Manufacturing employees often work long hours, on their feet, doing the same tasks hundreds of times over. Their accomplishments are number-based, which is often a far cry for the amount of effort put into a given day. The manufacturing industry accounts for millions of jobs in the United States. Of that workforce, the annual turnover rate continues to be one of the highest of any industry.
Engagement starts with communication, and communication is where most manufacturing sites fall short. There is hope. When you add tools as simple as digital signage for communication, it can produce a higher level of employee engagement and a lower turnover rate.
SEE DIGITAL SIGNAGE IN ACTION
Want to experience the power of digital signage firsthand? Request a free demo today and explore how REACH Media Network can enhance communication and engagement within your facility.
MANUFACTURING DISPLAYS IMPROVE COMPANY CULTURE
For starters, many manufacturing employees are unable to carry around a phone on their person while working. They aren’t able to access email, and their environment is too loud for intercom announcements. Shift managers continue to be preoccupied with machinery and deadlines. They don’t need to be responsible for internal communications, as well. The employees rely on flyers in the break room and the rare team-meeting to stay informed.
Additionally, employees may be temporary or contracted and receive minimal company communications. These workers have a hard time becoming emotionally invested in their position because they aren’t “part of the team.” Seeing news updates, their department’s production metric, or even company social media posts can add a touch of normalcy to the job. Employees who feel like they are “in the know” tend to have higher morale. A sense of community in the workplace leads to less turnover and higher productivity.
5 REASONS TO USE DIGITAL SIGNAGE IN MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
Take the simple use case of installing digital production displays around the facility. By streamlining communications, project managers save the time they would have spent gathering and sharing information.
Campaigns incorporate informational videos, company announcements, and safety alerts. Say goodbye to the bulletin board in the break room, and welcome digital signage as a step in the right direction towards a happier, safer working environment. It’s not just to display production information — the options for digital signage are endless. Below are five of the top uses for manufacturing digital signage:
1. ENGAGE EMPLOYEES DIGITALLY
Signage isn’t used to tell employees about cake in the break room. Users can post any company announcements that odd-shift workers might have missed at the weekly meeting. If special guests are visiting, incorporate a warm welcome into your messaging. Congratulate employees of the month and other company awardees. Promote upcoming events or holiday parties.
2. TRANSMIT INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Most employees overlook regular communication since they do not have access to personal computers during their shift. You can integrate meeting alerts from your company calendar. Engineering and technical information that is important to a specific shift can be scheduled for content delivery at that time. Also, simple motivational messages or company policies can play throughout the day.
3. DISPLAY REAL-TIME DATA FOR LEAN PRODUCTION
The beauty of digital signage technology is its ability to integrate with databases that track each step of the manufacturing process. Updated in real-time and automate data on your screens such as production metrics, inventory management, product quality reports, and business performance. With our easy-to-use apps, automate KPI data from software such as PowerBi and SharePoint to keep everyone updated and save managers time.
4. POST SITE INFORMATION & DEPARTMENT GUIDES
In most lobbies, you can find a static directory with floor numbers and listed businesses. When new locations come about, new title slots are needed. During that time, people get lost and confused. With digital signage, not only do the directories update within a few clicks, but you can set up signage in working stations to include informational manuals, training videos, employee handbooks, and product information.
5. IMPROVE SAFETY AWARENESS WITH EMERGENCY ALERTS
Manufacturing employees often deal with loud, heavy machinery. When an obstruction occurs in the workflow, they need to know as soon as possible. Digital signage is an effective way to improve safety. You can integrate emergency alert software, as well as instantly publishing full-screen message takeovers if necessary. For less dramatic safety communications, campaigns can incorporate automated health and safety tips by subscribing to various content packages. Additionally, keep employees informed on safety metrics by providing ‘‘Days Without Accident’ using our counter app.
SIGNAGE CUTS COSTS FOR MANUFACTURING SITES
Digital signage is not free, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to drain the company budget for a video wall / LED display. Digital signage can be a simple TV (which continues to decrease in cost). Since REACH is hardware-agnostic, our software supports various player options that are a one-time purchase. The software investment is the important part.
Starting at only $30/month, REACH offers tiered-based monthly and yearly subscriptions to a cloud-based content management system (CMS) and discount the cost based on the number of displays the software will be running on. Users find that the signage pays for itself after considering the time, paper, and energy saved by the devices. Not to mention the increase in productivity that stems directly from open communication with staff.
BOTTOM LINE: IF YOU WANT LONG-TERM MANUFACTURING WORKERS, YOU NEED LONG-TERM ENGAGEMENT
What’s the secret? Real-time, engaging visual communication. Data that shows the measures of efficiency, future or accomplished goals, and worker appreciation and gratitude. Digital signage doesn’t just improve employee productivity — they also give morale a jump-start. Employees start being recognized, feel more informed, and a part of a team. It’s not just about the numbers. It’s also about the company and the community culture.
READY TO START YOUR DIGITAL JOURNEY?
Discover how digital signage can transform your manufacturing facility. Reach out to REACH Media Network today to learn more about our solutions, explore custom integrations, and see how we can help your facility’s communication strategy.
