A tool for Operational Skills Management in the industrial sector

Introduction

Mastering operational skills is crucial for companies seeking to remain competitive and secure in a rapidly changing industrial environment. This article highlights the importance of distinguishing and effectively managing operational skills- vital in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and engineering - from non-operational skills. Faced with the limitations of traditional approaches, which struggle to adapt to technological advances and flexibility requirements, we explore the industrial sector's specializedcompetency management tool for effective skills management management.

Through the example of Mercateam (skills management tool), discover how to overcome these challenges with strategies and tools that foster a resilient workforce, capable of meeting changing market needs and ensuring organizational security and efficiency.

The Essence of Operational Competency Management

Distinction between Operational and Non-Operational Competencies

Operational skills are essential in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing and engineering, where training and certification are essential. training and certification are vital.

The Traditional Approach and its Limitations

Historically, companies have aligned competencies with job descriptions, creating competency-based models to assess and develop employees. However, this approach has often lacked automation and flexibility, particularly with the rapid evolution of technologies and the need for frequent recertification.

The Evolving World: New Approaches and Challenges

The industry is now facing more complex challenges with the emergence of new technologies and the need for regularly updated operational skills. Organizations need to manage not only who is certified, but also who is qualified to carry out these certifications.

The Four Key Actions for an Operational Competency Management Tool

1. Clarify the Areas Requiring Operational Excellence: It's essential to determine which areas of the business require validated and certified operational skills, focusing on those that generate strategic revenues or present significant risk.
2. Assigning the right skills to the right roles: Gathering and assigning a set of skills to the right roles is a process that requires time and strategic thinking.
3. Developing and validating skills effectively: Deciding how to develop, validate and certify these skills is crucial. This can include trainingon-the-job coaching, or the use of simulations and tests.
4. Deploying the solution and planning for the future: Implementing the model in a platform and training the organization to use it is the final step. This includes tracking skills gaps and workforce planning as the business grows.

Collaboration between HR and Business Managers

Close collaboration between HR, training professionals and business leaders is fundamental to effective operational skills management. This collaboration ensures that skills strategies are aligned with overall corporate objectives, and meet compliance and safety requirements.

Industry View: Field Services

In sectors such as energy or utilities, managing operational skills is critical. Technicians must demonstrate their competence in complex operational activities, and are often subject to strict regulations.

Conclusion: Towards a Resilient and Flexible Workforce

The operational skills management is an essential pillar for companies, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and energy services. Good management of these skills is crucial not only for organizational efficiency, but also for economic stability and security. Companies must therefore adopt innovative and collaborative strategies to develop a resilient workforce, capable of responding to changing market demands.