Skill Matrix

Skill Matrix

As usual in this blog, we are discussing different ways to improve the performance of factories. One of the best methods for that is Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) but another method that should be mentioned which has the purpose of optimising the skills and knowledge levels of employees is the skill matrix which is also known as the competency matrix.

What is a skill matrix?

A skill matrix is a visual tool used to map the proficiency levels of a group of employees in various skills. It involves a simple grid that displays each employee's competency level in specific skills, enabling team leaders and managers to have a comprehensive view of the available skills in their team.

What is a skill matrix used for?

A skill matrix is a useful tool for project leaders to assess whether their team possesses the required skills to complete a project. It provides a snapshot of the available skills, allowing project leaders to determine if they need to bring in additional talent to fill any gaps. Furthermore, skill matrices can be used to map out the skills of the entire team, department, or organisation. This comprehensive view helps identifying significant skill gaps, enabling project leaders to make necessary hires or update their learning and development programs accordingly.

What are the benefits of using skill matrices?

  • For employees: By displaying an employee's skills on a matrix, a skill matrix can assist them in gaining a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. This visual representation of their skills allows them to identify areas where they are expected to excel, as well as areas that may require additional training for improvement.
  • For teams: Skill matrices can aid teams in achieving their best work by displaying their colleagues' skills alongside their own. This visual representation of skills enables employees to comprehend how to collaborate more effectively. Additionally, skill matrices can help teams identify internal weak spots, enabling them to focus extra attention on those areas to ensure they do not impede the overall project.
  • For Companies: Having a comprehensive understanding of the in-house skills available within a company allows its leadership to identify gaps and areas for improvement easily. Consequently, the company can focus its hiring efforts on candidates possessing the missing skills, offer targeted learning and development programs, or even redistribute internal talent to areas where it is most necessary.

Creating a skill matrix in 4 steps:

1. Determine the skills you need: Initially, you must identify the skills required for the project. To achieve this, it's recommended to gather input from team leaders, managers, and employees, particularly those with prior experience working on similar projects. However, it's essential to limit the list of skills to those strictly necessary for the project to prevent an extensive list of irrelevant skills.

2. Assess the skill level of each employee: After selecting the necessary skills, the next step is to evaluate each employee's proficiency in them, using a straightforward ranking scale, such as a 0-3 scale. For instance, the following scale can be utilised:

0 = No capability

1 = Basic capability

2 = Intermediate capability

3 = Advanced capability

One way to assess employees' skills is by asking them to score themselves. However, this approach may not always provide an accurate picture since some individuals may underestimate their skills, while others may overestimate them.

3. Assess the level of interest of each team member: It is crucial to consider your employees' interest in utilising each skill when creating a skills matrix. For instance, an employee who previously worked in customer service but now works in IT may possess skills in this area but may not have any interest in utilising them.

To determine your employees' interest level in using each skill on your matrix, you can ask them to rate themselves on a scale of 0 (no interest) to 1 (at least some interest).

4. Design the matrix: The last step is to combine all the gathered information and create a skills matrix. A skills matrix is typically a straightforward table that illustrates each employee's proficiency and interest in every skill.

After creating the matrix, you can swiftly review each row to determine if your team possesses the required skills to finish a specific project.

How can Stryza help your business with skill matrices?

Stryza can help identify skill gaps and training needs through skill matrices. By using a skills matrix, a manufacturing company can track the capabilities of each employee and identify which skills require development. This information can be used to create targeted training programs, ensuring that workers have the necessary skills to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently.

Manufacturing companies can streamline their workflows, reduce downtime, and improve safety by providing workers with the necessary information and support they need to carry out their tasks efficiently. All this is possible with Stryza.

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