Frontline Innovators

Frontline Innovators

By frontlineinnovatorsTechnology
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Frontline Innovators episodes

  • Thinking Outside Four Walls - Frontline Innovators - Episode # 6

    Mike Smola, Vice President of Strategic Mobility Team at Panasonic, is a leading advocate for helping frontline workers grasp mobile technology. Mike shares with host Gene Signorini his take on the greatest challenge facing the frontline workers and how it’s changed in a post pandemic world. 

     

     

    Takeaways 

     

    • The biggest challenge facing frontline workers is enabling the frontline worker to be productive in the environment in which they work
  • Being outside of the 4-walls of the corporate building creates an obstacle for frontline workers, they can’t access tech support by walking down the hall
  • When developing any product it’s critical to understand the use case and where the product is being used - take a walk in the customer's shoes, understand what they are doing so the product can be built to support that
  • There is an expectation/requirement from millennials that technology be small, smart and simple
  • Deployment of technology increased exponentially during the pandemic which had a drastic effect on the frontline workforce
  • With Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, high data throughput through the cloud gives frontline workers tremendous insight, better functionality to do their job and empowers them to make better decisions at a job site
  • “One day is different from the next… There is always a new challenge. There are so many great things you learn listening to the customer,” Mike Smola



    • Links

     

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-smola-7a2a279/
  • Company Website: https://www.panasonicfa.com/



    • Ways to Tune In:

     

    • Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2f4ecd92-6468-4769-b0bf-254e236510b7/FRONTLINE-INNOVATORS 
  • Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frontline-innovators/id1572329402
  • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/29m3wnK8pbFjdSvJ9wjmyS
  • Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/frontline-innovators
  • Google Play - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZnJvbnRsaW5laW5ub3ZhdG9ycy5jb20vZmVlZC54bWw
  • YouTube - Full video - https://youtu.be/RmWmMdqYd4M
    • 38 min
  • The Other Side of Modern - Frontline Innovators - Episode # 5

    On this episode of Frontline Innovators we talk with Daniel Schumacher - the Director of Global IT Applications and Digital Innovations. Daniel talks about how important the wellbeing of the frontline workers is and how to familiarize them with modern, innovative technology.

     

    Daniel Schumacher shares his unique insights gained by putting himself in the shoes of frontline workers to investigate the issues they encounter with technology.



    Takeaways 

     

    • “... The challenge is the fundamental shift of thinking of the frontline workforce first and foremost, when it comes to technology enablement.” - Daniel
  • Only once you have a thorough understanding of how the work is done, what is working and what isn't, can you begin to address the issues.
  • When firm executives involve frontline workers in the process, a positive relationship develops between them and the headquarters, increasing the adoption of technology once it is available.
  • It is only when you talk to the frontline workers that you can understand what could have been done differently if they had the appropriate tools.
  • “I think the biggest challenge is getting the technology that we put in their [frontline workers] hands to work the exact same way as any other tool that they pick up.” - Daniel
  • You can have the most advanced technologies available. However, if you don't know how to make it relevant to the person, you won't be effective.



    • Links

     

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-schumacher-05984b3/
  • Company Website: https://mining.komatsu/
  • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/komatsu-mining



    • Ways to Tune In:

     

    • Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2f4ecd92-6468-4769-b0bf-254e236510b7/FRONTLINE-INNOVATORS 
  • Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frontline-innovators/id1572329402
  • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/29m3wnK8pbFjdSvJ9wjmyS
  • Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/frontline-innovators
  • Google Play - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZnJvbnRsaW5laW5ub3ZhdG9ycy5jb20vZmVlZC54bWw
  • YouTube - Full video - https://youtu.be/LBARvhkLi8A
    • 55 min
  • Understanding the Frontline Workforce - Frontline Innovators - Episode # 4

    On this episode of Frontline Innovators, Eric McKinney, Enterprise Infrastructure Director at G & J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, joins host Justin Lake. Together they discuss how important it is to make frontline workers feel heard and to understand the issues they encounter from their perspective.

     

    Eric McKinney shares his valuable experience as he stepped into the shoes of the frontline workforce to explore the problems they face with technology.

