The manufacturing industry is built on the flow of information. From cost to quality control, your company's timely analysis of data can be the key to competition. However, it takes a trained professional to harness the power of this information.

This is where data analysts come in. These highly skilled experts are in high demand as Big Data continues to play a central role in the increasingly technical economy, and the manufacturing industry in particular can benefit from their experience in informatics. This position spotlight will cover the essentials of data analysis and get you started on your hiring process.

Job Description

Data analysts are at the forefront of the data revolution, and if you'd like your company to keep up with the changing times, you need one on your team. A unique blend of statistics, sociology, and engineering, this position involves collecting and analyzing a wide variety of information for the purpose of informing and driving business decisions.

In the manufacturing industry, this often manifests as assessing production processes and systems, and finding ways to improve efficiency. They can perform beta testing, interpret customer and user feedback, and gain a meaningful understanding of technical and behavioral data across various platforms. Data analysts should possess technical skills like programming and statistics, as well as a working style geared towards inquisitiveness and problem solving.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree, though upper-level and managerial positions may require a master's degree. The exact field may vary, with many data analysts having degrees in data science, mathematics, computer science, statistics, and more. Many employers also require three years of experience and proven critical-thinking abilities.

The median salary for data analysts is $55,035, though salaries may range from $39,000 to $80,000. This salary may vary with a specialization in manufacturing.

Professional Outlook

Data holds an important position in every industry, dominating such areas as marketing, production, and quality assurance. As a result, the manufacturing trades can greatly benefit from the expertise of a data analyst.

Data science is a relatively new field, so the rising need for these professionals significantly outnumbers the amount of qualified candidates. However, as our economy grows more focused on data analysis, we can expect to see more students and experienced professionals pursuing careers in this field.

Given the competitiveness of this candidate pool, manufacturers should work with an experienced staffing agency to access a talent-rich candidate pool. This will eliminate the frustrations and challenges of the current talent shortage, and allow managers in the manufacturing trade to recruit qualified data analysts with a specialty in manufacturing. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of your company's inner workings and enhance your competitiveness as a manufacturer.

For more advice on hiring your first Data Analyst, contact the staffing experts at Bear Staffing today!