Learning in the flow of work is a powerful capability for organizations seeking to cut costs and make operations more efficient. However, more efficiencies can be discovered as learning in the flow of work is integrated with other systems like a Quality Management System (QMS) or systems used by Human Resources administration.
See how your organization can save even more money using learning in the flow of work in combination with these tools.
What is learning in the flow of work? Why care?
Learning in the flow of work is giving field workers the ability to access learning content on-the-go, typically on a mobile device, while still contributing to the bottom line. This means faster, cost-effective onboarding, and internal promotions.
This is possible with a Knowledge Management System, which allows procedures and training content to be in a highly accessible human and machine-readable format.
Industry-leading Fortune 500 organizations all over the world are taking advantage of learning in the flow of work to save money during times when turnover is high. These organizations also save Subject Matter Expert (SME) time as they no longer need to supervise new talent during the onboarding process, leaving SMEs to focus on critical tasks.
Organizations see even more benefits from learning in the flow of work when combined with a Quality Management System (QMS) or systems used by Human Resources (HR) Departments. Integrating with these systems means organizations can manage learning easier and ensure that workers avoid incidents.
Learning in the flow of work and HR systems
Using an organization’s existing HR systems in combination with learning in the flow of work reduces the chance of incidents and makes operations easier to manage. With this integration, HR management changes the permissions on content and training materials depending on the field worker’s recorded education or previous knowledge learned on-site.
This capability ensures that only the right workers see the right information and advancing workers can easily gain access to new content. Workers in your operation will always need to be qualified for the tasks they perform.
Learning in the flow of work and Quality Management Systems
Learning in the flow of work is a powerful tool for organizations who have implemented or are planning to implement a Quality Management System (QMS).
Your field workers know your operation best, so rather than waiting for an incident to happen, field workers and SMEs can use their knowledge to contribute to a safer work practice when they see potential issues with procedures and training content. Over time, your field workers will feel like they own the content they use every day.
Imagine a field worker is completing a task where they must start a pump when they discover that the temperature of the pump is abnormal. The field worker then shuts down the pump and discovers that there is debris and dirt in the pipe system.
Before, the field worker would need to leave the task site to contact an SME or remember to make management aware of the correction after the training task is complete. However, there’s no guarantee the feedback will be acted upon or won’t get lost in a stack of papers on someone’s desk.
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With access to a QMS, a field worker would leave a comment on the content in the flow of work:
- This comment lets management know an additional step for flushing the system is required
- The task is now easier and safer for the next field worker
- This action is tracked, the comment is tagged, and now becomes governed in the electronic workflow
The lack of accountability in normal paper-based programs can lead to poor procedure or content use culture in organizations, and workers lose trust in the process when feedback is not acted upon in a timely manner. With a QMS in place, organizations can:
- Keep operations organized and transparent with enforced due dates and escalation
- Avoid substandard quality in procedures
- Proactively correct inaccurate training content
- Report on reviews, corrections, comments, and all actions
- See the benefits of improved training and human performance
With this combined capability operations are more transparent, the chance for incidents is reduced, and workers receive better training. Combining learning in the flow of work and a QMS is truly transformative for any organization looking to cut costs while making operations more efficient.
Want to see what your procedures or training content would look like while learning in the flow of work?
References:
[1] Izionworu, Vincent & Ukeame, Maxwell. (2017). Effective service delivery through quality management system (QMS) in oil and gas servicing companies, a case study of selected firms, Port Harcourt. Chemistry International. 3. 106-113.
[2] PECB Quality Management System Whitepaper
