The manufacturing industry in crisis: the labour shortage and how machine builders can help solve it
As the manufacturing industry struggles with the pressures of evolving technology and an ageing population, companies are finding it increasingly difficult to fill crucial roles. This has far-reaching consequences for their competitiveness, innovation and resilience. Although machine builders are directly affected, they also hold the key to helping customers cope with the consequences.
A global survey of 300 machine builders, conducted by S&P Global Market Intelligence, highlights the biggest challenge: labour shortages. These shortages are mainly caused by difficulties in attracting and retaining talent (49%), a skills gap (40%) and the loss of crucial knowledge due to retirement (39%).
The challenge for mechanical engineering: simplify, accelerate and innovate
As customers place ever higher demands on productivity, smart technology, sustainability and delivery times, pressure on the sector is growing. Labour shortages, more complex machines and increasing competition make it necessary to think and design differently.
Today's challenge: labour shortages and complexity
Due to an ageing population, technological advances and changing work preferences, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find and retain the right people. At the same time, machines are becoming more complex, while the time available to train operators is becoming shorter. This calls for simplicity, smart automation and speed.
Three pillars for success
1. Intuitive, user-friendly machines
- Make life easier for operators with smart human-machine interfaces (HMIs), ergonomic touch panels and controlled operation.
- Fewer errors, shorter training time and higher productivity thanks to clear signalling and simple operation.
- Flexibility and personalisation: machines that adapt to the user, with customised access and remote control.
2. Smart, data-driven machines
- Integrate sensors, AI and cloud connectivity for maximum efficiency and uptime.
- Automation and data analysis reduce dependence on skilled workers, improve quality and speed up decision-making.
- Make your machines more attractive to young talent.
3. Accelerate your speed to market
- Deliver faster than the competition by using integrated design software and smart automation.
- Save time and costs with innovative technologies such as push-in wiring.
- Collaborate with technology partners for access to expertise, training and a broad portfolio of components.
These three pillars not only help machine builders improve their own processes, but also support customers in dealing with labour shortages and increasing complexity. This makes the entire chain more resilient in a changing industry.
The report on labour shortages in the mechanical engineering sector shows how companies are dealing with the shortage of skilled workers. It offers up-to-date market insights, practical examples and directly applicable strategies for working more efficiently and limiting the impact of labour shortages.
Geurt van Bennekom,
product manager at Eaton
Scan the QR code to view and download the full report.
Stay up to date with the latest news:
-
Siemens - Announcement of the phase-out of SIMATIC S7-1200 G1Read moreThe first-generation SIMATIC S7-1200 modules will be announced for phase-out as of 1 November 2026.
-
Cybersecurity is becoming law, and this will affect everyone!Read moreThe European Union has developed a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to increase digital resilience and limit the impact of cyber incidents.
-
Siemens - IO-Link: The Power of Real-Time Data ExchangeRead moreIn an age where speed, efficiency and reliability are crucial, IO-Link provides the link between machines, sensors and your control systems. Thanks to direct data exchange and simple integration, you can get more out of your processes, reduce costs and lay the foundation for future-proof maintenance.
-
Siemens - Revolution in Motion ControlRead moreYou are at the start of a new working week. While you are putting the finishing touches to an important project, a request comes in: the customer has a malfunction. The machine is down, but the deadline is approaching. You are asked to respond quickly.
Check out our other success stories:
-
Plukon - Scanning for the futureRead moreThe Plukon poultry slaughterhouse in Blokker has installations from all kinds of machine builders and suppliers. Each of these has its own control system and associated components from different brands. This situation has developed over time, with the result that Plukon lost track of the overall picture. When it became clear that many components were now obsolete, the company decided to have itsme carry out a FactoryScan. ‘This gives us more peace of mind and helps us to better plan the replacement of components for the future.’
-
Silmaco - Site assessmentRead moreKemira Rotterdam produces hydrogen peroxide in various grades at its Europoort site for applications such as water purification, cleaning beverage packaging and bleaching paper. As is customary in the process industry, the installation was lit 24/7 for safety reasons. Kemira felt that there was a smarter way to do this. That is why the company contacted itsme Lighting Technology. ‘In addition to saving energy, we are now also saving on maintenance.’
-
Kemira - Smart lighting for the process industryRead moreKemira Rotterdam produces hydrogen peroxide in various grades at its Europoort site for applications such as water purification, cleaning beverage packaging and bleaching paper. As is customary in the process industry, the installation was lit 24/7 for safety reasons. Kemira felt that there was a smarter way to do this. That is why the company contacted itsme Lighting Technology. ‘In addition to saving energy, we are now also saving on maintenance.’
-
Damen - Modbus on boardRead moreAt Damen Shipyards Group, field service engineers fly all over the world to provide service and carry out repairs. In addition to mechanics and electronics, communication networks are becoming increasingly important, with Modbus as the standard protocol. To brush up on their people's knowledge, Damen went in search of Modbus training. The shipbuilder chose itsme because of the customisation and flexibility that the industrial service provider could offer. ‘Nowhere else could we find this level of expertise.’ Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Why not take a look at these trainings we offer:
-
PROFINET CPNERead moreavailable in Dutch
-
PROFIBUS CPERead moreavailable in Dutch
-
WinCC-SCADA2Read moreavailable in Dutch
-
PCS7-SAFE V9Read moreavailable in Dutch