052: Tools That Enable Remote Work

Published: May 13, 2020, 8 a.m.

Digital Enterprise Society is the authority on the transformation to a digital enterprise, impacting all areas of an organization. Tune in for discussions among industry leaders about operations and action needed to drive digitization principles forward for the future of product development and life cycles. 

 

In today’s episode, Thom Singer and Craig Brown welcome Matt Heying, product leader at Vertex Software, to discuss the ins and outs of working remotely. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all of us to rethink traditional work standards and practices, and Matt has joined us to discuss the tools, tips, and practices that will allow manufacturing and engineering employees to get the job done, wherever they may be working from.

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

How to overcome the limitations of working remotely

  • Design is naturally a highly collaborative process, but a majority of the process can be completed remotely
  • Software programs such as Vertex facilitate design wherever you are
  • Collaboration doesn’t need to be limited to the office — the right tools can reach engineers wherever they are
  • Cloud-based applications offer a higher level of security than traditional methods
  • Digital design reviews give multiple views of the same design, offering a higher level of collaboration and efficiency

 

Defining the ‘new normal’ in the workplace

  • Many companies have already been effectively working distributively for years
  • People are often more efficient when they’re not working in an open plan office
  • There is a great advantage for knowledge workers to do their ‘thinking work’ remotely 
  • Curriculum and training that can be delivered remotely should be wherever possible
  • Quality design reviews can still be effectively conducted remotely
  • Companies don’t need to aim for a completely virtual workplace, but do need to reconsider utilizing remote technologies

 

Looking to the future of remote working

  • COVID-19 has required a shift in thinking regarding supply chains and traditional practices 
  • A recent study shows that 60% of employees don’t want to return to the office full-time 
  • Accountability should not come from the “checking in” at the desk that many managers demand
  • Work should not be about where you are, rather what you are getting done

 

Do you have an example of extraordinary efforts or innovation during these unprecedented times? We would love to hear your story and possibly interview you for an upcoming episode. Please reach out to us at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org

 

Sponsor: 

Vertex Software is a cloud-based digital twin platform that fuels team collaboration by unlocking 3D data and providing aligned visuals across engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, service and the supply chain.