     

    Takeaways 

     

    • Covid has transformed the way the world looks at work, but the frontline staff has been left out because they have direct touch with customers. As a result, frontline workers are unaware of the concept of working from home.
  • You gain a better feel of technology if you listen to the frontline workers, then take this information and report to the back office teams; example: accounting, about inventories and where items are and how you can accommodate them.
  • Engaging frontline workers so that they can contribute to the process rather than just be on the receiving end is a great way to show them that they are being heard.
  • You need to be a salesperson to understand your frontline workers, but don't do it because you work for the same firm. If you do, your change management strategy will face resistance.
  • There's also that fear that comes that the frontline workforce is going to be replaced or outsourced by some robot or technology. - Eric
  • There is a gap between when we plan these tech investments and innovation plans and how frontline employees feel about them.



    • Links

     

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmckinney/
  • Company Website: https://www.gjpepsi.com/
  • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/g-&-j-pepsi-cola-bottlers-inc/



    • Ways to Tune In:

     

    • Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2f4ecd92-6468-4769-b0bf-254e236510b7/FRONTLINE-INNOVATORS 
  • Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frontline-innovators/id1572329402
  • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/29m3wnK8pbFjdSvJ9wjmyS
  • Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/frontline-innovators
  • Google Play - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZnJvbnRsaW5laW5ub3ZhdG9ycy5jb20vZmVlZC54bWw
  • YouTube - Full video - https://youtu.be/bvaUT6m4dE8
    • 1 hr 5 min
  • Managing the Deskless Workforce - Frontline Innovators - Episode #4

    On this episode of Frontline Innovators, Kristy Bonner, Director, Information Technology at NCH Corporation, joins host Justin Lake. Together, they explore the concerns and issues surrounding the remote workforce and her life as the organization's leader. 

    Kristy Bonner shares her valuable experience and ways to address the pain points using technology.

     

    Takeaways 

    • It can be difficult to establish a use case and an ROI on developing a new business product or teaching people a new method to do something. But it's all about increasing the rep's productivity by giving them more time in the day to visit their customers and complete their tasks.
  • The super users who are associated with each group have the responsibility to work with their fields and come back with where the company needs to make some tweaks and changes and put that reasoning together.
  • Integrate the dashboard into the user interface so that the user is reminded of the topics they should be focusing on. It is a good idea from the standpoint of software design. Regular reminders help the workforce close pending issues and make it easy for them to get there.
  • “It is important that you keep an eye on when you have made that investment in the software, that you're continually going back and making sure that it's meeting the goals that we had intended.” - Kristy
  • Whatever you create, try to make it more of a configuration than customization so that if a new demand arises in another location, you don't have to entirely demolish everything you've already put in place just to make a few little modifications.
  • It is important to do a quick inventory of the technology you already have before seeking something new. Likely, you already have capabilities built into your tech stack that you're not taking advantage of.

    •  

    Links

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnerkristy/
  • Company Website: https://www.nch.com/
  • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nch/

    •  

    Ways to Tune In:

    • Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2f4ecd92-6468-4769-b0bf-254e236510b7/FRONTLINE-INNOVATORS 
  • Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frontline-innovators/id1572329402
  • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/29m3wnK8pbFjdSvJ9wjmyS
  • Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/frontline-innovators
  • Google Play - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZnJvbnRsaW5laW5ub3ZhdG9ycy5jb20vZmVlZC54bWw
  • YouTube - Full video - https://youtu.be/xLbM6StKfeE
    • 54 min
  • The Analytics Behind Frontline - Frontline Innovators - Episode #3

    On this episode of Frontline Innovators, we discuss new technology and analytics of today’s desk-less frontline workforce. What is the best technology for your team? How can companies better address the frontline workers’ pain points?

    Deanna Self, Industry Principal - Supply Chain at Zebra Technologies, shares her experience with frontline workers and addressing pain points through technology implementation.

     

    Takeaways 

    • Being desk-less is one of the biggest challenges facing the frontline workforce. It can be a challenge keeping up to date on new policies without easy access to communication through technology.
  • Many companies do not have analytics on the frontline. These are essential to optimizing operations and deciphering whether or not the go-to-market strategy needs to be reorganized.
  • Not everything requires technology to be solved. Find what makes the most sense for your organization based on the long term objectives. 
  • When discussing with the frontline workforce you are often talking within silos. A lot of times a company will implement a change but not understand how it will impact up or down stream.
  • Be proactive on the innovation front. Look at the technology through a need to have versus want to have lens. Is implementing _____ technology going to help now or is it something to circle back to in the future.
  • The pandemic allowed people to prove that they can accomplish their tasks outside of the traditional work settings.



