The modern work environment qualifies for description as industry 4.0, an industrial stage Frank et al. (2019) described as the convergence of new emerging technologies that offer diverse digital solutions. According to Frank et al., little understanding exists in the policies and procedures used by companies when implementing such technologies. The proposed framework for understanding the transition categorizes the technologies into front-end and base technologies. The former covers the dimensions of smart manufacturing, smart working, smart products, and smart supply, while the patter deals with the internet of things, big data, cloud services, and analytics ( Frank et al., 2019). The introduction of either of the dimensions into the workplace is likely to create disruption, hence the need for appropriate policies and procedures for successful implementation and adoption by the workforce.
The level of implementation of industrial technologies is highly complex. Workers must understand the working dynamics of each domain and how different technologies interact. In such contexts, companies need diverse policies and practices to realize the inherent benefits of these technologies. The most important policies are on cybersecurity, the use of personal devices, the use of social media, and cloud-based application. The adoption of technologies calls for recognition of the interrelationships between different domains ( Frank et al., 2019). Practices under cybersecurity would include email filtering, training to develop an awareness of inherent threats, vulnerability testing, and protective measures such as antiviruses. The regulation of personal devices would cover visibility, acceptable use, network restrictions, security protocol settings, and storage wiping. The company would strive to monitor social media accounts, establish posting guidelines, personal conduct, and clean up measures in cases of accidental posting of information or content. For cloud-based applications, policies and practices would center on the sharing of sensitive information, approvals before posting, and the use of passwords. The above policies and practices form the basic framework of the adoption and implementation of the technologies.
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Implementation of the identified policies and practices requires training for a smooth transition by workers. According to Winters et al. (2018), training is imperative to address the reductionist approach by scholars that underestimates the complexities in the relationship between pedagogy and technology. Given the disruptive aspect of adopting technology, the subjection of all employees to training would reduce instances of resistance to change. As a leader, it is important to enhance the organizational position on the adoption and implementation of technologies. The process would cover in detail the policies and procedures put in place to govern the use of the new technologies. The information provided indicates training to be essential for the success of the change process.
References
Frank, A. G., Dalenogare, L. S., & Ayala, N. F. (2019). Industry 4.0 technologies: Implementation patterns in manufacturing companies. International Journal of Production Economics , 210 , 15-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2019.01.004
Winters, N., Langer, L., & Geniets, A. (2018). Scoping review assessing the evidence used to support the adoption of mobile health (mHealth) technologies for the education and training of community health workers (CHWs) in low-income and middle-income countries. BMJ Open , 8 (7), e019827. https:// doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019827
