HR’s guide to the digital transformation: ten digital economy use cases for transforming human resources in manufacturing

Abstract

Purpose Increasingly chaotic markets are prompting manufacturers to look for new ways to bolster their bottom lines and win in a competitive business world. While the majority of efforts revolve around streamlining manufacturing processes or maintenance procedures, human resource management also can yield compelling returns. Design/methodology/approach This is a viewpoint article from vice president of manufacturing solutions marketing at SAP. The author works daily with the largest Fortune 500 corporations in automotive, aerospace, packaging, chemicals, oil and gas, high-tech, mining, milling, cement/construction and more. This expertise gives him unique insight into the multiple industries and their HR challenges, solutions and innovations. Findings Whether it is competing for workers, maintaining a flexible workforce or giving workers tools to make their jobs easier, HR teams are embracing digital transformation to help their companies maintain profitability and market leadership. Originality/value New ways companies are managing their human resources in light of changing technology, mobile workforces and “The Internet of Things”.