JTBD analysis of shop-floor roles across industries — org structures, worker skills, information needs, and friction points
Manufacturing roles vary dramatically in required skill and autonomy:
| Level | Archetype | Skills Required | Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - Procedural | Auto line worker | Follow SOP, torque to spec, flag anomalies | Days–weeks |
| 2 - Inspection | QC technician | Visual defect detection, gauge use, go/no-go | Weeks–months |
| 3 - Adjustment | Machine operator | Read drawings, adjust feeds/speeds, compensate | Months |
| 4 - Diagnostic | Maintenance tech | Root cause analysis, read schematics, predict | 1–2 years |
| 5 - Craft | Welder, composite layup | Material feel, technique adaptation | 2–5 years |
| 6 - Expert | Tool & die maker, prototype machinist | Full fabrication, improvisation, process design | 5–10 years |
High-mix, low-volume assembly with extreme documentation requirements. A&P licenses, AS9100, DCMA oversight.
High-volume, takt-driven production. Team leads and andon systems. TPS/lean manufacturing.
VFDs, inverters, UPS, EV chargers. PCB assembly, wire harness, potting, hi-pot testing.
Cleanroom assembly, DHR documentation, 21 CFR 820 compliance. High traceability requirements.
Process development at leading edge. Nanometer tolerances. Equipment worth $100M+.
How workers actually access instructions, specs, and documentation — paper vs. digital vs. AR, by industry.
Competitive intelligence on manufacturing software vendors — funding, customers, product positioning.
Research pending