We asked 50 manufacturers what they were doing to improve training at their organization. This answer neatly sums up the common response: “We can implement tech solutions to address the challenges.”

“[We want to] implement an enterprise learning system, deploy it consistently across all regions and be able to track spreadsheets in a proper system”, one respondent said. Others were looking for better standard operating tools, software to help with daily tasks, or automation platforms. Regardless of the type of tool, they were all looking to implement technology to address their common L&D challenges.

Technology could provide resources for the growing needs of the labour force and support training implementation, they said. And more importantly, multiple survey participants stressed the importance of improving communication-related to training.

But in our study, we found technology can do a lot more than this. From enhancing training methodologies to boosting on-floor productivity, read on as we delve deep into the digital innovations shaping the future of manufacturing workforce development.

In this blog, we dive into a new report, the result of a collaboration between Poka and the research firm Verdantix. By engaging with over 50 decision-makers from major manufacturing enterprises across North America and Europe—each boasting revenues exceeding $200 million—we aim to shed light on how digital tools and strategies revolutionize workforce development.

To learn more about the current state of the union and the challenges manufacturers are facing, download the complete report here:

Tracking Training with Precision: The Rise of Mobile Learning Apps

The report reveals an interesting trend in the tools used for tracking training use cases. While 57% of companies rely on spreadsheets to track role-specific training, the limitations of this method are becoming more apparent. Although spreadsheets are cost-effective, they require manual updating, are prone to human error and become increasingly time-consuming and unscalable as organizations grow.

When we asked what tools are being used to track skills, assessments, training plans and delivery, it became apparent many companies are cobbling together Learning Management Systems, spreadsheets and customized apps. The fact that most companies are not getting the out-of-the-box functionality they need from their Learning Management System (LMS) highlights the gap in functionality specifically for on-the-job training.

Enter mobile learning apps—a more dynamic and responsive solution that is rapidly gaining momentum. But what exactly are mobile learning apps? These apps enable workers to access critical knowledge and training content exactly when they need it, supporting the growing trend of on-the-job training. These apps not only streamline the training process but also empower workers and supervisors to maintain accurate training records. Moreover, they offer a flexible and user-friendly learning experience that caters to the diverse needs of modern learners.

Case Study: L’Oréal Going From Decentralization to Empowerment

Since its implementation, Poka has empowered L'Oréal to enhance the autonomy of its frontline workers in training and acquire deeper insights into skills data guiding their workforce development strategy. The implementation led to a staggering 547% surge in tracked skills, encompassing security, safety, quality, and operations, resulting in 100% of skills now being monitored.

Despite previously decentralized training records mostly in pen and paper format, Poka streamlined skills management, establishing a centralized and digitized process. Notably, L'Oréal's training completion rate saw a noteworthy increase from 70% to 80%, a feat achieved even as the number of skills expanded significantly from 40 to 259. The ability to track KPIs via Poka provided actionable insights, enabling L'Oréal to adapt and evolve its workforce development strategy based on real-time data.

Read the complete case study here.

Transforming Training Content: The Rise of Digital Work Instructions

In the manufacturing sector, the format of training content is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Digital work instructions are gradually overtaking traditional printed instructions, with a staggering 16% of respondents planning to utilize them within the next year. The appeal of digital work instructions lies in their visual nature, making them easier to comprehend and retain. These instructions not only eliminate the limitations of paper-based materials but also enhance accessibility, control, and standardization across organizations. This standardization significantly reduces errors and promotes consistency, while multimedia features like photos and videos enhance comprehension and retention.

Digital work instructions, often accessible through QR codes, are also highly configurable to enable direct access from the shop floor for instructions related to specific machinery, products or processes. This ease of access contributes to improved employee productivity and process efficiency. Their compatibility with skill-based training provides managers with a comprehensive view of workforce utilization and proficiency, laying the foundation for continuous improvement.

Case Study: Mars Standardizes Operational Knowledge With Digital Work Instructions

Poka has played a transformative role in revolutionizing Mars' knowledge-sharing and learning frameworks. As a cornerstone of Mars Supply Excellence (MSE), Poka has streamlined the creation and distribution of standardized work instructions. By reimagining Standard Operating Procedures, extensive guides have been transformed into concise video modules, enhancing the speed to competency.

