The automotive industry’s workforce is what will determine its future success
Frédéric Baroin
Global Head of Automotive Business at Anyline
The automotive industry is one of many experiencing difficulties with its labor force. Without well-trained, highly skilled professionals, it will be difficult for this industry to remain competitive and innovative. Take a closer look at what’s occurring in the automotive industry’s workforce and what could happen if adjustments don’t occur.
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Change in the Automotive Industry Continues
The automotive industry has seen a significant amount of change, and while that is not new, it is challenging its workforce. The development and growth of electric vehicles, self-driving vehicles, and even more stringent demands for higher emissions standards are all making automakers shift. They must redefine their business to remain competitive.
Many businesses in the automotive industry have seen a decline as a result of COVID-19 and the current economic climate. Yet, one of the most important and worrisome trends in the industry is in the area of the workforce. In order to meet the demands of the industry, there has been a significant change in the technicians’ availability. That’s evident in a number of ways, including that a large portion of those that work in this industry are retiring, and new talent isn’t as readily or willingly available to fill the gap.
Looking beyond the other changes and demands, how can today’s automotive companies have the workforce they need on hand to remain competitive?
Declining Demand to Work in the Industry
There has been a significant drop in the demand to work within the automotive industry, and that is in part due to a shift in the type of work and the skills of employees. While the entire industry is impacted, the service industry seems to be most impacted. This is having a direct impact on the organization as a whole and has had a significant impact in the following areas:
- The growth potential of companies – You cannot grow without highly talented and skilled professionals supporting that growth.
- Revenue potential – The lack of talent and availability of workers limits a company’s ability to generate revenue
- Customer satisfaction – Meeting the needs of customers who demand faster turnaround times for service and a more efficient buying process is hard to do without the qualified talent to lead the process
With fewer workers, especially in the service industry, operators are limited in how many vehicles they can manage and serve on a daily basis. That leads to longer wait times for your customers, more frustration, a drop in brand loyalty, and, in some situations, a limitation on growth and future development.
Increasing Access to Innovative Solutions Can Be a Solution
When automotive companies use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, they are much better able to manage the needs of their customers and their growth – not to mention that AI solutions are becoming more widely available in the industry as well. How does AI solve this problem?
AI tools and technologies help to combat the limited availability of employees. You can do more—with precision and attention to detail—with fewer people to do it. For example, if mechanics are given the right tools that help speed up the work they do and improve their overall accuracy, that can help them get twice as much done in a given day. This helps the business maintain its competitiveness by virtually eliminating or reducing a staffing shortage.
There are dozens of examples of this in today’s industry. Consider, for example, Anyline’s suite of automotive scanning technology. It helps to provide your customers with better service because it helps mechanics improve productivity—even making their job easier to do—and helps companies grow. Further, Anyline’s tools also help to improve customer engagement, allowing them to have more control over their needs, which encourages a more proactive outcome.
Employing tools that help you stay competitive even if your workforce is smaller than it once was is crucial for businesses operating in the automotive sector. Companies capable of doing this are sure to find better long-term growth in a competitive marketplace.
