Presented by:

Bennett Roberson

Companies realize the importance of good communication and the use of interpersonal skills to accomplish a wide variety of tasks in this type of environment.

Learning to use the different types communication that are available in todays technology driven society can determine whether the individual and the company are successful.

Good Communication – Interpersonal Skills

One of the most important uses of communication in an industrial manufacturing environment is to ensure employee safety.

If Information is not transferred correctly or not at all the outcome could result in injury or even death.

Communication and Safety

Companies must be prepared to support the safety of it’s employees by providing suitable communication equipment for a variety of environments.

This NOT This

With proper communication tools employees are less likely to make mistakes and end up injured.

Communication and Safety

The use of technology in a manufacturing environment is a must in order to stay competitive.

The use of technology to enhance an employees ability to communicate effectively in this type of setting can be a key factor in the successful completion of many tasks.

Communication and Technology

Information Technology Specialists or IT for short can provide many alternatives or solutions for our communication concerns in a manufacturing environment.

These highly trained individuals are the backbone of todays manufacturing facilities communication networks with a broad range of responsibilities.

Communication and Technology

Meetings can be one of the most important means of communication in a manufacturing facility.

Most of the companies policies, schedules, staffing, issues, and resolutions are determined in meetings.

Unfortunately not everyone attends these meetings so the information must be passed along by some other form of communication.

Communication in Meetings

There can be obstacles to successful communication in these meetings.

These hurdles may include time differences, language differences, cultural differences, not being able to see other participants during conference calls, and a more recent phenomenon which using technology to multitask during a meeting.

Whether it is a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or some other technology using these technologies during a meeting can lead to erroneous information or sometimes no information at all.

Communication in Meetings

There are various forms in which to communicate information no matter where it originated. These options may include:

• Face-to-face dialogue

• Phone conversations

• Over two-way radios

• Emails

• Text messages

• Written memos, letter, or instructions

• And other meetings such as safety committees

Passing Along Information

Of course we have to ensure that the information is correct before it is passed along. This is why it is critical to have someone take “the minutes” during meetings. This would be beneficial in the cases where someone may get distracted or even called out of a meeting and miss vital information.

Passing Along Information

It is important in a manufacturing setting that a foundation of teamwork is established.

It is common for people from different departments and different job classification to work together from time-to-time on special teams or committees.

Management must ensure that these individuals are the right people to be placed in a “team” environment and that a sense of respect and understanding for each other and their departments is established.

Communication and Teamwork

According to my research at least 62% of employed adults in the United States use either email or the internet at work.

That means that email and the internet are tools that most industries cannot do without. The use of email in a manufacturing facility is vital to its communication network.

Whether these emails are internal or external this form of communication is essential to the success of any modern manufacturer.

Email, Texting, and The Internet

In my experience in the manufacturing industry text messages are almost as common as email and sever the same purpose.

Text messaging gives us the ability to send information on the go without having to rely on phone conversations. Information can be sent along with pictures in many cases to convey important information without having to go to ones office and send an email. In an environment where the majority of management and supervision are “on the floor” for extended periods of time text messages are vital for sending and receiving information.

Email, Texting, and The Internet

The use of the internet while at work can be a controversial subject. Many believe that it promotes cyberloafing or cyberslacking while on the job.

I have found that in many cases the use of the internet while at work is an invaluable tool.

The ability to do research, request information, compare prices from vendors, and even watch instructional videos can save both time and money!

Email, Texting, and The Internet

The uses of computers in a manufacturing environment is an always changing environment.

Computers in most facilities are tied into the management information system as well as the individual pieces of equipment.

This not only requires the expertise of a programmer to write and install instructions for the equipment to function, it also requires an operator to interface with the machine in order for it to perform the specified tasks.

Computers and Manufacturing

Computers and ManufacturingIn many cases the operators responsible for communicating with these machines using new technology are undertrained and inexperienced.

This can result in mistakes which can cause down time, equipment failures, and the potential for injuries for the operator and other in the area.

This can also lead to unwanted stress on the individuals involved.

I would like to suggest the following ideas to the company chosen in hopes that they will help improve the communication network in their facility:

• Provide all employees company email access to ensure information is being received. This also improve accountability since there would be a record of the email be sent.

• Respond to safety concerns about communication immediately without concern for cost.

• Cross train employees in other areas so that there is an understanding of the importance of these areas and the people that work in them. This would help in team building.

Opportunities for Improvement

• Restrict the use of technologies during meetings. This would encourage participation and lead to better communication.

• Ensure that a translator is present when necessary during meetings so that the information gathered is accurate.

• Have someone take “the minutes” during meetings our invest is the technology of voice recognition software which can transfer the meeting to text.

• Have training sessions or at minimum training manuals for individuals new to conference calls so they know what to expect and a better able to contribute during the meetings.

Opportunities for Improvement

• Provide a structured training program to communicate with employees to establish and ensure a more competent and confident workforce. This will reduce mistakes and increase production.

Opportunities for Improvement