Industry 4.0: IoT brings new requirements for the qualifications and expertise of sales staff
Automation technology is undergoing a profound transformation that encompasses everything. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), collaborative robotics and AI-controlled systems are not only revolutionising production processes, but also placing completely new demands on the qualifications of skilled workers. For specialised headhunters, this means a fundamental reorientation of their search and evaluation strategies.
The digital transformation of automation technology
Traditional automation technology is increasingly merging with the IT world. What used to be separate systems - operational technology (OT) on the one hand and information technology (IT) on the other - are now merging into integrated smart factory solutions. This development, which is strongly characterised by automation, presents the labour market with unprecedented challenges.
In practice, we as specialised headhunters are observing a dramatic change in requirement profiles. An example from a recent search mandate illustrates this: For the position of an automation engineer, our client not only required in-depth PLC programming and robotics knowledge, but also expertise in cloud computing, industrial IoT protocols and cyber security.
This development has a massive impact on recruitment. As headhunters, we are faced with the challenge of identifying candidates who have both classic automation expertise and a deep understanding of modern IoT technologies and manufacturing.
The fusion of automation and digitalisation is creating completely new job profiles. As specialised headhunters, we experience every day how traditional job profiles are being expanded or completely redefined by new requirements. Today, an automation technician must not only master classic control technology, but also be able to deal with cloud platforms, big data analytics and industrial IoT protocols.
This development is particularly evident in the field of robotics. Whereas in the past the focus was purely on programming and commissioning, today it is all about integrating collaborative robot systems into networked production environments. Machines play a central role here, as they work together in digitalised production, act autonomously and are controlled in real time in order to increase efficiency and flexibility, while at the same time responding to individual customer requirements.
This requires a deep understanding of:
- Machine learning algorithms for adaptive robot systems
- Industrial Ethernet and industrial communication protocols
- Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and their security aspects
- Cloud-based robot controls and monitoring
Our experience from current recruitment projects shows: The market for these highly specialised professionals is practically empty. Traditional recruiting via job adverts does not lead to success here. Instead, a proactive, network-based search is required, which can only be provided by specialised headhunters with a deep understanding of the industry.
Specific recruiting challenges in automation technology
The search for qualified specialists for modern automation technology is like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. As headhunters, we face several specific challenges:
Evaluation of hybrid skills profiles
The greatest challenge lies in the precise evaluation of technical qualifications. We not only need to assess traditional automation skills, but also an understanding of modern IoT technologies and intelligent products.
Our headhunters themselves therefore have in-depth knowledge of:
● Industrial control systems and their programming
● IoT platforms and cloud technologies
● Industrial communication protocols
● Cyber security in the industrial environment
Competitive situation in the market
The automation industry is increasingly competing with the IT industry and start-ups for qualified specialists, with efficient production playing a key role. A practical example: When looking for an Industrial IoT architect, we were in direct competition with leading tech companies.
Success was achieved through:
- Thorough understanding of the specific project requirements
- Targeted mapping of relevant candidate profiles
- Identifying the special development opportunities in automation
- Professional expectation management on both sides
The salesjob approach to automation technology
As specialised headhunters for the automation industry, we have developed a highly specialised approach that takes into account the central role of production automation within lean production and Industry 4.0. Our unique selling point lies in the combination of in-depth technical understanding and professional recruiting expertise.
Technical expertise as the basis
Our headhunters themselves have background knowledge in automation technology. This enables us to hold technically sound discussions at peer level - be it with candidates from PLC programming, robotics or industrial IoT. A practical example: When searching for an expert in networked robot systems, we were able to precisely assess the actual expertise of the candidates by asking specific technical questions about the integration of OPC UA and industrial Ethernet protocols.