    •  

    Links

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannaself22/
  • Company: https://www.zebra.com/us/en.html
  • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zebra-technologies/



    •  

    Ways To Tune In

    • Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2f4ecd92-6468-4769-b0bf-254e236510b7/FRONTLINE-INNOVATORS 
  • Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frontline-innovators/id1572329402
  • Google Play - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZnJvbnRsaW5laW5ub3ZhdG9ycy5jb20vZmVlZC54bWw
  • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/29m3wnK8pbFjdSvJ9wjmyS
  • Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/frontline-innovators
  • Youtube - https://youtu.be/GgbME5XWTJo
    • 52 min
  • Creating the Right Team - Frontline Innovators - Episode #2

    On this episode of Frontline Innovators, Michael Langley, VP of Business Transformation at Pepsi Bottling Ventures, joins host Justin Lake to discuss the challenges of implementing technology that directly impacts the frontline workforce. 

     

    Michael brings true awareness, and a sense of empathy as a former driver himself! “Meet them where they are,” Michael says. It’s important to have first hand experience with the frontline worker, not just build technology from a conference room. 

     

    Takeaways 

     

    • Meeting them where they are - in terms of technical proficiency and other job skills, and how they accept change, are they willing to accept change
  • Change management is key for digital adoption. If you want end users to embrace new technology, make them part of the process! Don’t just ask for input but include end users in the process!
  • Understanding the frontline workers is critical. Frontline workers need to be part of the dedicated team to understand how they’re trying to use the information, their constraints and all the pain points… you need to spend some time in the field. 
  • Look at people as individuals; age isn’t indicative of curiosity, aptitude or ability
  • The future of frontline workers and IT is about safety, security and creating easier workflows
  • For safety, drivers certainly play a crucial role, and anything that can help them be safer on the road, not robotics necessarily, should be explored
  • In stores, Google glasses may be a thing. Could this create more seamless ordering, or is it a potential security risk?
  • Looking to the future for change management; great idea to let technology take over for some manual, tedious things, which could help elevate some individuals roles
  • “I’ve been extremely blessed that I’ve had organizations that have supported me, family that has supported me, and certainly the ability to get the education needed to help me better be able to implement the technology and the skills I needed to be successful.”



    • Links

     

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-langley-phd-b47a6bb/
  • Website: https://www.pepsibottlingventures.com/
  • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepsi-bottling-ventures/
    • 53 min
  • Technology Workplace Balance - Frontline Innovators - Episode #1

    On this episode of Frontline Innovators, we discuss new technology and automation in today’s desk-less frontline workforce. How are these innovations affecting workflow? Are they helping or hurting? What can be done to make application more adaptive for the workers?

    Jennifer McComas, CTO, Energy and Utilities Industry Squad at IBM, shares her experience with frontline workers and the implementation of new technology solutions.

     

    Takeaways 

    • The pace of technology is one of the biggest challenges facing the frontline workforce. Although automation is intended to be helpful for the frontline, it becomes a hindrance for workers who are not accustomed to learning new technologies.
  • Oftentimes we use technology as a solution rather than reflecting on what the business objectives are and then looking at technology, if at all, to address the issue.
  • Implement technology with people, not to people, by starting a discussion with the frontline workers. Ask them what they are doing, what could be improved and their tolerance to adopting a technology solution.
  • Two common misconceptions behind artificial intelligence and automation are that 1) folks do not understand the algorithm behind the scenes and 2) they are not involved in the training process of the model.
  • “Automation and automated processes are the ultimate way to capture the important knowledge that was used to do [frontline work] in a way that can not only support the new worker that is coming along, but also creates a sustainable record of what that process is and why.” ~Jennifer
  • “There is never going to be a shortage of challenges or opportunities. Whether you are a desk-less, frontline, or knowledge worker we all need to be comfortable with change.” ~Jennifer



    •  

    Links

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmccomas/
  • Website: https://www.ibm.com/us-en?ar=1
  • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibm/
    • 52 min

About Frontline Innovators

From the publisher's feed

This is Frontline Innovators. Host Justin Lake speaks with experts who are leading the way and driving digital transformation to the frontlines. We explore how to overcome challenges and achieve success when we empower our essential workers.