Technological advances continue to drive innovation and efficiency in the manufacturing sector. To stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace and keep their workforces at the top of their game, manufacturing companies must invest in training.
But how do you decide where your manufacturing training dollars are best spent? Two prominent fields of training in the engineering landscape are control engineering and mechatronics. Let’s break down how to choose between the two.
understand your business needs
The first step is understanding your company’s unique needs. Mechatronics — a term blending mechanical engineering and electronics — might be advantageous if your operations heavily rely on robotics. Mechatronics specialists focus on automation in manufacturing, working with everything from giant industrial robots to smaller units employed in pick-and-place operations.
Unlike mechatronics, which blends mechanical, electronic, and computer engineering to create automated systems, control engineering primarily uses mathematical models to ensure consistent outcomes in existing processes. Investing in control engineering training could be a game changer if your business needs to ensure that operations run smoothly and predictably.
evaluate current knowledge and skills
Consider the existing competencies within your workforce. Identify strengths and weaknesses. Does your team excel in controls, or have many received preliminary training in robotics? Once you know your team's strengths and areas for growth, you'll be in a great position to choose the training that complements their skills.
consider manufacturing training costs and timeframe
Assess the time and financial investment required for training in mechatronics or control engineering, considering the skill gaps identified. Balance these costs against the potential benefits of the training. This will help you decide which training will deliver the best value for your investment.
forecast industry trends
Think about the future of your industry. Mechatronics is an up and coming field in so-called Industry 4.0, where smart technology and automation are taking center stage. Experts predict that the following industries will incorporate mechatronics in their processes:
- software firms
- defense organizations
- research organizations
- technology-based industries
- any other industries that need hi-tech input in their processes
Consider this: even if your industry isn't currently using mechatronics, it's likely to become more prevalent. This potential shift should play a key role in your decision-making process for training, as equipping your workforce with forward-looking skills could give you an edge in an increasingly automated world.
align manufacturing training with employee career goals
Employee engagement improves when they see their growth potential acknowledged. It could be a challenging task or a fresh opportunity within the organization. Reflect on whether your team will likely be more engaged in mechatronics or control engineering when deciding on the training you wish to offer.
consider customer needs
Customer-centric organizations do their best to meet the changing needs of their clients. By creating the products and experiences that customers really want, these businesses can build stronger relationships and encourage repeat business. So, when you're mulling over your manufacturing training options, try to put yourself in your customers' shoes. What might they need from you down the line? Your training decisions today could be the key to meeting their expectations tomorrow.
Looking for additional manufacturing and logistic talent for your facility? Contact Randstad today.