HR in manufacturing – practical. human-centered. feasible
People & Production
Between daily business, legacy systems and a new beginning
Many HR departments in the manufacturing sector still operate within long-established structures and rely heavily on outdated SAP systems and manual processes. At the same time, they are under increasing pressure due to new legal requirements, digital transformation goals and a growing shortage of skilled workers, as well as SAP’s clear shift towards the cloud. The big question is:
How can we drive change while keeping our operations running and retaining our people?
The biggest challenges on the path to the manufacturing industry
For many manufacturing companies, evolving the HR/IT landscape has become a strategic necessity. However, this transformation presents specific challenges that affect both HR strategy and IT infrastructure.
Transformation under constant pressure
HR departments in the manufacturing sector are operating at full capacity. With day-to-day operations, project work and growing pressure for change to contend with, there is little time left for strategic development.
There is no real HR strategy for the production workforce
Many HR concepts focus on administrative or knowledge-based work. Production areas and blue-collar workforces often receive insufficient organisational and technological support.
Critical core processes without a clear future
Time tracking and payroll still run on legacy systems. However, the move to the cloud is inevitable. At the same time, there is a lack of future-ready, tailored alternatives.
System landscapes that hinder innovation
The fragmented IT landscape in manufacturing often leads to friction and high integration costs. This is particularly problematic when IT resources are limited and production processes need to be made more efficient.
Lack of involvement from leadership and employee representatives
Without the involvement of key stakeholders and leadership, trust and acceptance are lacking. Consequently, HR systems are rarely used in production environments, which slows down the transformation process and the integration of new procedures.
Production employees missing out on digital access
Digital systems fail to reach employees on the shop floor. Mobile solutions are lacking, access is complicated and uptake remains low.
Carve-in and carve-out: no clarity during transformation
Mergers and divestitures require integrated HR strategies, but data-driven decision-making is often lacking. Consequently, the potential of change management and synergy effects remains untapped.
Important target groups are left out.
Gen Z and women remain underrepresented in industrial roles, not because they lack the necessary skills, but because corporate messaging fails to engage them.
Shaping the Future with a Clear Strategy – Two Solutions for Your HR Transformation
Digital transformation in the manufacturing industry is not just an IT project; it is a profound change process affecting all areas of the company, including: HR, IT, business units and, especially, people. In manufacturing environments in particular, which are characterised by decentralised structures, specific time management models and complex system landscapes, a successful transformation requires more than a technical roadmap. A clear and holistic strategy is needed that considers not only technical aspects, but also organisational, cultural and process-related challenges. As a partner for all HR-related matters in manufacturing, we provide a comprehensive approach that considers both the technical and strategic aspects of transformation.
Let’s shape the future of your HR/IT together.
In a non-binding conversation, we’ll show you what an individual roadmap or employer branding concept could look like for your manufacturing company – practical. people-focused. achievable.
p78 HR/IT Roadmap Transformation Starter Package
We will work together to develop a customised HR/IT roadmap that considers the current state of your systems and processes, and defines clear goals for your digital transformation.
We are focusing on:
- A detailed analysis of the current situation and a future assessment.
- Meaningful integration of existing systems and selection of bespoke digital solutions to address the specific requirements of manufacturing.
- Implementing sustainable and future-proof solutions.
p78 Pulse Check for Recruiting & Employer Branding
With our p78 Pulse Check, you will receive a comprehensive, personalised analysis and valuable recommendations to help maximise the success of your employer branding.
Benefit from the following:
- Quick solutions: Immediate actions to improve your recruitment process.
- Strategic recommendations: Long-term strategies to strengthen your employer brand sustainably.
- Operational tips: Clear, actionable guidance to take your talent acquisition to the next level.
p78 and cbs: The ideal partner for manufacturing companies in all HR matters.
p78 and cbs offer production companies a unique competitive advantage thanks to their deep expertise in the manufacturing industry and a tailored portfolio of HR and IT solutions. cbs brings decades of experience in the digital transformation of industrial enterprises and a strong understanding of industry-specific challenges. With its SAP-based solutions expertise, cbs helps organisations optimise their processes and increase production efficiency sustainably.
As a subsidiary of cbs, p78 builds on this strength by focusing clearly on HR/IT strategies and the digitalisation of HR processes. We support industrial companies in transforming their HR processes and building a future-proof digital HR landscape with customised solutions for Human Capital Management and SAP SuccessFactors.
Together, p78 and cbs provide an integrated solution that covers all relevant HR topics in industrial environments, from optimising time and attendance processes to implementing new digital HR strategies. Thanks to our combined expertise, we are the partner that can make HR processes in manufacturing more efficient and transparent, and prepare them for the future.
How Manufacturing Companies Are Driving Change with Us
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