Boost productivity and solve labor shortages

Welcome to The Varato Letter, Sponsored by Harris Web Works.

Every Monday, we share insights with 1,100+ supply chain leaders on modernizing business operations for the digital age. This newsletter will be Free for the reader forever. Enjoy!

To learn more about how Harris Web Works can help you to future proof your manufacturing wholesale or distribution business, click here.

It’s no secret…

Manufacturing is facing major workforce shortages.

Here's how digital transformation can help:

1️⃣ Automate repetitive tasks

Use technology to handle mundane work.

This frees up employees for higher-value activities and reduces hiring needs.

Let's look at a real-world example:

One of our clients, a mid-sized automotive parts manufacturer, was struggling with order processing. Their team was spending hours each day manually entering orders into their system. We helped them implement an automated order processing system that uses optical character recognition (OCR) to scan incoming purchase orders and automatically enter the data.

The results?

• 20 hours saved per week on manual data entry

• 30% reduction in order processing errors

• Employees now focus on customer service and problem-solving instead of data entry

By automating this repetitive task, the company was able to handle a 15% increase in order volume without hiring additional staff.

2️⃣ Upskill existing workforce

Implement digital training programs to teach employees new tech skills. This increases retention and fills skill gaps.

At our digital thread lab, we've developed a comprehensive upskilling program that's already showing impressive results:

• 500+ workers upskilled in just 6 months

• Focus on practical, hands-on training with the latest Industry 4.0 technologies

• Custom learning paths based on current skill levels and job roles

One success story from this program:

Sarah, a 15-year veteran machine operator, was hesitant about new digital systems. After completing our 3-month training program, she's now leading her team in implementing predictive maintenance software, reducing downtime by 22%.

3️⃣ Attract younger talent

Modern tech appeals to digital natives. Showcasing advanced systems in job listings draws tech-savvy applicants.

Here's how one of our manufacturing clients revamped their recruitment strategy:

• Highlighted their use of augmented reality for training and IoT sensors for quality control in job descriptions

• Created video tours of their high-tech facility for social media

• Offered "reverse mentorship" programs where new hires could share digital skills with experienced staff

The results?

• 40% increase in Gen Z applicants within 3 months

• 25% improvement in offer acceptance rates

• Positive feedback from new hires about the company's commitment to innovation

The key is using technology strategically to augment your workforce, not replace it.

When done right, digital transformation addresses labor shortages while boosting productivity.

We've helped 50+ supply chain businesses take advantage of Industry 4.0 technologies to solve workforce challenges.

Here's a recent podcast we recorded explaining how we helped a manufacturer upskill 100 workers in 3 months:

Whenever you're ready, here's how we can help you:

Harris Web Works is a digital transformation agency that helps supply chain partners (manufacturers, wholesalers & distributors) meet new generational buyer demands & expectations by installing streamlined e-commerce systems.

To learn more about how we can help you future-proof your business, click here.