Digital work instructions make workplace smarter and future-proof

By the editors of EDIH NN - Inspired by the questions of the shop floor, and the pace of technological change.

Industry in the Northern Netherlands is changing rapidly. More and more companies are focusing on automation, smart systems and digital solutions. Yet the role of humans remains important. Machines can do a lot, but cooperation between people and technology is still the yardstick in many cases.

Digital work instructions (DWI) are playing an increasing role in this. They ensure that employees as well as autonomous systems know exactly what needs to be done, at what time and in what way. Whether it involves operating a machine, assembling a product or performing quality checks.

In many (production) companies, paper instructions are still the standard. But these are often outdated, incomplete or simply lost when you need them. Moreover, they are difficult to adapt to changes on the shop floor.

Digital work instructions solve that. They are up-to-date, interactive and available on screens, tablets or even through VR glasses. Employees get step-by-step support with their tasks. That prevents errors and increases efficiency.

Digital work instructions are modern work descriptions that support employees and systems during the production process:

In a manufacturing environment with smart machines and AI solutions, clear communication is essential. Digital work instructions enable humans and machines to work together effectively. Think of cobots performing their task based on instructions, or operators receiving real-time guidance with a screen next to them.

This makes DWIs an indispensable link in modern production systems. Not only for humans, but also as input for the systems themselves.

A common question is: Who makes all those instructions? And how do you keep track of them?

Increasingly, the answer is coming from an unexpected quarter: artificial intelligence. With tools like TNO's Instant Instructions, companies can have instructions generated automatically based on a simple video recording. That saves time and ensures consistent output.

During regional workshops in the Northern Netherlands, companies can learn about this. The meetings are organized by Smart Industry Netherlands and EDIH NN, with support from TNO and Virtutec, among others.

With an aging population, a shortage of technical staff and the increasing complexity of production processes, knowledge transfer is becoming increasingly important. Digital work instructions help companies to:

And all without heavy IT processes or large investments.

Digital work instructions are not only for large technological players. Especially small and medium-sized companies in the Northern Netherlands can benefit greatly from them. By recording knowledge and making it transferable, companies become more agile and better prepared for the future.