Item: Your Organization
Author: DILO

Hidden champion in emission-free gas handling

DILO Armaturen und Anlagen GmbH, headquartered in the beautiful Allgäu region of Germany, is a hidden champion in specialised plant engineering for emission-free management and handling of gases (e.g. SF6gases). With representation in over 80 countries, the company not only supplies solutions for the professional processing, mixing and extraction of gases worldwide, but's also known globally as a technology leader in this sector – an expertise that is also reflected in its customer training courses:

"DILO is not only a supplier of products, but our know-how and experience are also seen by a great many customers as an important resource for their own employees. This is where our vision of "ONE VISION, ZERO EMISSIONS" with our state-of-the-art, high-quality products and the training we offer to customers go hand-in-hand: because only if I know why and how to operate a piece of equipment can I take leverage its full potential and handle the various insulation gases without emissions," explained Ulrich Ammer, Sales Manager and Project Manager at DILO.

Overview

How the challenge was solved

Define requirements and knock-out criteria

Workshop to refine requirements, define mandatory criteria such as EU-based server hosting, required interface languages and prioritisation in the requirements catalogue.

Market research and multi-stage selection process

Research suitable LMS providers, establish contact and gradually narrow down the shortlist based on must-haves, nice-to-haves and softer criteria such as reliability and commitment.

Presentations and pilot tests with the trainer team

Product demos and timeline coordination, followed by the introduction of a test system to assess the look and feel as well as the feasibility of the didactic concept.

Didactics workshop and blended learning concept

Parallel to the system selection, development of a guidelines for distributing learning objectives across formats, methods and media, including assessments of learning outcomes.

Close-up of trainers at a starting line on a running track, with the legs of other runners blurred in the background.

Initial situation

Training downtime during lockdown

By the spring of 2020, DILO had completed approximately 560 training days on-site or at the training centre in Babenhausen and trained around 2,500 participants annually in SF6 gases and its own products. The first lockdown put an end to this sales tool. However, DILO was prepared: The company had already decided to supplement classroom training with digital formats. The goals were to enable flexible learning, strengthen customer loyalty, provide globally recognised SF6 certification and reduce travel. To this end, DILO introduced a learning management system and developed a blended learning concept.

Key requirements

How can external support help with the selection?

DILO was looking for support in selecting and implementing a global learning management system. The aim was to structure and prioritise the requirements and evaluate providers objectively. A practical test was designed to determine from a technical perspective whether the planned blended-learning concept could be implemented. The concept was intended to combine e-learning, webinars and face-to-face training in a meaningful way. In addition, kothes supported DILO in developing trainer capabilities and establishing editorial and translation processes, enabling flexible, practical customer training that could be delivered worldwide.

Support in selecting a system

Structure requirements, compare providers objectively and select the right LMS through practical testing.

Empowering DILO

Establish trainer, editorial and translation processes for creating digital training courses.

Develop a practical learning concept

Combine face-to-face training, webinars and e-learning in a meaningful way – including learning objectives, methods and assessment of learning success.

Several runners in motion; in the foreground, legs and blue running shoes; the background is blurred.

Approach

How can you find the right Learning Management System?

To identify the right e-learning system for DILO from the many options available, we first defined the requirements and knock-out criteria in a joint workshop. More than 100 criteria were prioritised, including EU-based server hosting, required languages, MS Teams integration and the potential for an integrated payment system. After researching providers, making a preliminary selection and reviewing product presentations, DILO tested the frontrunners in a pilot project. This made it possible to assess whether the planned instructional concept could be implemented in the system in a practical and effective way.

Blended learning: Learn flexibly, put knowledge into practice

DILO wanted future training courses to combine digital self-study with face-to-face sessions and live webinars. The blended learning approach combines the advantages of both formats. In the LMS, participants can work through content regardless of time or place, learn at their own pace and revise topics as needed. This makes global training easier and means that knowledge can be put into practice in the workplace.

The live sessions create space for interaction, questions and discussions. They are particularly important for technical products, allowing participants to gain practical, hands-on experience with the equipment. At the same time, the content had to be distributed appropriately across the various formats. kothes supported DILO’s trainers in designing digital learning materials.

kothes and DILO worked together to develop a didactic concept. It sets out how complex topics can be broken down into smaller learning units, how learning objectives can be defined and how suitable media and methods can be selected. Recommendations for consolidating knowledge, revision and assessments of learning outcomes make it a practical guide for blended learning training courses.

Rotes Zielband mit der Aufschrift „FINISH“ über einer Laufbahn; im Hintergrund unscharf der Zieleinlauf.

Benefit

How does DILO reflect upon the project and the cooperation with kothes?

At the start of the project, DILO set a clear goal: “One year from today, we will be able to offer our customers their first training session through the new learning management system.” That is exactly what they achieved. Within a year, DILO had selected and implemented an LMS while simultaneously developing a suitable instructional concept. The training team regrouped, established technical editorial and translation processes, and now also creates e-learnings and webinars in addition to face-to-face training courses. An ambitious achievement that we at kothes are also proud of. We really enjoyed this project and would like to thank all contributors at DILO.

"The project was handled very professionally and efficiently. The milestones were reached on time, the breakdown of the individual project steps was coherent, and the targets in terms of time, content, and costs were also met. The timeline was always tight and certainly presented kothes with one or two difficulties, but the capacities were planned both well and correctly. Also, the positive attitude and enjoyment of the project on kothes' side also contributed to the overall success."

DILO

Product and Application training at DILO Armaturen und Anlagen GmbH is now being blended