Leading Transportation Company Drives Training and Revenue Through Mobile Learning Execution

One of the biggest companies on the Fortune 100 list. The organization manufactures equipment for the railroad, marine, mining, drilling, and energy generation industries.

Organizations worldwide are increasingly struggling to meet their learning objectives, a challenge that resonates deeply within a large multinational engineering company. As the global economy gradually recovers, the demand for effective learning solutions has intensified, revealing a myriad of complexities. 

This organization faces a critical need for learning that is accessible anytime and anywhere. Employees require immediate access to training not only during scheduled learning sessions but also on the job, particularly as the products and services they handle are both intricate and continuously evolving. This necessitates a culture of ongoing learning, including the ability to reference materials while engaging with customers on-site.

As a global leader, the company encounters significant logistical hurdles, such as servicing clients in regions with limited internet bandwidth and inadequate computer hardware. Furthermore, the diverse audience includes individuals who benefit more from visual learning due to language barriers, complicating the delivery of effective training.

The company's rapid growth across various geographies has led to a surge in sales of sophisticated machinery to both private enterprises and government agencies, particularly in developing countries where infrastructure development is a priority. However, the challenge of finding skilled engineers and technicians to operate and maintain this advanced machinery persists. With an alarming annual attrition rate of 30-40% in these developing markets, coupled with an aging workforce in more traditional markets, the imperative for effective and continuous learning has never been clearer.

In light of these challenges, the organization seeks a content solution that not only addresses these pressing needs but also does so with minimal disruption to existing content and a focus on cost-effectiveness.

ELB Learning proposed a comprehensive content strategy centered around mobile devices as the primary medium for delivering training. Given the organization's policy encouraging employees and customers to 'bring their own devices,' the solution required careful consideration to ensure compatibility across a variety of screen sizes and operating systems.

The strategy encompassed several key requirements:

1. Modernization of Training Systems: An overhaul of the legacy training system was essential to transition to a modern, flexible platform that is mobile and tablet-friendly.
2. Compliance Standards: The solution needed to adhere to SCORM and AICC compliance norms to ensure interoperability and standardization across various learning management systems (LMS).
3. Browser-Based Delivery: A browser-based strategy was favored over an app-based approach, as the organization opted not to host content on app stores, thus simplifying access for users.
4. Visual Content Focus: The training materials were designed to be visually rich, minimizing text on the screen to enhance engagement and ensure universal accessibility.

ELB Learning developed a content solution characterized by:

• Graphical Richness: The content was designed to be visually appealing, significantly reducing the amount of text displayed on the screen.
• HTML5 Development: Utilizing HTML5 enabled seamless delivery across multiple devices, ensuring compatibility with various platforms.
• Touch-Friendly Design: The interface was optimized for touch interactions, enhancing usability on mobile and tablet devices.
• Responsive Delivery: The content was created once but adapted for multiple screen sizes through innovative solutions, including:

• Smart Launcher: A 'smart launcher' was developed to detect the device accessing the course, delivering content formatted specifically for the screen size, browser, and operating system in use.
• Multiple Style Sheets: Separate style sheets for PCs, tablets, and smartphones ensured that learning content was consistently presented in a user-friendly manner, regardless of the device used.

This strategic approach not only addressed the immediate challenges but also positioned the organization for sustainable growth and enhanced learning outcomes.

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The organization experienced significant measurable improvements:

• Anytime, Anywhere Learning Access: Employees and customers gained the flexibility to access training materials at their convenience, regardless of location.

• SCORM 2004 and AICC Compliance: The training content adhered to industry standards, ensuring seamless integration with the organization's learning management systems.
• Mobile Deployment Framework: The mobile-friendly framework enabled effortless deployment of training across various devices and platforms.
• 40% Increase in Training Acceptance
• 73% Reduction in Learning Time
• 25% Reduction in Classroom Training Time
• 40% Travel Cost Reduction

However, the most significant impact was the organization's discovery of a content strategy that could be replicated not only within its division but also across the entire group. While mobile learning is not a panacea, with the right objectives and implementation approach, it can be a highly efficient and effective strategy.

The organization's primary goal was to find a content solution that overcame the challenges while minimizing disruption to existing content and maintaining cost-effectiveness. The implemented solution successfully achieved these objectives, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the future.