Proper training is critical to ensuring an operator's success, but also for keeping operations running smoothly and safely. With the rise of digitalization, the implementation of workflow and simulation software has proliferated, and now organizations are seeing how these software solutions can also enhance training of operators.
Workflow software often provides step-by-step guidance to operators, according to Allen Hackman, head of manufacturing at ServiceNow.
“For example, a digital workflow for a machine setup process will provide the steps to take in addition to knowledge that gives the employee instructions on how to complete a task,” he said. “If there is an issue with a step or the employee has a question, he or she can trigger a request that automatically gets routed, assigned, and actioned by a support team.”
Simulation on the other hand, offers operators the opportunity to make changes to an operation without real-world implications. “More than ever, industry needs training and development solutions that empower workers to improve plant performance, uptime, reliability, and safety. One of the best ways to do this is by simulating real-world environments and rare, but critical plant operation and maintenance scenarios to enable safe, hands on learning away from the hazards of a plant," said Pramesh Maheshwari, vice president and general manager of lifecycle solutions and services at Honeywell Process Solutions.
In this article from AutomationWorld.com, David Greenfield and Mat Dirjish explore how simulation and workflow software technologies are helping industrial companies more effectively train new operators.
