The Impact Of An LMS On Manufacturing Training

Today, manufacturing organizations are facing a severe skills shortage, and it’s expected to continue until 2028 and beyond.

A Deloitte study suggested that 2.4 million manufacturing positions will remain unfilled by 2028 due to skill shortages.

With the lack of skilled staff and rigorous compliance requirements, manufacturing organizations can no longer rely on traditional training methods to train their employees. One way to get your full complement of staff is with in-house training. This is where an LMS for manufacturing comes into play.

A learning management system for manufacturing can ensure compliance, productivity, and safety and prepare the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive environment.

In this blog, we will explore the challenges with traditional training methods, the advantages and features of a manufacturing LMS, and how to implement one in your organization.

Manufacturing LMS Explained

According to the 2022 Training Industry Report, with 89% usage, LMS was the most used learning technology to train employees. But what is an LMS?

An LMS application uses interactive modules, engaging multimedia, and real-time assessments to achieve a specific learning objective.

For manufacturing organizations, an LMS can automate the training process of employees, provide hands-on training for handling equipment, and even manage compliance requirements.

Since LMS is easily customizable, organizations can create e-learning materials, track employees’ progress, update the material, leverage analytics to improve training programs and employ various training and development methods.

Traditional Training Tools Challenges

The traditional training tools in the manufacturing industry were costly, time-consuming, and difficult to coordinate. Here are some of the significant challenges.

Large Skill Gap

The large skill gap is one of the manufacturing industry’s biggest challenges. The skills required today constantly change and evolve due to rapid technological advancements.

With the traditional training tools, it was time-consuming and incredibly costly to train employees in new skills while maintaining a high quality of work.

Changing Industry Regulations

Non-compliance with regulations in the manufacturing industry is accompanied by hefty penalties and fines. The applicable laws are often complicated and regularly updated, making it essential for organizations to consistently inform their employees about new changes.

The traditional methods were not designed to train hundreds or thousands of employees. There was also no scope for checking their progress.

High Costs

Manufacturing organizations had the second-highest average training budget (approximately $3.5 million) in 2022. Since manufacturing processes are complex, specialized, and have innumerable guidelines, they require hands-on training sessions. This made the traditional training methods costly.

Benefits of a Manufacturing LMS

Now that you know the challenges manufacturers face with traditional training methods, let us explore the advantages of manufacturing LMS.

Better Compliance Management

First and foremost, an LMS for manufacturing ensures better compliance management. Companies can use an LMS to set up regular training in line with industry regulations. They can set up mandatory training modules, track completion, and generate completion reports.

Companies can also integrate safety training modules and personalize them by providing role-based training.

Lower Costs

An LMS allows companies to deliver a blended learning experience. Through AI and augmented reality, an LMS can provide virtual hands-on training to employees. This reduces the high cost of face-to-face training while increasing retention and engagement.

Up-to-date Training Content

Most lessons and training in a manufacturing LMS can be easily updated to include the most recent changes. This allows companies to change/modify/update their training programs per their requirements.

Customized Learning

Another key benefit of an LMS is that it enables customized learning. They can tailor the content to their employees’ individual roles, departments, and skill levels. Companies can also make their training more engaging by adding multimedia content.

Manufacturing LMS Features

What are the key features of an LMS for manufacturing industries?

AI and Augmented Reality

Manufacturing LMS uses AI and AR to simulate real-life manufacturing scenarios and train employees. This helps in reducing on-the-job training injuries and accidents. Since employees teach and practice virtually, organizations also get a chance to see and analyze their performance.

Automated Training

An LMS automates the training process, helps in saving time, and increases efficiency. This includes automating progress tracking and course enrolment. It also sends automated reminders and notifications that keep employees on track.

Advanced Reporting

Advanced reporting is a crucial feature of a manufacturing LMS. It offers insights into training effectiveness, learner progress, and performance. Organizations can access comprehensive reports on completion rates, skill development metrics, and scores. This allows them to improve training programs.

Performance Management

LMS allows organizations to set employee goals and track performance through its performance management feature. Employers can assess employees based on their outcomes, identify skill gaps, and implement improvement plans accordingly.

Success Story of a Manufacturing LMS

LMS for manufacturing has significantly contributed to the success of many manufacturing companies worldwide.
One of the most famous success stories is MBCC Group, a well-known construction chemical company. The company has over 130 production facilities across 60 countries.

Due to the pandemic, it had to provide online training to thousands of clients. The entire process was highly inefficient and laborious. However, with the help of an LMS, the company was able to automate its procedures, improve the accuracy of learning management, and manage users more efficiently.

Many companies, including Boeing, General Electric, and 3M, have benefited from implementing eLearning for the training and development of their employees.

Best Practices to Implement a Manufacturing LMS

Implementing a manufacturing LMS requires careful planning and execution. You must do the following to get your LMS set up successfully.

Define Clear Objectives

Determining specific training needs, desired outcomes, and KPIs you want to achieve through implementing the LMS is crucial. Consider performing a training needs assessment to identify your organization’s skills and knowledge gaps.

Select the Right LMS Provider

Selecting the right LMS provider is essential to successfully implementing an LMS. Consider choosing a provider who has worked with a manufacturing organization before.

Evaluate the different vendors on their features, customization options, support services, and pricing. You can take demos and free trials of other LMSs to select the one that best matches your requirements.

Customize the LMS

Once you have selected the LMS, it is time to customize it as per your organization. Tailor the LMS to align with your manufacturing processes, specific training requirements, and job roles. You should also set up comprehensive training for employees, administrators, and trainers on navigating the new system.

Final Words

Implementing an LMS can transform your organization from cutting costs to improving performance. A well-executed LMS can streamline training and enhance employee skills.

If you want to implement a manufacturing LMS in your organization, contact us today! We provide a free personalized demo to ensure you experience firsthand the transformative power of an LMS.