The study of 200 UK manufacturing decision makers also shows that 91% of manufacturers in the UK do not see employee training as a key component to their business.
Other key findings include that SMEs are more likely not to have a succession plan in place with over a third (35%) admitting they don’t plan for staffing. The main obstacle to the success of the business is competition in the market (18%), closely followed by UK economic conditions (14%) and international economic conditions (12%).
FANUC UK said manufacturers were investing in, and reliant on, technology with almost a third (31%) planning to invest more in this the next two years. It added that a third (33%) of all manufacturers in the UK said have become more dependent on technology over the last year, with 89% of manufacturers agreeing (46%) and strongly agreeing (43%) with the statement that “keeping up with new technology is important to the success of my company”.
Production line automation is the most important technology to their business (50%), followed by IT (39%) and telecommunications (7%).
Tom Bouchier, managing director of FANUC UK, said: “The study highlights the need for manufacturers to establish more effective planning protocols across their business for the implementation of technology, and to empower and support their staff.
“Manufacturers need to start placing more emphasis on investment in people. New technologies, including the internet of things and smart factories, are changing the nature of the workforce and businesses need to consider how to retain and attract talent in order to evolve.”
He added: “The findings reveal that one of the top barriers to success for many manufacturers is staying ahead of the competition. Manufacturers can only do this if a dual approach is taken: increasing efficiency through technological innovation, coupled with a training and development programme to upskill staff into other areas of the business.”
