Labor in digital era – adapting to break through

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is fundamentally reshaping production models, compelling factories to accelerate automation and digital transformation to improve productivity and competitiveness.

In this process, workers and enterprises are at the center of the transition. Workers are no longer merely a direct labor force but are increasingly required to become digitally skilled employees capable of adapting to new technologies and contributing to innovation. This represents both an urgent requirement and a valuable opportunity for workers to strengthen their professional skills in the new era.

PART 1: DIGITALIZATION - THE KEY TO CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION

In line with Resolution No.57-NQ/TW issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024 on science-technology development, innovation and national digital transformation, enterprises are identified as a key driver of economic growth. The resolution emphasizes creating favorable conditions for businesses to grow, ranging from administrative reform and improved access to capital to stronger support for technological innovation and digital transformation. A transparent and stable business environment will enable enterprises to invest confidently, expand production and generate more employment opportunities for society.

Vedan Vietnam in Phuoc Thai commune applies robotics in production to strengthen production-line automation. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

This has become a “key” enabling enterprises nationwide, including those in Dong Nai City, to accelerate technological innovation and expand production and business activities, thereby contributing to local socio-economic development.

At the same time, it opens greater opportunities for high-quality workers to sharpen professional expertise, move toward mastering technology, embrace digital thinking and adapt more quickly to smart manufacturing.

Advantages for technological development

Dong Nai City is among Vietnam’s fastest-industrializing localities, supported by a large-scale and rapidly expanding industrial park network.

According to the Dong Nai City People’s Committee, as of April 30, 2026, the city had attracted more than 2,200 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects from over 50 countries and territories, with total registered capital exceeding USD45 billion. These projects are concentrated in manufacturing, electronics and high-technology industries, driving strong demand for high-quality workers, particularly technical labor capable of mastering advanced technologies.

Leveraging its favorable geographic location, infrastructure system and investment climate, Dong Nai has attracted thousands of domestic and foreign enterprises operating across key sectors, including manufacturing and processing, mechanical engineering, machinery production, electronics, textiles and garments, footwear, food processing, supporting industries and high-tech production.

The rapid expansion of these industries has created a sizeable workforce while also generating an urgent need for technological innovation to improve productivity, product quality and competitiveness.

As competition intensifies and technology evolves rapidly, businesses in Dong Nai increasingly view automation and digital transformation not as optional experiments but as inevitable directions for growth.

The adoption of machinery, software and smart operating systems helps enterprises strengthen competitiveness and respond more flexibly to market fluctuations.

In recent years, the effectiveness of automation and digital transformation has become increasingly evident.

In practice, many enterprises have reported significant gains in productivity and product quality after deployment, while optimizing operations, reducing unplanned downtime and enhancing business efficiency.

Notably, the application of technologies such as automated production lines, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and digital management systems has not only shortened production time but also minimized operational errors.

Meanwhile, “smart factory” models are gradually taking shape, emerging as an important pathway for businesses to strengthen governance efficiency and competitiveness amid deeper international integration.

Furthermore, beyond delivering immediate operational gains, digital transformation and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies are helping enterprises strengthen competitiveness and expand export markets. Many businesses in Dong Nai have become capable of entering and succeeding in demanding markets such as the European Union (EU), the United States and Japan. At the same time, digitalization enables enterprises to better comply with international standards on product traceability, product quality and sustainability requirements under ESG (Environmental - Social and Governance) criteria.

Workers at Vedan Vietnam in Phuoc Thai commune operate production lines.

Accelerating production through automation

Vedan Vietnam Enterprise Corp., Ltd  (Vedan Vietnam) in Phuoc Thai commune is among the enterprises that have actively embraced automation and digital transformation to meet export demand for monosodium glutamate and starch products in markets such as Japan and the EU.

In recent years, the company has placed strong emphasis on automation and robotics, further upgrading automated production lines to ensure precise control over fermentation, refining and packaging processes. Industrial robots are now deployed in packaging, internal transportation and palletizing operations, helping reduce errors, raise productivity and improve operational stability while ensuring product quality and traceability.

Dinh Van Sam, a robot operator at Vedan Vietnam’s packaging workshop, said the transition toward automation, particularly the use of robotic handling systems, has brought clear improvements to production activities. Productivity has increased significantly as robots can operate continuously, consistently and at higher speeds than manual labor. Meanwhile, accuracy in cargo handling and arrangement has also improved, helping reduce mistakes and material losses.

At Hung Vuong – Binh Phuoc Concrete Factory in Dong Xoai ward, which supplies products to numerous major projects both inside and outside the city, new technologies have been introduced into concrete production.

Among them is a modern vibration-compression pipe casting technology designed to ensure timely delivery schedules for customers. The advanced process produces concrete pipes with high durability, consistent quality and superior productivity, while helping lower labor costs and reduce product prices.

Thai Van Que, Director of Hung Vuong – Binh Phuoc Concrete Factory, said automation has delivered clear gains in labor productivity. Automated production lines can operate continuously with high precision, minimizing errors compared with manual labor. As a result, enterprises can produce more within a shorter period and respond more effectively to customer demand. He added that workers have also adapted quickly to new technologies following training programs. This is an important step for enterprises in gradually building a high-quality workforce capable of meeting job requirements in the era of Industry 4.0.

Meanwhile, Bosch Vietnam Co., Ltd. at Long Thanh Industrial Park in An Phuoc commune has intensified the use of advanced automated production lines, industrial robots and IoT technologies, combined with real-time data-driven production management.

Similarly, Nestlé Vietnam Limited has also implemented a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), accelerating digitalization across its production chain and enabling data-driven supply chain management. Combined with energy optimization efforts, these initiatives have strengthened operational efficiency, positioning the enterprise among the country’s most digitally advanced food factories.

Automation also helps reduce long-term costs, minimize raw material waste and improve resource efficiency. Another major benefit lies in enhanced product and service quality. Automated systems operate according to pre-programmed standards, ensuring consistency and operational stability.

Thai Van Que, Director of Hung Vuong – Binh Phuoc Concrete Factory

By N.Hoa, T.Ngoc – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha