Distributed Workforce Training
Training a Distributed Workforce Efficiently and Economically
The Challenge
An international injection molded plastics manufacturer was rolling out a series of new products focused on the municipal and commercial plumbing markets. The company planned to use a network of distributors to market and sell these products. The challenge was to effectively train the sales agents within this distributor network on the benefits of the products over conventional options and train the distribution contractors regarding the handling and installation processes. With two unique audiences and products that were quickly gaining acceptance across North America, the original plan for one-on-one training with personnel from the corporate office was determined to be too costly and too inefficient.
The Solution
The company enlisted i3Logic to re-examine its training approach and develop a more efficient training delivery program. The goals were to effectively train more people, in a quicker timeframe and at a lower cost than the company’s traditional training alternative. The solution was implemented through a series of initiatives, including:
- Creation of an effective and highly interactive web-based training for the new products
- Utilization of an on-line content delivery platform, Via>Grapevine, as the basis to deliver a series of product information to the distributors, including:
The Results
The focus on specific training development created for and delivered by web tools has been so successful, the client has re-engineered its entire training program. The use of custom training programs designed by i3Logic and delivered online using their Via>Grapevine LMS has allowed the client to:
- Dramatically cut the time for distributors to gain certification (previous training that took months can now be done in days)
- Reduce corporate travel and overhead. Two resources previously dedicated to distributor training were reassigned to product development roles
- Develop a more “phased” approach to training that allows training to be updated and refreshed quickly and effectively and doesn’t delay initial time to market for the product
- Create the ability to develop geographically, and culturally, relevant training for different markets without significant additional costs
