It’s small, speedy, and surprisingly easy to drive. It goes anywhere your people go and can be customized to fit their preferences. Once you see it, you won’t forget it. What is it? A CBLO – a Computer Based Learning Object that puts employees in the driver’s seat for self-directed learning. CBLOs are a high-performance, low-cost way to deliver vital information anytime, anywhere. They’re proving to be extremely successful as just-in-time training for operators, maintenance technicians, and others. With the help of CBLOs, one manufacturer saw overall efficiencies rise 15% in 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 found out just how successful the CBLO had been. The team had been called to a meeting with the same manufacturer to discuss another training initiative. In the room were more than 20 Project Managers, R&D Engineers, and Site Managers. Many were familiar with the CBLO from two years before, and all were enthusiastic about the results. The CBLO had cut training time by about 30%, and users found it extremely helpful. As one individual summed it up, "This tool worked perfectly for us!" Everyone wanted a new CBLO for their next training initiative.

OVERALL EFFICIENCY UP 15% IN A MATTER OF WEEKS

In another example, a global consumer goods company was down 20% in efficiencies over the previous year. The downturn 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 things around. They created four CBLOs as part of a new training program. Within weeks of implementation, overall efficiencies improved by an amazing 15%.

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS A CBLO?

Each CBLO is a short standalone training module delivered on-demand, when and where your employees need it. It captures 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 in a changeover. The operator would see exactly what to do, following step-by-step instructions with video and sound. The same CBLO could be used as introduction to a classroom training session or as a refresher afterwards. It could even be included in a marketing video.

EACH CBLO INCLUDES THREE SECTIONS:

1. Get Ready. Adults learn better if they have a quick introduction to the topic before diving into the details. So, 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 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 explore) – we would feature a component exploration screen. This lets them skip the basics and go straight to the component or area they want to learn about.

3. Get Results. Since most people don’t like testing, we keep assessments 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 –designed to fit the learning styles of the people who will use them

•Accessible – from any device like a PC, Tablet, HMI, or PDA…any time of day or night

•Speedy – letting users get information on demand and see immediate results in increased understanding/skills

•Targeted – with each CBLO focusing on a particular skill, topic, process, or piece of equipment

•Easy – simple to use and presenting information in clear, lively, interesting ways

•Relevant – specifically built to meet your training goals and immediate objectives