

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Cultivate a growth mindset, emphasizing that continuous learning and improvement are valued and supported. Encourage employees to take risks, experiment with new technologies, and learn from failures. Provide resources, such as training programs and access to learning materials, to facilitate continuous skill development.
2. Empower Employees: Provide employees with autonomy and decision-making authority in their areas of expertise. Allow them to take ownership of projects and initiatives, encouraging them to explore innovative solutions and contribute their 3D digital skills to drive positive change within the organization.
3. Recognize and Reward Innovation: Implement recognition and reward programs that acknowledge employees' contributions to innovation and digital transformation. Highlight and celebrate achievements in applying 3D digital skills to solve complex problems, improve processes, or drive business outcomes. This recognition can be through public acknowledgements, awards, or career advancement opportunities.

Digital skills and the role of people are critical for successful digital transformation and the journey towards autonomy. Industries must embrace new skills like robotics, cloud computing, machine learning, and data security. Organizations need to acquire, train, and retain employees with these skills to gear up for the autonomous journey. Upskilling and reskilling existing employees allow organizations to tap into their talent pool, meet technological demands, and retain valuable talent. Digital skills drive innovation, enhance efficiency, enable digital transformation, and foster adaptability. Developing these skills is vital for professionals in 3D data handling roles. Adapting roles and skills to align with digital maturity is necessary for organizations to thrive in the digital era.

Was this article helpful? If you have any feedback, I would love to hear it. And I’m always available to answer any of your SLAM, 3D data, VR, and AR skills questions.?

The next article will focus on digital transformation processes, be sure to check back for that.