How to optimise learning for a more efficient operation

For any business, consistent training and learning is a major contributor to long-term success. For Food & Beverage production facilities, it’s essential for staff to know how to operate the equipment in the most optimal way, and how to maintain it on a regular basis to avoid unnecessary downtime. There are many things to consider when looking for the ideal digital training platform, and here are some of the most important.

Learning in the flow of work

Every plant has a unique set of challenges and a combination of equipment that is specific to the needs and requirements of the business. Digital training platforms are generally directed towards people with access to computers like office workers, and there are not many actually directed towards people on the factory floor. This means that many are not designed to fit in with the rest of the daily tasks as part of the flow of work. Platforms also often offer generic content that is likely relevant in some way to your plant, but few offer content specifically targeted towards the operation and maintenance of specific machines.

It’s important to find a digital training solution that has the learning modules your co-workers need to be knowledgeable and confident in daily operations, while also being able to collaborate and ask for help in a quick, easy way. Another thing to look for is a system that will have easily accessible learning modules related to each piece of equipment, and one that caters for a variety of learning styles. Some will prefer to read whereas others prefer to watch instructional films. Flexibility is key.

The best platforms will allow you to choose the parts that are most relevant to you and your co-workers, while also making it possible to add learning modules as you see fit. Every person is different, every plant is different, so your digital training platform needs to account for that.

Keep it mobile

Historically, online learning was more associated with sitting at a desktop computer and spending significant amounts of time working through various modules, but that method is no longer as relevant as it once was. Now, productivity is key, and that means digital training needs to be more than mobile-friendly, it needs to be mobile-first.

Mobile-first platforms make it easier for co-workers to take smaller amounts of time away from their tasks to complete learning modules in smaller, more manageable chunks. These platforms also make it easier and more natural to connect and collaborate with other co-workers, especially if it has an integrated feed which gives an overview of the entire plant. A mobile-first approach is also more essential than ever before as mobile technology is very much a part of everyday life, so people expect that to be the case at work too.

Learn what you need to, when you need to

It’s been shown that learning is more likely to stick if it can be applied in a practical setting immediately after the module is complete, so one thing to look for in your digital training platform is its capability to allow for on-demand learning. This isn’t just about the learning being accessible on mobile platforms, it’s about being able to access the right education at the right time.

This could mean being able to scan a QR code on a piece of equipment to be given a module on maintenance for that specific model, or being able to search a live feed and learn from what happened previously on the equipment. It could even mean responding to an issue on the spot, learning how to fix it, and carrying out the repair immediately.

Connected Workforce from Tetra Pak

Connected Workforce is the digital training platform from Tetra Pak that enables a skilled and confident workforce with key benefits like smooth collaboration and just-in-time learning that sticks, as well as many more features that can help you in your daily operations. It’s intuitive, accessible and flexible, and it’s designed to meet your specific needs.

The expandable version where you can add your own material is powered by Poka, while the alternative version, powered by Edcast, is ideal for those just looking for training videos and e-learning modules.