MANUFACTURING: 3 + REASONS TO TRAIN USING A CLOUD-BASED LMS

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1 MANUFACTURING: 3 + REASONS TO TRAIN USING A CLOUD-BASED LMS

2 Manufacturers today are facing more challenges and demands than ever before. While the economy is making a positive rebound and production expectations are on the rise, there remains an aging workforce that grows closer to retirement everyday, a large and growing deficit of incoming skilled production workers as well as fiercely competitive sales environments! Rather than sitting back and letting these challenges hamper innovation and growth, manufacturers are actively participating in the training and development of their teams in order to remain competitive. And thanks to advances in technology, a strong training strategy is no longer limited to instructor-led training or periodic sales meetings. Online education and performance support, virtual classrooms, social and mobile learning all continue to grow in breadth and popularity; and the advent of cloud-based learning management systems (LMS) makes it easier than ever before for manufacturing organizations to manage and deploy their training strategies. An Accenture study for the Manufacturing Institute describes a growing skills gap in the industry as storm clouds on the horizon that could dampen growth. More than 75% of manufacturers surveyed reported a moderate to severe shortage of skilled workers. Source: US News.com

3 So What s an LMS? Simply stated; an LMS helps you to manage all of your training initiatives. Cloudbased LMSs, often referred to as SaaS LMSs, are hosted on the internet, so there is no hardware or software to install. Employees, sales agents, distributors and even your suppliers, no matter where they re located, can access your LMS by simply logging into a private and secure portal on the internet. Cloud-based learning management systems automate your training process from content development and course registration through, course completions, testing, assessments, certification, and much, much more. There are many benefits to implementing a cloud-based LMS including low start-up costs and minimal to virtually no onsite technical internal support requirements to name just a few. Manufacturing companies can also experience improved quality, increased productivity, reduced production errors and waste while enjoying greater overall profits. The economic downturn prompted companies to scale back on their training initiatives, but new technology within factories requires even more training for the existing workforce. -- Hal Sarkin Boston Consulting Group The following is a detailed list of some of the most prominent advantages to implementing a cloud-based LMS.

4 1. Maintain Quality, Safety and Increase Productivity Training your employees using a cloud-based LMS helps you to maintain quality, safety and efficiency. Ensuring that your employees are properly trained to remain in compliance with the latest safety standards and regulations is an absolute must these days. It s also vital to train your employees to keep them focused on following quality processes and procedures. Moreover, trained employees are more efficient, productive, and engaged all of which provide greater value and benefit to your business. 2. Promotes Training Efficiency and Accessibility Cloud-based LMSs provide a centralized learning platform that enables all training and development materials, resources, certificates, and test & assessment results to be stored within one location. A central repository helps to ensure consistency in the modification, delivery and evaluation of all types of content even regulatory documentation such as standard operating procedures and work instructions can be controlled and have an easily accessible electronic audit trail. Additionally, LMSs offer ease of access to your internal employees and your extended enterprise of sales associates or business affiliates. With anytime, anywhere access through the internet, your team can learn when and where they want, and from any internet-ready device.

5 3. Robust Reporting & Analytics for Regulated Environments Cloud-based LMSs allow manufacturers to collect and analyze learning data for a more comprehensive view of their employees development. In addition to being able to report on employee progress and learning outcomes, reporting and statistical analysis capabilities can highlight the success of individual courses, or illustrate where courses require improvement. This helps to ensure that you re developing impactful content that your employees truly understand. Are you in a regulated industry? Some LMSs give you the ability to run training compliance reports, audit trails, have electronic signature capabilities as well as security features including access control and encryption. 4. Some Additional Reasons + Hands on training can easily be incorporated into online training think post testing after live performance or online videos of hands-on demonstrations. + Providing training using an LMS gives employees the opportunity to learn in spite of tight production schedules because they can learn on their own time and at their own pace. + Courses can be created to include interactivity, videos, and images and at any length you desire. Would you like to learn more about how implementing a cloudbased LMS can benefit your organization? Contact us direct at , or via sales@epathlearning.com, or visit our website at