Specialised industry network
Over the years, we have built up an exclusive network in the automation industry, focussing on the integration and automation of processes. This includes:
- Leading experts from the field of industrial automation
- Specialists for industrial IoT and Industry 4.0
- Developers of smart factory solutions
- Specialists from the field of collaborative robotics
Success stories from the field of automation technology
The complexity of modern automation projects, in particular through the use of smart products, is reflected in our successful appointments. Two current examples illustrate our specialised approach:
Case Study 1: Industrial IoT Architect
The challenge:
A leading automation specialist was looking for an Industrial IoT architect to develop a new generation of networked production systems. The requirements profile included:
- In-depth knowledge of automation
- Expertise in cloud technologies and edge computing
- Experience with industrial IoT platforms
- Understanding of IT security in production environments
Our approach:
- Detailed analysis of the technological environment
- Identification of relevant candidate profiles in automation and IT companies
- Targeted approach of experts at IoT specialist conferences
- Technically based evaluation discussions
Case Study 2: Team Leader Robotics & AI
An innovative robotics company was looking for a team leader for the area of collaborative robot systems. The particular challenge was the combination of:
- Well-founded robotics expertise
- AI know-how for adaptive robot systems
- Leadership experience in agile development teams
- Understanding of industrial safety standards
Future prospects for the autmoation technology industry
Automation technology is facing further far-reaching changes, with the topic of networking playing a central role in Industry 4.0. As specialised headhunters, we are keeping a close eye on technological developments and their impact on skills requirements. Three key trends will characterise personnel recruitment in the coming years:
Artificial intelligence in automation
The integration of AI into automation systems and the networking of virtual objects with the real world creates completely new requirement profiles. We are seeing increasing demand for candidates who understand both classic automation technology and machine learning.
Particularly in demand are skills in:
- Predictive maintenance by means of AI
- Adaptive process control
- Computer vision for quality control
- Self-optimising production systems
Digital twins und simulation
The increasing importance of digital twins is fundamentally changing the requirements for automation experts. Specialists who can connect virtual and real systems are sought.
This requires:
- Expertise in 3D modelling
- Real-time capable simulation systems
- Integration of sensor data
- Validation of virtual models
5G and edge computing
The introduction of 5G in industrial environments, combined with edge computing, creates new opportunities for automation.
As a headhunter, we are increasingly looking for candidates with skills in:
- Industrial 5G networks
- Decentralised data processing
- Real time process control
- Mobile robotics
Conclusion
Today, automation technology is a decisive factor for success in Industry 4.0. The fusion of automation and digitalisation has not only revolutionised production processes but has also fundamentally changed the requirements for the qualifications and skills of new employees.
The integration of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and the automation pyramid into production facilities has led to a new era of the smart factory. This development offers numerous opportunities, but also requires a deep understanding of the networking and control of machines and processes. Companies must continuously adapt in order to remain competitive, which requires constant further training and upgrading of employee qualifications.
To summarise, automation technology in Industry 4.0 not only represents a technological revolution, but also a challenge and opportunity for the qualification of new employees. The ability to navigate this dynamic environment and utilise the latest technologies effectively will be crucial to the success of companies in the future.
Get in touch
salesjob finds the best sales talent in automation & robotics
As a specialised headhunter for automation technology, salesjob combines years of industry experience with in-depth technical understanding. Our expertise in the areas of Industrial IoT, robotics and Industry 4.0 makes us the preferred partner of leading companies in the sector.
Our headhunters themselves have a technical background in automation and understand the specific challenges of the industry first-hand. This combination of technical expertise and professional recruiting enables us to successfully fill even the most challenging positions.
Benefit from our specialised expertise and contact us for a non-binding consultation.
FAQs in automation technology
As a headhunter, how do you assess the technical skills of candidates in the field of Industrial IoT?
As specialised headhunters, we have in-depth knowledge of automation technology and IoT. In technical interviews, we specifically check the understanding of:
- Industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, MQTT etc.)
- Cloud platforms for industrial applications
- Cyber security in production environments
- Integration of legacy systems
Our technical background helps us to accurately assess the actual expertise of candidates.
Which qualifications are currently particularly in demand in automation technology?
The market is increasingly looking for hybrid profiles with expertise in:
- Classic automation technology (PLC, drive technology, robotics)
- Industrial IoT and cloud technologies
- IT security and network technology
- Data analysis and machine learning
As headhunters, we focus on identifying candidates who can combine these different technology worlds.
What distinguishes recruitment in the automation industry from other technical sectors?
Automation technology is characterised by a unique combination of traditional industrial engineering and state-of-the-art digital technologies. As specialised headhunters, we must:
- Continuously monitor technical innovations and trends
- Know specific safety and regulatory requirements
- Understand the special challenges of real-time systems
How can salesjob support you in your search for sales professionals?
We have been active as headhunters throughout Europe for over 24 years and have 19,700 sales specialists in our database. Most of our consultants have practical sales experience themselves and know the challenges you face. We support you in your search for sales staff, managers and managing directors.