Epicor’s Josh Roberts on Harnessing Data and Reskilling the Manufacturing Workforce for a Tech-Driven Future

Meet Josh Roberts, Regional VP of Sales at Epicor

“We have to invest in these robots to keep up with the demand. There's not enough people. And even if we did hire them, training them has become a challenge because we haven't been able to document our processes, our procedures, and have a standard training mechanism to onboard people.” Our very own Josh Roberts, Regional VP of Sales at Epicor, shared this quote from a customer’s story. What he found wasn't a story of automation replacing jobs, but rather one of transformation — a shop floor where robots handle the welding while former welders learn to program and manage the automation systems.

The conversation highlights how manufacturers are finding success by focusing on fundamentals. In another example story, a Twin Cities manufacturer worked with Josh to unlock capabilities they already had but weren't utilizing. Through a simple training session, they discovered features that transformed their inventory management processes.

Epicor was founded with a mission to partner with the world’s hardest-working businesses, providing them with the technology solutions needed to succeed. Over the years, we’ve evolved from a traditional software provider to a leader in business technology, serving over 23,000 customers worldwide. Josh’s journey at Epicor reflects this evolution; starting as a business development representative, he has spent over 15 years learning the intricacies of manufacturing and technology, ultimately rising to a leadership role where he drives innovation and customer success.

In This Episode 

Kerrie speaks with Josh Roberts about the critical intersection of technology and workforce development in manufacturing. They explore how companies can leverage automation and AI to address labor shortages while emphasizing the importance of reskilling employees. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the future of manufacturing and the role of technology in shaping a more efficient and competitive industry. 

Topics

• The impact of workforce shortages on the manufacturing industry and the increasing reliance on automation and robotics to fill skill gaps.  
• Strategies for reskilling existing employees to adapt to new technologies and ensure they can effectively operate automated systems and machinery.  
• The importance of documenting processes and procedures to facilitate training and onboarding for new employees in a rapidly changing environment.  
• How AI and data-driven strategies are transforming manufacturing, enabling companies to make informed decisions and optimize operations for better efficiency.  
• Insights into the evolving landscape of manufacturing technology and the necessity for companies to stay ahead of trends to remain competitive.  
• The significance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within organizations to keep pace with technological advancements.  
• Challenges faced by manufacturers in implementing new technologies and the importance of setting realistic expectations during the adoption process.  
• The benefits of leveraging customer feedback and insights to improve technology solutions and better meet the needs of manufacturing businesses.  
• The future of manufacturing, including potential growth areas and the evolving relationship between technology and workforce development in the industry.