Bennett Roberson presented on communication in manufacturing environments. Effective communication is important for employee safety, task completion, and company success. New technologies provide opportunities but also challenges for ensuring accurate information transfer. Meetings are key for sharing policies and resolutions, but distractions must be limited and information relayed reliably. Overall communication, teamwork, and proper training are vital.

1. Presented by:
Bennett Roberson

2. Companies realize the importance of good communication and the use of
interpersonal skills to accomplish a wide variety of tasks in this type of
environment.
Learning to use the different types communication that are available in
todays technology driven society can determine whether the individual and
the company are successful.
Good Communication – Interpersonal
Skills

3. One of the most important uses of communication in an industrial
manufacturing environment is to ensure employee safety.
If Information is not transferred correctly or not at all the outcome could
result in injury or even death.
Communication and Safety

4. Companies must be prepared to support the safety of it’s employees by providing
suitable communication equipment for a variety of environments.
This NOT This
With proper communication tools employees are less likely to make mistakes and end
up injured.
Communication and Safety

5. The use of technology in a manufacturing environment is a must in order to
stay competitive.
The use of technology to enhance an employees ability to communicate
effectively in this type of setting can be a key factor in the successful
completion of many tasks.
Communication andTechnology

6. InformationTechnology Specialists or IT for short can provide many
alternatives or solutions for our communication concerns in a manufacturing
environment.
These highly trained individuals are the backbone of todays manufacturing
facilities communication networks with a broad range of responsibilities.
Communication andTechnology

7. Meetings can be one of the most important means of communication in a
manufacturing facility.
Most of the companies policies, schedules, staffing, issues, and resolutions
are determined in meetings.
Unfortunately not everyone attends these meetings so the information must
be passed along by some other form of communication.
Communication in Meetings

8. There can be obstacles to successful communication in these meetings.
These hurdles may include time differences, language differences, cultural
differences, not being able to see other participants during conference calls,
and a more recent phenomenon which using technology to multitask during
a meeting.
Whether it is a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or some other technology using
these technologies during a meeting can lead to erroneous information or
sometimes no information at all.
Communication in Meetings

9. There are various forms in which to communicate information no matter
where it originated. These options may include:
• Face-to-face dialogue
• Phone conversations
• Over two-way radios
• Emails
• Text messages
• Written memos, letter, or instructions
• And other meetings such as safety committees
Passing Along Information

10. Of course we have to ensure that the information is correct before it is
passed along. This is why it is critical to have someone take “the minutes”
during meetings. This would be beneficial in the cases where someone may
get distracted or even called out of a meeting and miss vital information.
Passing Along Information

11. It is important in a manufacturing setting that a foundation of teamwork is
established.
It is common for people from different departments and different job
classification to work together from time-to-time on special teams or
committees.
Management must ensure that these individuals are the right people to be
placed in a “team” environment and that a sense of respect and
understanding for each other and their departments is established.
Communication andTeamwork

12. According to my research at least 62% of employed adults in the United
States use either email or the internet at work.
That means that email and the internet are tools that most industries cannot
do without. The use of email in a manufacturing facility is vital to its
communication network.
Whether these emails are internal or external this form of communication is
essential to the success of any modern manufacturer.
Email,Texting, andThe Internet

13. In my experience in the manufacturing industry text messages are almost as
common as email and sever the same purpose.
Text messaging gives us the ability to send information on the go without
having to rely on phone conversations. Information can be sent along with
pictures in many cases to convey important information without having to
go to ones office and send an email. In an environment where the majority
of management and supervision are “on the floor” for extended periods of
time text messages are vital for sending and receiving information.
Email,Texting, andThe Internet

14. The use of the internet while at work can be a controversial subject. Many
believe that it promotes cyberloafing or cyberslacking while on the job.
I have found that in many cases the use of the internet while at work is an
invaluable tool.
The ability to do research, request information, compare prices from
vendors, and even watch instructional videos can save both time and money!
Email,Texting, andThe Internet

15. The uses of computers in a manufacturing environment is an always
changing environment.
Computers in most facilities are tied into the management information
system as well as the individual pieces of equipment.
This not only requires the expertise of a programmer to write and install
instructions for the equipment to function, it also requires an operator to
interface with the machine in order for it to perform the specified tasks.
Computers and Manufacturing

16. Computers and Manufacturing
In many cases the operators responsible for communicating with these
machines using new technology are undertrained and inexperienced.
This can result in mistakes which can cause down time, equipment failures,
and the potential for injuries for the operator and other in the area.
This can also lead to unwanted stress on the individuals involved.

17. I would like to suggest the following ideas to the company chosen in hopes
that they will help improve the communication network in their facility:
• Provide all employees company email access to ensure information is
being received. This also improve accountability since there would be a
record of the email be sent.
• Respond to safety concerns about communication immediately without
concern for cost.
• Cross train employees in other areas so that there is an understanding of
the importance of these areas and the people that work in them. This
would help in team building.
Opportunities for Improvement

18. • Restrict the use of technologies during meetings. This would encourage
participation and lead to better communication.
• Ensure that a translator is present when necessary during meetings so
that the information gathered is accurate.
• Have someone take “the minutes” during meetings our invest is the
technology of voice recognition software which can transfer the meeting
to text.
• Have training sessions or at minimum training manuals for individuals
new to conference calls so they know what to expect and a better able to
contribute during the meetings.
Opportunities for Improvement

19. • Provide a structured training program to communicate with employees to
establish and ensure a more competent and confident workforce. This
will reduce mistakes and increase production.
Opportunities for Improvement