Manufacturing companies have quickly responded to the need for an increase in medical supplies necessary to fight COVID-19. For some companies this means adding new production lines to make products they have never made before. Others are forging partnerships so that each company can contribute their expertise to create products as quickly as possible.
To understand what's happening behind the scenes, Peter Fretty IndustryWeek tech editor asked some companies about the workforce skills they are finding to be most valuable during these changeovers.
The digital workforce has quite literally been the “force” supporting this change, " explains Todd Rovak, Global Head of Innovation & Strategy at Capgemini Invent.
"Those companies, team members, volunteers, teachers, and administrators who embraced technology were quickest to succeed in a new operating environment. Many of our clients have been pleasantly surprised that working virtually is productive, in some cases even more productive than working in person.
For example, several clients who use agile development methodologies have hosted their program increment planning meetings virtually using a variety of tools to enable team collaboration. These planning meetings are typically two-day, in-person meetings that occur every 10-12 weeks to map out the next increments of work. We’ve helped to facilitate several of these meetings virtually and the overwhelming feedback from leaders and participants is that they loved virtual planning, and some said they preferred it. "
