Understanding versatility management in industry
Visit managing versatility represents a strategic challenge for industrial sites. It enables operators to organize and develop their ability to work at different workstations. Efficient multi-skilling management relies on mastery of equipment, quality processes and safety standards.
In practice, there are three levels of versatility management:
- Horizontal management: developing skills on jobs at the same level (between packaging lines, for example).
- Vertical management: support for more technical positions (from operator to line driver)
- Cross-functional management: ability to intervene in different sectors (production, maintenance, quality)
The Trigano VDL example illustrates the impact of structured multiskilling management: -40% of line stoppages due to absences after its implementation.
Why invest in versatility in 2024?
Secure production continuity and increase flexibility
The current challenges facing industrial sites (absenteeism, staff turnover) require rigorous management of versatility.
Managing efficiently, it provides :
- Better response to variations in activity
- More agility when changing references
- Optimizing resources according to needs
Building team loyalty
Managing versatility enriches operators' daily lives. At Unither Pharmaceuticals, it has contributed to a 25% increase in team satisfaction, thanks to the career development opportunities offered.
Precise mapping at the start
Managing multi-skilling starts with a rigorous inventory. Our experience with 200 industrial sites shows that it is necessary to set up a complete skills mapping. This phase enables us to clearly identify the multi-skilling needs of each sector.
A strategy adapted to the challenges
Managing versatility requires a strategy that meets business needs while remaining realistic. It must prioritize skills according to their criticality, and define progressive skills upgrading paths. Anticipating the resources needed (time required for trainingbudget, availability of trainers) guarantees the long-term success of the project.
Involving field managers
Local managers are the key to successful multiskilling management. Their in-depth knowledge of teams enables them to adapt the pace of skills development to the realities on the ground.
Indicators to measure effectiveness
The management of a multiskilling policy relies on concrete KPIs: evolution of the multiskilling rate by sector, number of operators trained in critical skills, impact on production performance. These indicators can be used to adjust the approach and demonstrate its return on investment.
Digital tools for versatility
A central digital matrix
Modern multi-skilling management is based on a digital matrix which replaces Excel spreadsheets. It provides a real-time view of available skills and generates alerts on training needs. Integrated traceability also facilitates audits quality.
Intelligent planning
A digital multiskilling management system optimizes career paths training. It synchronizes the availability of trainers and learners, monitors training progress and adapts schedules according to production constraints.
Rigorous monitoring of certifications
Dematerialized management of authorizations ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. It anticipates mandatory retraining and keeps a complete training history, a major asset during audits.
Feedback: versatility in action
The case of Villars Chocolate illustrates the benefits of structured multiskilling. In three months, the company has :
- Digitized all its skills
- Increased its versatility by 34%
- Saves managers 4 hours a week
Key success factors include :
- Start-up on a well-defined pilot perimeter
- Pre-training internal trainers
- Regular communication on progress
- Recognition of individual and collective progress
