Digitization in SMEs: Do robots take over our jobs?

Digitization in small and medium-sized Companys progresses inexorably. In which industries is the increasing use of artificial Intelligence particularly noticeable and where Germany is positioned in the global comparison in the digital Transformation?

From industrialization to industry 4.0

The digital Revolution, or the age of Industry 4.0, was heralded at the turn of the last millennium and summarizes the diverse approaches to digital change in the production sector. However, a look at history shows that the digitization of Working world started much earlier. With the onset of industrialization at the end of the 18th century, mass production became possible.

Nevertheless, the partly mechanical production of goods and services was still very much dependent on human labor, such as the operation of mechanical looms. When Henry Ford first used the assembly line in automobile production in 1913, he laid the foundation for Industry 2.0. Because everyone Employees only supervised one production step, production became more effective and faster.

Since the 1970s, industrial production has become more and more detached from human resources with the use of modern communication and information technology. Today, humans and robots work side by side in many production facilities. Thanks to artificial intelligence, more and more machines can carry out production processes automatically. This enables processes to be optimized and accelerated, so that digitalization is becoming increasingly important, even in small and medium-sized companies.

Where does Germany position itself in international comparison?

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Germany is regarded worldwide as one of the most innovative countries and is a pioneer in the development of various technologies. However, this does not mean that digitization in SMEs is more advanced in this country than in other countries. On the contrary: according to the innovation indicator, Germany ranks 44,3 in an international comparison with an index value of 17 in terms of the digitization indicator and does not stand out from the international competition. The top positions include Finland (69,5), Sweden (66,4) and Israel (65,4).

One reason for the comparatively weak digitization in SMEs is the high investment costs and the requirements for the Privacy and data security in Germany. There is a shortage of skilled workers with the necessary expertise. Given the complexity of the subject feel many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed. In addition, the brakes Anxiety their application before artificial intelligence. The degree and type of digitization in SMEs and a corresponding threat to jobs vary from Industry too branch strong.

How strongly does digitalization endanger individual industries?

Retail, the automotive industry and crafts and construction are the sectors in which digitization will find its way into SMEs the most. The probability of robots being used in retail is particularly high at 92% Future the jobs of People will take over.

A visible example are the self-service checkouts in supermarkets, where the customers independently scan the goods, pack them and control the payment process. holder of stationary Shops also fear the competition of Online-Trade. Nevertheless, it should not be ignored that consumers value personal advice from human specialists, even in times of digitalization.

Do robots replace human labor?

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Robots are already largely replacing the manpower of automobile production efficiently and the trend is increasing. Although enormous digitization is to be expected with 67,4%, new occupational fields are emerging in research and development, especially in the area of ​​autonomous driving.

There is still a lot of potential for digitization in the craft and construction industries. The likelihood that artificial intelligence will replace humans in the future is above 60%. The digitization in artisanal SMEs is currently evident in the use of digital sensor technology for the maintenance of equipment and especially in 3D printing for production in the construction industry. Although some jobs can be completed faster and more cost-effectively through the use of innovative technologies, in most cases the skilled craftsmanship of a specialist can not be dispensed with.

In medicine, gastronomy and counseling, man is irreplaceable

Human staff is irreplaceable in gastronomy and healthcare. Even if complex Technology Doctors can help to identify diseases earlier and a holistic picture of the patient can be displayed through intelligent links to health-related data

Do not make decisions about interventions, care and therapy measures without human involvement. The interpersonal Contact between doctor and patient is only imaginable for very few people.

Even if restaurateurs have to compete with online delivery services, professional chefs and competent service staff are indispensable in the industry. The probability that machines will replace humans in these jobs is very low. Nevertheless, it is particularly important in this industry to keep up with the times. Without an online presence in the form of their own modern website, social media activity and customer reviews, it is becoming increasingly difficult for restaurateurs to attract new customers I aufmerksam close.

No fear of digitization

More and more entrepreneurs see the digitization of SMEs as an opportunity. But employees are more critical of Industry 4.0. They fear that Risks, to be eventually replaced by machines. A dystopian one Welt, in which robots rule the world and humans, is not a realistic scenario for the next few years. Experts from the IAB do not assume that entire professional groups will be replaced by digital technologies in the near future. However, some professions will be hit harder than others. Retail and manufacturing occupations are hardest hit.

In many sectors, innovative technologies will create new job descriptions and jobs at the same time. In research, specialists are needed to develop, program and monitor digital technologies. Machines and programs can relieve heavy physical work and facilitate administrative processes. In many areas of life Society like Health and Communication advancing digitization can make life easier for people.

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