3 Reasons Learning Management Systems are Beneficial to Manufacturers

Viren Kapadia Jul 02, 2019
3 Reasons Learning Management Systems are Beneficial to Manufacturers

Technology will keep evolving with time, creating a gap between what you know today and what you must know tomorrow. It is inherent that technology advances will bring- skill gaps, which if not bridged within time, can be very perilous for any industry, especially the manufacturing industry.

Since manufacturing is one of the top industries contributing to the GDP of a country, it is very important for business owners in the manufacturing sector to prepare their employees with future skills. Many employers hire new employees (with updated knowledge) to replace current ones, and thereby add unnecessary recruitment costs to their budget. This cost can multiply quickly with the constant advancement of technology.

This is a key reason why it is better to train your existing employees and equip them with the necessary skills essential to achieve future challenges and meet the organization’s objectives. One of the best ways to accomplish this is a learning management system (LMS) which helps your employees learn new technologies.

In simple words, an LMS is an online learning platform that bridges the manufacturing skills gap by providing effective training to the employees. Apart from employee training, these learning systems also help in boosting the morale and motivation of employees. For example, through leader boards, you can recognize an employee who has been successful in completing the course faster than others.

Here are some reasons why learning management systems are so important and beneficial to manufacturers.

  1. Upskill

    The first and the most obvious reason why you need an LMS is the need to upskill your talent currently onboard. As already mentioned above, as time passes by and advancements are introduced to technology a skill gap is created. This is why an LMS is highly recommended to assure that employees are properly equipped to accomplish future business goals. Employers needing to make operational improvements should attend carefully to which LMS they choose.

  2. Helps You Learn about Supply Chain Management

    Supply chain management (SCM) is an important part of the manufacturing industry because it keeps a check on any breakdowns in production. Since a number of manufacturing companies source different raw materials from across the globe, it is important for employees in the supply chain department to be aware of SCM procedures and principles. Using learning management systems that comply with OSHA, FDA, and EPA regulations, you can teach the concepts of SCM to employees and educate them about new additions to the SCM department.

  3. To Operate Complex Machinery

    As the manufacturing industry deals with operating various sophisticated and complex machinery, it is important that every person who uses such equipment is well-trained to operate it safely. This is important for both existing and new hires. As an employer, it is your duty to conduct training related to employees’ safety. There is no room for negligence in the area of safety training and your LMS can help you improve compliance. Your LMS will also help you blend online learning formats with classroom instruction, so as to employ all strategies in teaching employees proper use of complex machines.

Conclusion

Since the manufacturing sector is one of the biggest contributors to a country’s economy, human resources must be skilled and efficient enough to cope with future challenges. It is pivotal to keep oneself updated about what technological advances the future might hold. If you wish to equip your employees with all the knowledge they will need, you must look for an ideal learning management system for the manufacturing industry.

Here are important features to look in an LMS:

  • Onboarding tools for new hires
  • Content management features
  • Mobile learning functionality
  • Gamification features
  • Individual development plans
  • Easy to update
  • Gap analysis feature
  • Streamlined reporting features
  • Automation of training tasks
  • Responsive design

If you look for these features, you can be assured that the LMS you choose will fulfill your needs.