Conceptual Key Competency Model for Smart Factories in Production Processes

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The aim of the study is to develop a conceptual key competency model for smart factories in production processes, focused on the automotive industry, as innovation and continuous development in this industry are at the forefront and represent the key to its long-term success.Methodology: For the purpose of the research, we used a semi-structured interview as a method of data collection. Participants were segmented into three homogeneous groups, which are industry experts, university professors and secondary education teachers, and government experts. In order to analyse the qualitative data, we used the method of content analysis.Results: Based on the analysis of the data collected by structured interviews, we identified the key competencies that workers in smart factories in the automotive industry will need. The key competencies are technical skills, ICT skills, innovation and creativity, openness to learning, ability to accept and adapt to change, and various soft skills.Conclusion: Our research provides insights for managers working in organisations that are transformed by Industry 4.0. For instance, human resource managers can use our results to study what competencies potential candidates need to perform well on the job, particularly in regards to planning future job profiles in regards related to production processes. Moreover, they can design competency models in a way that is coherent with the trends of Industry 4.0. Educational policy makers should design curricula that develop mentioned competencies. In the future, the results presented here can be compared and contrasted with findings obtained by applying other empirical methods.

Human resources management 4.0: Literature review and trends

“…One study reports that Industry 4.0 has the potential for job loss and human replacement by technological innovation (Ana et al, 2019). However, (Jerman, Bertoncelj, et al, 2020) emphasize that the discussion is not about job loss or gain, but about job restructuring and the ability of people to adapt to new digital technologies.…”

“…University graduates represent a great potential in innovation, and thus play an important role in introducing Industry 4.0 (Vrchota et al, 2020). Therefore, it is necessary for educational organizations to be open to change (Jerman, Bertoncelj, et al, 2020; and to partner with the government (Matt et al, 2020) and industry to train a workforce with the required skills.…”

Aspects regarding skills and education related to Industry 4.0

“…Numerous authors [26][27][28][29][30][31], [15] inventory the technical, digital, soft, innovative, management skills table for Industry 4.0. For example, in the paper [28] are inventoried 52 technical skills divided into State of the Art Knowledge Competencies and Skill; IT, Manufacturing, Computer Science and Robotics and Automation Competencies and Skills.…”

Impacts of the Transformation to Industry 4.0 in the Manufacturing Sector: The Case of the U.S.

“…Smart factories combine their solutions for sharing and monitoring, based on a comprehensive integration of manufacturing facilities and technologies. For this reason, Jerman et al (2020) identified the following key competencies needed by workers in smart factories (from the automotive industry): ICT and technical skills, innovation and creativity, openness to learning, adaptability, and various soft skills.…”