How To Keep Your Factory From Forgetting How To Run
A recent report highlights the importance of preserving institutional knowledge in manufacturing as many experienced workers approach retirement. The loss of this knowledge can lead to significant operational risks, including production downtime and customer dissatisfaction. Companies are encouraged to identify critical knowledge holders and implement strategies to transfer their expertise before they leave the workforce.
- ▪A significant portion of the manufacturing workforce is nearing retirement, raising concerns about knowledge loss.
- ▪97% of manufacturers are worried about brain drain from their aging workforce.
- ▪Companies need to identify key employees and the critical knowledge they possess to mitigate operational risks.
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BusinessManufacturingHow To Keep Your Factory From Forgetting How To RunByEthan Karp,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about transforming businesses through technology & innovation.Follow AuthorMay 26, 2026, 08:11am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.A new MAGNET report on managing manufacturing’s multigenerational workforce makes the risk plain: institutional knowledge is one of the most valuable assets on the shop floor, and too much of it still lives in the heads of people nearing retirement.gettyA factory can lose its memory overnight.Sometimes it happens after the retirement cake when a 38-year employee walks out for the last time.
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