Training has always held a high status at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Germany GmbH in Mannheim. Here, for example, the beverage producer was one of the first of 14 production sites in the federal republic to begin using augmented reality (AR). All teaching methods – from on-site training to online seminars – have a common disadvantage, however: they are time-consuming, require planning and are limited in their flexibility.
This is where KHS’ Virtual Training Center or VTC comes into play, providing a unique solution: operators can make spontaneous and independent use of even short breaks in production to familiarize themselves with specific functions of a line without being tied down to fixed training schedules. This is a benefit that held immediate appeal for Markus Straßer, head of Maintenance at Coca-Cola Mannheim. He was also convinced by the fast implementation thereof: within just one week after submitting his request, the Dortmund turnkey supplier had provided him with access to the VTC. The training center itself is also proving very popular. “A sound onboarding process for our colleagues is essential for optimum operation. KHS’ range of training courses has thus quickly become an important module for us.” In the highly flexible operation of a modern filling plant, employees must quickly be able to carry out their duties independently, safely and with confidence. There’s often not enough time for full personal induction into all of the details. Learning inhibitions must therefore be kept to a minimum. As Straßer is responsible for all maintenance on site, he’s familiar with the challenges associated with shift models and the demographic change in the workforce. “Flexibility is absolutely necessary when assigning personnel,” he says. “If newer colleagues can get to grips with the various functions on their own through a playful learning approach that’s also fun, then we have a great basis from which we can then move on to familiar study formats.” The fact that what’s learned here is sufficient to actively participate in the production process is of huge value, he adds.
Virtual training supplements classic formats
This is also KHS’ plan. Last year, the systems provider pooled its training program in KHS Campus and with the VTC closed a gap in the market. Training on site, seminars on more complex topics or specific personnel development are still the key tools in the program that provide customers with the best way of teaching specialist knowledge and expertise in each specific case.
