Smart Solutions for Tough Times: Automation Meets Labor Shortages

How marking and labeling automation helps manufacturers do more with less?

The manufacturing industry is facing some serious challenges. Between supply chain disruptions, global tensions, and a persistent labor shortage, manufacturers are feeling the squeeze from all directions. But here's the good news — there's a practical solution that can help ease at least one of these pressures.?

The Labor Challenge: Bigger Than You Might Think?

While the US manufacturing industry has experienced strong growth —due in part to stimulation from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act — companies are still wrestling with some serious workforce issues.??

According to the 2024 Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute Talent Study , three important themes stood out in the data:?

1. Industry growth is driving the need for more workers of every type—from entry-level associates to skilled production workers to engineers.?
2. Skill requirements are evolving and are spread between technical manufacturing skills, digital skills, and soft skills.?
3. There is a shortage of potential candidates applying for positions—whether skilled or unskilled—and manufacturers need to retain the valuable talent they have.?

The study also reports that:??

“The net need for new employees in manufacturing could be around 3.8 million between 2024 and 2033. And, around half of these open jobs (1.9 million) could remain unfilled if manufacturers are not able to address the skills gap and the applicant gap.”?

This means that employers need to be very strategic and intentional about how they both attract and retain skilled workers. One of the ways the report suggests to better engage workers — both in recruitment and on the job — is using technology to make jobs better, safer, and easier.??

Automation, for example, is one of the technologies that can be, “used to augment mental and physical human capabilities to optimize production, make jobs easier, and provide autonomy by giving operators new channels to report production issues, which can enable efficient triage and rapid problem resolution.”?

Smart Steps Toward Automation: Start Small, Think Big?

Here's the thing: you don't have to revolutionize your entire operation overnight. The key to long-term success is finding ways to implement automation incrementally, focusing on user-friendly technologies that speed up production while requiring minimal training. Centralizing production control allows companies to transition between tasks seamlessly with fewer people and less room for error.?

A Better Way: Centralized Control?

This is where a solution like Matthews Marking Systems' MPERIA? automated marking system makes a real difference. Think of it as your marking and labeling command center, seamlessly connecting with your enterprise systems (PLC, ERP, WMS, WES, MES) while maintaining security through NetFolder technology.?

The platform stands out by offering:?

• One intuitive interface for all coding and labeling needs?

• Simple training requirements and on-the-fly adjustments?

• Real-time verification with AI-based vision systems?

• Integrated barcode scanning for accuracy?

Real Impact on Your Operations?

Centralizing your marking and labeling control through the MPERIA platform delivers benefits across your entire operation:?

Immediate Efficiency Gains?

• Automated data synchronization with ERP/WMS systems?

• Direct data flow to the production floor?

• Quick barcode verification and message accuracy checks?

• Real-time mark and code updates?

Team Optimization?

• Reduced time spent on repetitive tasks?

• Fewer errors requiring correction?

• More time for value-added work?

• Enhanced job satisfaction through meaningful work?

Future-Ready Operations?

• Seamless integration with Industry 4.0 and “smart” technologies?

• Scalable automation capabilities?

• Built-in adaptation to changing requirements?

The Future of Manufacturing?

In today's manufacturing environment, staying competitive means being smart about automation. It's not about replacing workers — it's about making their jobs safer, more efficient, and more meaningful. By taking incremental steps toward automation, starting with marking and labeling processes, you create opportunities for growth while solving immediate problems.?

The MPERIA platform addresses current labor challenges while building a foundation for future success. You get immediate benefits in error reduction and efficiency, and your team gains valuable experience with Industry 4.0 technologies.?

Ready to see how automated marking and labeling could transform your operations? Let's talk about how the MPERIA platform can help you navigate today's labor challenges while building a more efficient and competitive, future-ready production line.?

Dig deeper with this case study: Simply the Zest — Ventura Pacific Modernizes Marking with Matthews MPERIA? Platform?