time to move on.....

         Are the near decade old conversations about a workforce shortage finally giving way to the adoption of technology? It seems quite possible the concerns are slowly being muffled by changing technology. This was evident at the recent Fab Tech industrial equipment show held in October 2024. During hundreds of conversations in an attendee list of thousands of people, not a single person or exhibitor mentioned the workforce shortage…not once.
        In recent years, many industries including those in Ponca City, have faced significant challenges related to workforce shortages. Does the absence of workforce discussions at one of the largest manufacturing shows in the world tell a story of change for manufacturers and other businesses that are labor intensive? Are the scales tipping away from the demand for people to implementing more technology? The obvious answer to some is yes. An evolution in how work is performed is quietly underway with the most prominent solution being the development of multi-function equipment that reduces the demand for a large workforce.
       As the economy evolves, industries are realizing that they must adapt to a changing landscape. The days of simply voicing concerns about labor shortages are fading. Companies are now investing in technology that allows them to maintain productivity with fewer employees. 
        Multi-function equipment refers to advanced machines that can perform various manufacturing tasks, often without the need for multiple operators. This technology streamlines processes, allowing a single operator to manage several functions simultaneously, thereby optimizing workflow. And it’s not just manufacturing equipment. Many industries from retail to services are also using technology to address the workforce shortage. A prime example of such a technology shift is self-checkout. Love it or hate it, some form of this technology is here to stay. Other technologies give remote access to infrastructure systems monitoring which allow humans to focus on tasks that technology cannot.
         Without question, the right technology will increase efficiency by requiring fewer operators to handle more tasks at high levels of productivity. By reducing labor costs, businesses can redirect resources toward innovation and growth.  These newer and more flexible machines can easily adapt to different production needs, making them invaluable in a rapidly changing market.
      With a quick Google search, you can find multiple companies that have successfully integrated multi-function equipment into their operations. For instance, a leading automotive manufacturer implemented robotic systems capable of welding, painting, and assembly, significantly reducing the number of workers needed on the floor. Another example is a food processing plant that adopted machines able to perform slicing, packaging, and quality control, resulting in enhanced efficiency and lower operational costs and less employee fatigue.
            As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advancements in multi-function equipment. This trend will certainly not eliminate jobs but will lead to the emergence of new job roles focused on machine oversight, maintenance and application of technology in other areas of manufacturing and the service industries.