One of the most critical aspects of a digital ecosystem – particularly for manufacturing ecosystems – is training. Yet, this is also often overlooked in discussions of building an ecosystem.
Digital “eLearning” tools are extremely effective for training workers, particularly if you’re looking to build a global workforce. eLearning systems can allow you to train skilled workers living anywhere, from anywhere, even if you don’t have a physical presence nearby. These people, in turn, can become on-call technicians, and significantly improve your customer experience.
If you’re looking to implement more technical training modules within your digital ecosystem, these are some of the most important areas to focus on.
1. Put a strong focus on safety throughout the curriculum
Safety shouldn’t be put into its own separate module, at least not exclusively. Safety should be one of the topics which is hammered on over and over throughout the material. No eLearning module of a technical or mechanical nature should lack at least some discussion of proper safety measures.
Remembering to include safety elements in the training can also help remind you to double-check that everything discussed is within safety parameters.
2. Remember, manufacturing processes aren’t only for manufacturing workers
Everyone within your organization should have a good idea where your products come from, how they’re made, and how you maintain quality control. The material should be more in-depth for those who will actually be working within assembly facilities, of course. However, if everyone within your operation has background on manufacturing processes, they’ll be positioned to provide better customer service or outreach. That’s a job everyone can perform.
3. Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP)
This is a good way to differentiate between the quality control (QC) material for everyone, and the material specifically for workers in your factories. You should have modules specifically dedicated to your GMPs. Smaller “microlearning” lessons are a strong choice here, with a 5-10 minute lesson for each GMP, along with review and testing at the end.
Do remedial follow-ups from time to time. Maintain your GMPs, and you’ll have a much easier time maintaining QC in general.
4. Managers should learn all about your supply chain management.
Supply chain management may not directly affect everyone in your organization, but things will likely run more smoothly if everyone at the mid-management level understood the supply chains involved. This can help encourage them to work within your existing supply chains / suppliers, which usually reduces the costs of orders in the long run. Why get a new supplier for new products if there’s already someone in the supply chain that could handle it?
Educating managers on the supply chain gives them the information needed to make these sorts of smart purchasing/partnering decisions.
FUSE Is Built For Learning
One aspect of our revolutionary new FUSE platform we’re particularly proud of is its tight integration of eLearning systems directly into the platform. Anyone in your ecosystem network can be approved for eLearning modules, or even given a full curriculum of lessons that will improve their career track. It’s all easy for administrators to set up and manage, while keeping track of individual accomplishments.
To see FUSE for yourself, just claim your free account. Or, contact us for specific details or consulting.