TFC #02 - Replacing Skilled Employees With Automation Is A Recipe For Failure

In today's fast-paced world, shops are constantly looking for ways to increase efficiency and productivity. One way to achieve this is by implementing automation in various areas of the business such as in the office and on the shop floor.

However, while automation can be a valuable tool, it should not be seen as a replacement for skilled employees.

Whoa, wait a minute.... I thought you of all people would be in favor of automating everything.....

I am obviously a big advocate for technology and finding software solutions to increase your efficiency, but I was recently reminded of the importance of maintaining our relationships with our employees and making sure to always value them, especially when in the process of automating processes.

The tremendous task of good employers

I know for myself, this has been true in my own life. I started working in a cabinet shop after I finished high school. I never attended college or did any type of training to deserve an opportunity to learn a new skill.

I was blessed to have great employers at each of my jobs. One employer in particular, hired me to help them out with their quoting and cutlisting on KCD software. I had a little experience with the software but they was mostly gambling on my ability to learn after I was hired.

Through the next couple of years, they allowed me to spend time learning and implementing new software, machinery, and processes into their shop. They gave me time, they gave me the challenge, they gave me their trust to find the best solution, and they ultimately empowered me to learn things that seemed very difficult and beyond reach for me at the time.

I often think about how my knowledge and skillset would be totally different if my employers had not invested in me and gave me opportunities to grow and learn.

I think we can all use a little lesson in gratitude sometimes.

I found this graphic that does a great job of summing up the tremendous task of being a good employer and learning to communicate with each of your employees in a way that relates with their individual care language.

The danger of choosing automation as the solution

What do you think happens when we make statements such as:

• This new CNC is really going to cut down on the mistakes that my guys are making all the time

• With all this automation, a first grader can do the job now. No skill required.

Intentional or not, it can produce the following results:

• sending the message that your employees are not capable of performing their tasks correctly

• it can lead to a lack of engagement and job satisfaction, as employees may feel that their role has become redundant and unimportant.

We have to be careful of how we communicate our vision to our employees. It can be very easy to de-value them in the process of automating and making things more efficient with modern technology.

If we choose automation alone as the answer to our problems, I fear we will lose the very thing that sets our business apart.

Our skilled team of woodworkers.

Anyone with money can go out and start a fancy new shop, put in the latest machinery and software, make everything automated and start rolling out cabinets.

However, they can't easily replicate the wealth of knowledge and experience of your team and they can't easily replicate your team's ability to adapt to new situations and think critically to solve problems.

If you find a shop pursuing automation at all costs and not valuing their employees, you will also find a shop that is always hiring...

Employees versus automation

Does this mean we have to choose one or the other?

No.

We can pursue automation and efficiency enhancements and still value our employees.

By giving employees room to grow and pursue their interests in automation, we empower them to develop new skills and become valuable assets to our shop.

Investing in our workforce is essential for success!

It is easy to get in the mindset of always looking for the best outside talent to hire and help solve our problems. What we often overlook, is that the best talent for our situation is out working in the shop dreaming of the opportunity to learn the very skills you are needing.

All they need is the opportunity and the time to learn.

The solution

Don't overlook the team you already have.

They are the reason for your current success.

Automation can be an opportunity for employees to learn and grow. By providing training and resources, employers can help employees understand and work with automation tools, rather than feeling threatened by them. This can lead to employees developing new skills, which can ultimately benefit the company.

Furthermore, valuing your employees over automation can also lead to increased employee satisfaction and retention. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work. This can lead to higher productivity, improved morale, and lower turnover rates.

Sometimes, the perfect person for the job is just doing something else at the time.

Work together to find new ways to take your shop to the next level.

Listen to your employees and learn what interests them.

Give them time and resources to unlock new skills.

Look internally for the next "star" to run your new equipment or software.

Watch your business and your employees flourish.

Now that you have heard my 2 cents on the topic, I'd love to hear your thoughts?

Have you seen examples of times when you invested in an employee and they absolutely crushed it beyond what you thought was possible?