Ever since we could leverage machinery and technology, we have sought to integrate it with the main aim of making our lives easier and simpler. There is lots of valuable arguments for the use of automation in the modern workplace. By removing our reliance on human performance we can save on a number of levels.
But as technology continues to race forward with the introduction of AI and an increasing amount of responsibility is being passed over to a machine of some kind, are we at risk of forgetting the critical value humans bring to the workplace? Technology is no longer about simply making modern day life easier by removing mundane tasks, its about driving and optimising efficiency way beyond what a human can consistently produce. Its about carrying out tasks at a fraction of the time it may take a human to complete. And as marvellous as this maybe for a company's bottom line, we are at real risk of forgetting that for many activities, human interaction still remains an essential and fundamental component of work practice. Are robots and computers better than humans at everything? And if this is the case, why is it that we still place such value on things that are crafted and handmade ?
The reality is that we cannot simply automate everything. There will always be those jobs best executed by robots due to their consistency and efficiency, as well as those tasks that benefit from a human touch. And if we wish to benefit from the use of humans, then naturally we are going to need to train people! Automotive manufacturing is a great example of this in practice. Leading car companies have almost completely automated their body assembly and paint shops. These are jobs that require constant repetition and consistent quality and often present safety and ergonomic challenges, making these the quintessential kinds of jobs robots have been designed to handle. On the other hand, assembly lines, which deal with the multitude of options and variables, continue to heavily rely on a human workforce. To handle today’s highly customised vehicles, with tens of thousands of parts for the variety of electronics and other bells and whistles offered, requires the flexibility of human workers who can adjust to changing needs and innovations without extensive reprogramming. And unlike a robot, which will always be limited by its programming and machine capability, the more training a human workers is exposed to, the more that individual or team, are capable of achieving.
We can apply this to the vehicle recycling industry as well. If it takes a human to build a car on a production line, it goes without saying that humans will be equally as integral at disassembling them, at the end of their working life. If we look at the processing journey of a typical vehicle at the end of its operating life (see diagram below), many of the elements that can be automated, have already been, and yet the depollution and dismantling stage (highlighted in blue) is dominated by manual processes that rely heavily on human operators.
And unless there is a significant shift in how we produce and build motor vehicles, nothing is likely to change. We are going to always need skilled people to build cars, repair and maintain them and to decommission them at the end of their operating life. So if we cannot automate these tasks and make them more efficient, we turn to workplace training to drive that much needed process efficiencies. Investing in modern equipment is only half the answer, its skilled people who ultimately unlock the benefits of new machinery, new technologies and lean processes. Unlike robots and computers that require extensive and costly programming, well trained workers can adjust to the changing needs of one vehicle over another. The variety and location of critical parts and components varies greatly between vehicle manufacturers, and well-trained workers can rapidly adapt to such differences.
Even for large well-established businesses, the criticality of training in driving productivity efficiencies can be downplayed or easily overlooked. Believe me when I say, I've witnessed first-hand a global corporation grappling with the consequences of failing to provide operator training as part of a CAPEX for a large equipment upgrade. If the big boys and girls can forget about the importance of training, its no surprise smaller entities can also fall victim. Businesses often overlook the fact that training provides way more than looking after the safety and wellbeing of your staff. For manual tasks dependant on humans, training is the ONLY way a business can unlock efficiency in process, period!
ELV Training are a training company built solely to meet the growing needs of the vehicle dismantling and recycling industry. Our curriculum is focused on sharing industry best practice, promoting standardisation, and leveraging the latest technology and techniques, ensuring people are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out depollution and dismantling activities, safely and efficiently. If you are looking to invest in new equipment in a bid to make your activities more efficient, or you have recently purchased new equipment, remember not to overlook or downplay the importance of operator training!
Whether its the convenience of accessing elearning for your staff or an CIWM accredited Level 3 qualification delivered onsite using your equipment, we have your workplace training covered. Our syllabus is built to the IMIs National Occupational Standards, in collaboration with the Vehicle Recyclers Association (VRA), the British Vehicle Salvage Federation (BVSF), with support from key players and industry experts.
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