Nabil Bin Faruk, Director, Arunima Group
Technology is rapidly changing the world as we know it, and nowhere is this more visible than in the labor force. In particular, automation has become a fixture in the apparel manufacturing industry, making production faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective. But, as automation continues to improve, the question arises: Will automation replace man-based labor in apparel manufacturing in Bangladesh? In this article, I will discuss the implications of automation in Bangladesh, which specializes in the apparel-manufacturing industry.
Automation has become an increasingly important factor in the apparel manufacturing industry in Bangladesh, as it promises to reduce labor costs and improve production efficiency. This is evident in a study conducted by MA Hoque, R Rasiah, F Furuok, and others (2021) which found that adopting automation positively impacted the apparel manufacturing industry in Bangladesh. Specifically, their research showed that automation reduced costs and improved productivity by providing faster turnaround times and fewer errors. Furthermore, mechanization also facilitated the integration of new technologies, such as 3D printing, into the manufacturing process, improving product quality and increasing production speed. These benefits of automation have allowed apparel manufacturers in Bangladesh to remain competitive in the global marketplace and become more profitable. However, the authors also note that the impact of automation on labor in Bangladesh has been mixed, with some workers experiencing job loss due to automation. In contrast, others have seen their wages increase due to improved efficiency. As such, there is a need to ensure that the benefits of automation are shared fairly and that workers can benefit from the higher wages and better working conditions that automation can achieve.
The garment industry in Bangladesh has seen a significant increase in automation in recent years, particularly in apparel manufacturing (M Yunus, T Yamagata – Dynamics of the Garment Industry in Low-Income, 2012). This shift in production methods has profoundly impacted the Bangladeshi economy positively and negatively. On the one hand, automation has allowed the garment industry to become more efficient and cost-effective. It has enabled the country to produce apparel at a higher quality and in a shorter time than ever. On the other hand, automation has led to the displacement of many workers and has caused wages to stagnate or even decline in some cases. Furthermore, automation has caused a decrease in the number of jobs available in the garment industry, as machines can do the work of many workers in a fraction of the time. As a result, many Bangladesh workers who depend on the garment industry for their livelihoods have decreased their incomes, and their job security has become uncertain. Despite these challenges, automation has been a net benefit for the Bangladeshi garment industry. It has made the country a significant play in the global apparel market. It has allowed for the developing a more efficient and cost-effective production system.
The apparel industry in Bangladesh is one of the nation’s most important sources of economic growth and employment. As such, it is essential to consider how automation may impact the industry. According to a study conducted by Hoque et al. in 2021, automation in the apparel industry has positively impacted the industry, leading to improved productivity and efficiency. The study found that automation has allowed manufacturers to reduce production costs, increase production speed and quality, and reduce labor costs. Additionally, automation has enabled manufacturers to create a more efficient and flexible production process, allowing them to respond quickly to changing market demands. While the study found that automation has had a positive effect on the industry, it also noted that specific challenges need to be addressed, such as the need for more skilled workers and the need to develop better machines and systems to support automation. Furthermore, the study noted that the introduction of automation has also caused a shift in the labor market, with more jobs requiring higher levels of skill and expertise. Overall, the study suggests that automation can play an essential role in developing the apparel industry in Bangladesh. Still, ensuring that the necessary measures are taken to adopt automation successfully is vital.
In conclusion, automation will likely play a role in apparel manufacturing in Bangladesh in the near future. This could mean more efficient, customized, and cost-effective end products and services for customers. However, automation must be implemented only when needed, and all processes should be monitored, evaluated, and optimized regularly to ensure garments’ safe and responsible production. Finally, while automation stands to augment apparel manufacturing in Bangladesh further, man-based labor must remain an integral part of the production to ensure the safe and ethical production of garments.