To date, the company has curated a library of 7,000 digital work instructions with more than 90,000 views. With the integration of QR codes in their operations, associates can now effortlessly access vital information during work. This approach, facilitated by Poka, has promoted a culture of standardization across Mars, ensuring consistent product quality and driving a continuous journey of advancement.

Read the complete case study here.

Beyond LMS: Embracing New Learning Tools

While Learning Management Systems (LMSs) have become a staple in the manufacturing industry, there is a growing shift towards adopting new technologies to adapt to new challenges and training delivery methods. The research shows that 75% of respondents have already implemented LMSs. However, the training landscape is evolving rapidly, leading to the integration of video lessons, knowledge sharing and analytics tools into learning and development strategies by a growing segment of surveyed companies. Analytics tools not only offer insights into training effectiveness but also personalize learning paths and predict skill gaps, enabling proactive planning.

The prominence of mobile apps in the manufacturing sector has surged, driven by the digital transformation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. These apps provide accessible, user-friendly training environments that integrate seamlessly into daily workflows, fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere. Approximately 20% of firms are either implementing or planning to implement mobile apps into their training strategies, showcasing the growing significance of these tools.

Case Study: Tyson Food’s Poka-Workday Integration

Poka seamlessly complements Workday's Learning Management System (LMS), enhancing Tyson Foods' workforce development initiatives by acting as the mobile app interface for factory floor workers to access training content, complete assessments, and track their skill growth. This dynamic integration enriches training and personal development initiatives while expediting information dissemination. Poka enables operators to connect, share best practices, and access training content in over 50 languages.

Like the insights and personalization offered by LMS tools, Poka empowers operators to own their learning journey. Poka's accessible and user-friendly mobile interface seamlessly fits into the daily workflows of deskless workers. Much like the surge in firms implementing mobile apps, Tyson Foods leveraged Poka to bolster training efforts and elevate workforce performance.

Read the complete case study here.

Boosting Plant Performance with Digital Tools

The research findings illustrate a direct correlation between the use of digital tools and improved plant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). While traditional systems do offer certain advantages, mobile apps stand out as a significant enhancer of training administration, tracking and delivery, compliance, completion, and follow-up workflows. This insight comes as no surprise, as 73% of firms facing significant challenges in tracking and maintaining training records still rely on spreadsheets.

The study also uncovered a clear link between plant performance and the use of digital tools. The research indicates that 75% of firms with an overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) above 80% utilize mobile learning apps. Conversely, among firms with an OEE below 80%, the usage drops to 46%. Moreover, the turnover rate of employees mirrors this digital divide, with 94% of firms reporting the lowest turnover rates investing in dedicated learning experience solutions.

Case Study: L’Oréal Gains a 9% Higher OEE With Digital Training

L'Oréal's journey with Poka yielded significant improvements in OEE. Amid the complex operational landscape of its Montreal site, encompassing over 350 employees and 50 production lines, the integration of Poka has been pivotal. The results are striking: a notable 5% month-over-month enhancement in OEE during onboarding of 26 new staff members in 2020.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the historical challenges associated with onboarding, where OEE often experienced declines. L'Oréal had experienced a decline of 6% in OEE during a similar situation a year prior to the adoption of Poka. This remarkable turnaround underscores the profound impact of digital solutions like Poka in optimizing production efficiency and driving operational excellence.

Read the complete case study here.

Conclusion

As the business landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, workforce development challenges continue to mount. Yet, the emergence of digital solutions offers a beacon of hope for organizations striving to overcome these hurdles. The research clearly demonstrates the transformative power of digital tools. Ultimately, integrating these digital solutions is not just a technological advancement; it's a strategic move that directly impacts an organization's performance and competitiveness. By embracing digital solutions, companies can bridge the workforce development gap, improve training outcomes, and drive success in an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment.

If you're keen on diving deeper into the intricacies of workforce development and how digital solutions are aiding in addressing current challenges, we invite you to download the complete report.

Research Shows Connected Worker Apps Help Solve Workforce Development Challenges