Competence Management in Industry 4.0: An Innovative Concept to Support a Skill@Mgmt 4.0 tool

Abstract

Industry 4.0 has started to radically disrupt the business environment and is likely to expand worldwide in the coming decades. This transformation has an impact not only on production processes, but also on the structure of work. The human factor has been one of the topics focused on in this paradigm, due to the volatility of role profiles that is closely linked to skills challenges. The main objective of this paper is to display the conceptualization of a technological tool capable of enabling greater ease and agility in the management of human resource competencies, while promoting an increase in workforce engagement. The study followed the triangulation methods methodology, where three sources of information were crossed: HRM documents (from consulting firms), scientific articles, and a focus group with experts in the areas of HR management and information systems, from academia and industry. Through this, it was possible to create a set of requirements for the tool that preserves what companies already have, i.e. the Lean philosophy. To this end, a competence matrix is digitally incorporated, transporting Lean to a higher level of excellence. In addition to the concept display, some interfaces of a low fidelity prototype are presented to facilitate the interpretation of the requirements. Hence, this tool promises a more agile management of competencies, with the possibility of future career prospects for the employee (through the comparison of what is required in other functions). In addition, it will provide the manager with a more agile allocation of people (through talent reviews) to functions, reducing labor turnover.