Advancements in Digital and Technological Processes
Querétaro, Qro. The automotive industry in the state is witnessing significant progress in its digital and technological transformation of processes, which is leading to the evolution of its workforce, both operational and administrative, according to Daniel Hernández Camacho, director of the Automotive Cluster of Querétaro.
In several companies that are part of the cluster, a clear transition is evident as they employ robots for repetitive operations.
“We have made very significant progress (in digitalizing processes); just last Friday, I visited a couple of our associates’ plants and it’s clear how robots are now taking over roles in repetitive, tiring, and highly manual processes. We see more automated plants every day,” Hernández Camacho explained.
There are production plants where technologies from the mid-80s or 90s coexist with modern technology; he added that, economically, the investment is becoming smaller, creating harmonization systems between previous and cutting-edge technology.
“Today, to access data from a machine is as simple as placing a sensor on the floor, which recognizes operation patterns based on vibration, detects cycle times, finds efficiencies, and opportunities. This is perfectly analyzed by engineering teams to accelerate improvement processes,” he elaborated.
This trend is reflected in the needs of companies as they seek these competencies across all levels: operational, technical, engineering, data analysis, data mining, machine learning, and contingency planning.
These changes are transforming workforces rather than reducing them, although this year, due to market conditions, there has been a slower growth in labor force. Despite this context, Hernández Camacho mentioned that future growth space for the workforce is limited due to digitalization, transformation, regulatory frameworks, and overall competitiveness pressures.
He spoke at the Flow & Connect 2025, a human resources event organized by the cluster, emphasizing the shift towards a knowledge-based industry rather than labor-intensive one. He highlighted that talent competition is global, not local.
Impact on Employment and Skill Requirements
The role of operational positions is shifting towards improving process flow, while administrative areas are employing strategies to effectively utilize artificial intelligence systems. According to the cluster’s estimates, Tier 1 companies alone generate around 83,000 jobs in the state, with nearly 120,000 people directly related to the automotive industry.
Government and Industry Perspectives
During the Flow & Connect 2025 inauguration, David Pineda Deom, representing the cluster’s board, stressed the importance of transitioning to a knowledge-based industry with less reliance on labor. Genaro Montes Díaz, the state’s subsecretary for economic development, emphasized the automotive industry’s strategic importance to the state, contributing 35% of exports.
Marco Antonio Sánchez Mandujano, director of the Querétaro State Labor Conciliation Center, acknowledged the labor market’s era of changes and stressed the importance of training to address new challenges. He also advocated for placing people at the center of decision-making and promoting emotional salary as a means to boost productivity.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the main focus of Querétaro’s automotive industry transformation? A: The primary focus is the digital and technological transformation of processes, leading to a more knowledge-based industry.
- Q: How is the workforce being affected by these changes? A: The workforce is being transformed rather than reduced, with a shift towards more skilled roles in data analysis, engineering, and AI.
- Q: What role do government officials play in this transformation? A: Government officials emphasize the importance of a knowledge-based industry, acknowledge the strategic role of the automotive sector, and stress the need for workforce training to adapt to new challenges.
