If you've begun laying plans for digital upgrades it's easy to focus on the technology side of things - but don't forget training!
Major smart manufacturing upgrades like robotics and AI don't happen by themselves, and as smart as they are, they aren't truly autonomous. Such upgrades still need to be overseen and worked alongside by workers who understand the technology and how it works. Likewise, changes made to your overall workflow will be systemic. Even seemingly unrelated divisions may find themselves looking at new processes, to work alongside the Industry 4.0 tech.
This is all to say, as this Global Trade Magazine article points out, that upskilling your workers to match your technology should be a critical component of any upgrade plans. Ideally, these training programs should be implemented alongside upgrades so that your workforce always has a firm understanding of how your operations and workflow will be changing.
Fortunately, there are more options for training than ever before - even if much of your workforce is still staying home due to the ongoing outbreak.
Effective Techniques For Training And Upskilling A Modern Smart Workforce
1. Minimize use of in-person training
The need for in-person classes and seminars are decreasing every year. Remote learning options, which we'll discuss below, are quickly picking up the slack - offering the ability to train more workers, at much lower costs, in ways which are less disruptive to their normal duties. Today, the only real reason for in-person classes would be in situations where cooperation/collaboration is mandatory and you genuinely need to train people on group work with live interaction.
2. Create a video training library
Video training is the most basic of remote training options, with the major downside that it's not interactive. However, it can still be highly effective, especially for straightforward materials. Plus, video is almost endlessly reusable. A training seminar can be filmed once, then repeated endlessly for as long as the information is relevant. This makes it vastly more cost-effective than in-person classes. In many cases, such as putting together certification courses, these training videos can even be monetized for extra returns.
3. Look into VR training
Use of virtual reality in training is beginning to take off. While it's currently still relatively costly to invest in, that's an investment which will pay off over time. VR training can take up the slack left by non-interactive video training, by giving your workforce ways to practice in a 'hands on' fashion while still learning remotely. VR can also be invaluable for training on situations which would be too dangerous or costly for live training. Critical machinery could be recreated in VR, for example, so that mechanics could practice taking it apart without having to take any working units offline. Click the image below to see an example of our content development services.
4. Utilize training platforms
One thing that every virtual training system needs is a quality host which isn't merely capable of hosting the training materials themselves, but also tracking users and their educational tracks. You should be able to see per-employee results of training and testing, while feeding curriculum to those employees based on their individual career needs. Such systems make oversight easier, and they also empower workers to take responsibility for their own learning. It lightens your load, while rewarding workers who actively seek out more training and certification.
FUSE Is The Training Platform Of The Future
FUSE by LogicBay is the result of more than a decade's experience in helping companies around the world grow and unite their digital ecosystems. FUSE centralizes all your training and communications, while offering a robust monetizable virtual learning platform that can host unlimited training content. From internal upskilling to hosting certification courses for remote technical workers, FUSE offers exceptional flexibility in training options.
Click here to create your own free FUSE account, or contact us to learn more about how you can leverage FUSE for best results.
