by: Margaret Wood 3/7/2022 7:16pm

In the manufacturing industry, one of the best ways to retain and train employees to achieve sustainable business goals is by engaging employees and aligning their goals with those of the organization. Here, we provide examples of how some companies have benefited from LMS and how to use online training to train or retain employees. When selecting an LMS, look for software that meets your manufacturing training needs now and is scalable for the future.

The Training Process

Manufacturers are discovering that training processes from the past are outdated and often ineffective; they need to learn how AI is being used to deliver innovative approaches. Employers need to provide meaningful training and development to thrive for both the employees and the organization.

A study by the U. S. Bureau of Labor showed that employees in the manufacturing industry, on average, only stay 4.6 years in any position. Retention is paramount; training needs to be a continuous process in the manufacturing segment.

Here are some of the most relevant e-Learning statistics for 2022. 

• 40% of fortune 500 companies utilize e-Learning
• 58% of employees globally prefer to learn at their own pace
• A study by the American Heart Association shows that e-Learning improves employee productivity by 15%-25%
• On average, 42% of companies who use e-Learning generate more income.

Online courses have a 72% completion rate.

e-Learning is making a significant impact due to the enormous cost and time savings. However, some aspects of training within manufacturing are best conducted in the classroom; this is a valid point to consider. Investing in the manufacturing workforce with e-Learning helps build employees’ skills and creates an agile workforce.

Types of e-Learning

• Blended Learning
• Mobile Learning
• Virtual Classrooms
• Web-based Learning

Look at how e-Learning can help manufacturing companies:

1. Can be targeted to train on specific skills requirements.
2. It can be used in combination with in-person training. 
3. Courses are environmentally friendly, producing 86% fewer greenhouse gases.
4. Lessons are typically completed faster than classroom courses.
5. Educates the workforce on good manufacturing practices.
6. Exceptionally effective for compliance training.
7. Help manufacturing companies manage high employee turnover.
8. The information presented is consistent.
9. Learning content can be updated easily.
10. Provides mobile phone app.
11. Provides excellent training in supply chain management.
12. Provides metrics of employee performance.
13. Reduces training costs and increases revenue.

Why Choose e-Learning for manufacturing 

Professor Art Kohn’s book Brain Science: The Forgetting Curve, outlines a typical scenario: after completing the required training, an employee returns to their workplace; they have already forgotten most of what they learned in the classroom training. 

Kohn reported that 50% percent of the information was forgotten within one hour of training, increasing to 70% after 24 hours and 90% after a week. 

Connecting through an LMS

When you pair up a seasoned worker with a newbie, the buddy system has proven remarkably effective in training and reaching professional goals. There’s a good chance the veteran has already asked the same questions and can respond to them in real-time due to their real-life experiences.

 This is true in the digital world as well. Learning management systems (LMS) feature:

• mentoring, 
• coaching, 
• communication features

An LMS allows businesses to remain fluid; companies can group employees in numerous ways, creating a good flow of communication. This transparency enables new hires to feel confident they are getting the help they need while benefiting from the knowledge and experience of seasoned co-workers. 

 A 2018 AARP study shows that of the 170M people expected to be in the workforce by 2026, 42M will be 55 and older. Many organizations have set up senior employees in training roles; they can manage the online training from home, allowing them to share their expertise and help maintain a skilled workforce. e-Learning improves the way we teach, but it also creates job opportunities for experienced people; it allows seniors to remain comfortably employed without the pressures of a full-time job.

e-Learning Is Making Its Presence 

The most prevalent benefits of e-Learning are reduced costs and time saved. However, manufacturing companies are still hesitant. Consider that some aspects of training in the manufacturing ecosystem are best conducted in the classroom.

If employees or trainers must travel to various locations for training courses, time and costs can be radically reduced by centralizing training through an LMS, ensuring accessibility and consistency.

 Successful Implementation

Cisco’s investment in a social media training program offered over 46 courses for contractors and employees, overwhelming the participants. Upon looking into the matter, Cisco chose to gamify and created three levels of certification: Specialist, Strategist, and Master, with four sub-levels. 

 Results: More than 650 Cisco employees completed and received certification in over 13,000 courses.

 Adidas Group

Thinking about how it trained its more than 51,000 employees globally, Adidas introduced its distinctive L&D solution: The Group Learning Campus. The new initiative offers e-books, video lectures, pdfs, and a wide range of interactive learning materials, with 24/7 access. 

Results: Adidas has seen a substantial improvement in skills and improved performance.

Shell Oil

With 92,000 employees across 70 countries, Shell Oil’s e-Learning platform, the Shell Open University, provides every employee 24/7 with access to materials that include e-books, video lectures, technical guides, and webcasts.

Toyota

Toyota’s 51 manufacturing facilities in 28 countries employ over 340,000 employees. Toyota has provided over 150 classes for its certified technical staff and trained over 18,000 engineers and motor technicians. Toyota developed its own LMS to facilitate training. 

Results: Through continuous training via the LMS, Toyota has removed the need for re-certification.

Pitney Bowes

Pitney Bowes employs over 14,000 people worldwide. To train its workforce, especially its dispersed engineering and manufacturing teams, the company uses an LMS system. Every employee has lifetime access.

 Results: 84% of the employees now resort to LMS to upgrade their skills.

 PayPal

Results: 

3M Health Information Systems

3M Health Information Systems (3M HIS). Traditional classroom training became a significant logistical challenge, consuming the training budget. 3M determined that in-person training would not be able to be scalable.

3M migrated its health services platform to AWS; the software now helps reduce costs and allows for more informed patient care.

Solve the Pain Points

Increase your employee satisfaction with a user-friendly LMS as the centerpiece of a comprehensive talent management ecosystem. Our LMS will scale your team’s growth – from onboarding to compliance and front-line to the C-suite.

The Final Analysis

Manufacturing companies can be reticent in engaging in e-Learning. Yet, e-Learning could be the evolution missing from the manufacturing industry.