Localization and Global Reach for Manufacturing

Training is essential for developing skills and ensuring consistent knowledge across teams. However, as your company expands into different regions or countries, delivering effective training can become more challenging. Traditional training materials that are simply translated often fall flat—cultural nuances are missed, which can lead to confusion and hinder knowledge transfer. This is where a well-defined localization strategy for your training program comes in.

This article discusses how to streamline the localization process for eLearning content, empowering your global partner network with training materials that are not only translated and delivered in different languages, but also tailored to cultural contexts. We’ll also discuss the benefits of a localized approach and methods for delivering high-quality regional or country-based manufacturing training.

Importance of localized manufacturing training for global companies

Success for global manufacturers depends on properly trained partners and customers worldwide. Localized manufacturing training ensures a complete understanding of company procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards, all adapted to the specific regulations and technical expertise of each operating region. Effective eLearning localization takes eLearning courses designed for a specific target market and translates them into the target language, while also considering cultural contexts. This provides a smooth user experience for learners in different regions while ensuring consistency in skills and information across a global organization.

Without localized training, global manufacturers would need single training program to serve all international locations. This creates a significant risk of misunderstandings and missed opportunities.

Benefits of localized eLearning in manufacturing

Here are some benefits of localized eLearning in the manufacturing sector:

• Expands global capability: Localized eLearning ensures a clear understanding of your products, processes, and best practices across global partner and customer networks.
  
• Boosts knowledge retention and engagement: Delivering training in a preferred language empowers partners and customers to gain a deeper understanding of your offerings. Localized eLearning can use culturally relevant scenarios, making the learning experience more relatable.
  
• Enhances safety and compliance: Localized eLearning allows for clear communication of safety protocols specific to each region. This ensures adherence to local regulations and minimizes compliance risks.
  
• Optimizes training efficiency and scalability: eLearning modules can be easily adapted and deployed across various locations. A standardized approach reduces logistical challenges and costs associated with traditional instructor-led training.
  
• Strengthens global consistency: Localized eLearning guarantees partners and customers receive the same high-quality training materials and information globally. This promotes consistent application of procedures and quality control measures across the global manufacturing operation.

Methods for delivering localized manufacturing training

Here's a look at some effective methods for delivering localized manufacturing training:

• Language-specific instructor-led training: This traditional method uses instructors fluent in the native language of the trainees. It allows for real-time interaction and clarification of complex concepts in a culturally relevant context. However, it can be geographically limited and cost-intensive for large-scale training initiatives.
  
• Online learning with multi-language support: eLearning platforms with multilingual capabilities offer a scalable solution. Training modules can be easily translated and adapted to accommodate diverse language, cultural, and regional needs. Many eLearning platforms provide language packs that cater to global audiences. These packs localize the platform interface and functionalities, enabling users to access training content in their preferred language.
  
• Blended learning approaches: Combining instructor-led training with online modules creates a well-rounded learning experience. This approach leverages the benefits of both methods. Learners get the flexibility and accessibility of eLearning, while also participating in interactive sessions that allow for applicable engagement with culturally relevant context.

Best practices for effective localized manufacturing training

Here's how to localize your training programs for maximum impact.

1. Involve local subject matter experts and cultural advisors

Manufacturing processes can vary significantly by region. Additionally, communication styles and learning preferences differ culturally. To address these complexities, involve subject matter and training experts (SMEs) from your target regions.

Local SMEs have in-depth knowledge of local manufacturing practices, equipment, and regulations. They can ensure the training accurately reflects the specific context your partners and customers will encounter. 

2. Implement continuous evaluation and feedback loops

Content localization shouldn't be a one-time effort. Create ways for learners and trainers to provide feedback on the training's clarity, effectiveness, and cultural relevance. This could include surveys, focus groups, or post-training evaluations.

Analyze the feedback to identify areas for improvement. Update the training content regularly to reflect changes in local regulations, technologies, or best practices.

3. Don’t neglect small details

Effective localization goes beyond just translating the main body of the training materials. Localized content should also pay close attention to seemingly minor details that can impact a learner's understanding, which include:

• Units of measurement: Are measurements in metric or imperial units? Ensure they align with the target audience's conventions. For example, if training customers in a region that primarily uses the metric system, avoid using inches or feet.
  
• Dates and time formats: Formatting of dates and times can vary by region. The localized content should reflect the format most familiar to the learners (e.g., 24-hour clock vs. 12-hour clock).
  
• Currencies: If costs or financial figures are mentioned, display them in the local currency.
  
• Visual Representation: Whether it’s culturally appropriate dress and presentation methods, regional and local imagery, or using close-up video or pictures of details and content, it is important to be aware of and sensitive to local customs and traditions. 

4. Leverage technology for efficient localization

Technology can significantly reduce the time required for localization. The best course of action is to use a Learning Management System (LMS) with built-in localization features to simplify deploying and tracking training in multiple languages.

In effect, the languages page in your LMS dashboard becomes your command center for localization. Here, you can customize individual language strings and their translations for various elements within the system. This includes core components like catalog pages, courses and lessons, and student profiles, along with critical touchpoints like the sign-up process.

Many LMS platforms allow you to go deeper, further customizing elements such as tags and sign-up fields. This level of granular control provides a truly localized experience for your learners, from the moment they first access the system to the completion of their training journey.

Deliver localized manufacturing training worldwide with Skilljar

Skilljar is an LMS designed to empower organizations with the tools they need to deliver effective localized training for the global market. Our platform features 11 robust language packs besides English, allowing you to easily create custom language versions of training materials. Plus, Skilljar's centralized dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of your localization settings, enabling you to fine-tune the training experience for each target audience and region.

‍Watch our demo to learn how Skilljar enables you to deliver best-in-class training content to your customers and partners across the globe.