On the Assessment of People-Related Opportunities in Digitalisation

Digitalisation in manufacturing refers to integrating digital technologies and solutions into various aspects of the manufacturing industry. It involves digital tools, data, and automation in projects to optimise and enhance processes, improve productivity, increase efficiency, and enable better decision-making. Effective project risk management encompasses identifying risk factors, analysing their potential impact, and implementing strategies to mitigate, avoid, transfer, or accept risks as appropriate. While risk factors are typically associated with possible negative impacts on a project, they can also present opportunities or advantages that, if properly managed, can lead to positive outcomes or benefits. In this sense, risk factors can be viewed as opportunities rather than solely as threats. Risk factors associated with people in organisations refer to potential issues, challenges, or uncertainties arising from the organisation's human aspect. Understanding and effectively managing these risk factors are essential for maintaining a productive and positive work environment and achieving organisational goals. The main objective of the present study has been to systematically identify, analyse, and leverage the opportunities arising from the human aspect of the digital transformation process in an organisation. For that, a literature review has been conducted, investigating digitalisation challenges with a transdisciplinary mindset, ultimately leading to recommendations for industrial partners. This assessment aims to proactively create awareness of opportunities associated with the workforce during digitalisation initiatives. Identifying and addressing these factors will enable organisations to maximise the benefits of digitalisation and foster a positive and empowered workforce.