Efficiency Comes Standard

It’s small, fast, and easy to drive. It goes anywhere and everywhere your people go and can be customized to fit their requirements. Once you see it, you’ll always remember it. What is it? A CBLO – a Computer Based Learning Object that puts employees in control of self-directed learning. CBLOs are a high-performing, inexpensive way to deliver vital knowledge anytime, anywhere. They’re proving to be extremely successful as just-in-time training for operators, maintenance technicians, and more. With the help of CBLOs, one manufacturer saw their efficiency rise 15% in just a matter of weeks.

TRAINING TIME CUT BY 30%, YET SKILLS IMPROVE
In 2008, the team created a CBLO for one of the nation’s largest convenient foods manufacturers. It would support ongoing, second generation training and refresher training for a new Ingredient Blending installation. The CBLO was rapidly developed and then rolled out to 21 different sites.

Two years later, we were somewhat surprised to find out just how successful the CBLO had been. The team had been called to a meeting with the same company to discuss another training initiative. In the room were more than 20 Project Managers, R&D Engineers, and Site Managers. Several were familiar with the CBLO from a couple years before, and all were enthusiastic about the results. The CBLO had cut training time by about a third, and users found it extremely helpful. As one individual summed it up, “This tool worked perfectly for us!” Most importantly, everyone wanted a new CBLO for their next training initiative.

OVERALL EFFICIENCY JUMPS 15% IN A MATTER OF WEEKS
In another example, a global consumer goods company’s efficiency was down 20% versus the previous year. This decrease had been caused by inadequate knowledge of operating procedures and troubleshooting, plus a general lack of ownership by operators. The training team was called in to help turn it all around. They created four CBLOs as part of a brand new training program. Within weeks of implementation, overall efficiencies improved by an amazing 15%.

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS A CBLO?
Each CBLO is a small standalone training module delivered on-demand. It records the knowledge of your most experienced employees and makes it accessible to everyone via a desktop or tablet PC, HMI, or other device. For example, an operator might pull up a CBLO on an HMI to review the steps included in a changeover. The operator would see exactly what to do, following step-by-step instructions with audio and visual instructions. The same CBLO could be used as an introduction to a classroom training session or as a refresher afterwards. It could even be included in a marketing video if you wish!

EACH CBLO INCLUDES THREE SECTIONS:
1. Get Ready. Adults learn better if they have a fast introduction to the topic before diving into the finer points. Your CBLO starts by telling them what’s coming, why it’s important, and what they’ll be able to do with their new knowledge.
2. Get Knowing. Next your CBLO presents the content.
• For operators (who usually prefer step-by-step instructions) – we recommend a straightforward, screen-by-screen presentation that walks them through the process from beginning to end, while listening to clear, simple instructions all along the way.
• For maintenance techs (who typically want more freedom to look around) – we would feature a component exploration screen. This lets them skip over the basics and go right to the component or area they want to learn about.
3. Get Results. Since most people dislike testing, we keep exams short – five questions or fewer – and focus on essentials. The assessment can be: True or False, Matching Items, Fill in the Blank, or Assemble the Widget.

WHAT MAKES CBLOs SO SUCCESSFUL? THEY’RE F.A.S.T.E.R.
• Fit –created to fit the learning styles of the people who will actually use them
• Accessible – from almost any device, such as a PC, Tablet, HMI, or PDA…any time of day or night
• Speedy – letting users get information on demand and see immediate progress through increased understanding/skills
• Targeted – with each CBLO focusing on a particular skill, topic, process, or piece of equipment
• Easy – simple to use and presents information in clear, lively user-friendly ways
• Relevant – custom-built to meet your training goals and immediate objectives