Many smaller shops are under the impression that tools like STS are only tailored for large manufacturing companies. This perception keeps them from adopting new solutions, believing they are too big, too expensive, or simply not made for them. In reality, innovative tools can provide significant returns on investment, no matter the company size.
At Reata, we like to be at the forefront of industry innovations, and that includes volunteering for beta testing programs when we believe in their potential. When our team had the opportunity to participate in the NIMS (National Institute of Metalworking Skills) Smart Training Solutions Integration (STS), we were quick to raise our hand and be a part of its implementation.
Participating in the STS beta stage demonstrates our commitment to efficiency, longevity, and creating an attractive work environment that appeals to current and future team members. Standardized training through STS ensures that our workforce is expertly trained and capable. Moreover, by stepping up to participate, the Reata team proved that smaller shops like ours can successfully implement STS and benefit from these advanced solutions just as our larger counterparts would. Here’s how:
Standardized Training
In smaller shops like ours, resources get stretched thin when our people are busy. With products flowing through our shop quickly and with regularity, consistency in training can fall by the wayside. Think of it like this: No matter how skilled the machinist is, the chances of them training new team members the same exact way every time are pretty low without proper tools to support this process.
STS offers a standardized training platform that provides trainers with a specific agenda of points to cover. That way, Reata ensures that each trainee receives the same high-quality, rigorous instruction.
Transparency and Visibility
With STS, Reata can store information related to career pathways. That way, if a team member is interested in pursuing a particular role with the organization, they can go into the system and see for themselves…
- Skills they might gain to grow into this role
- What specific pathways look like
- Pay tiers that come with various roles
Storage and Transfer of Tribal Knowledge
At Reata, our team members gain expertise that guide the way they work every day, whether they’re programming machines or operating them. What happens when that employee decides to retire or explore new career options? Without a proper system in place, all the information that an individual has in their head gets lost.
With STS, our people can document best practices that set their team members up for success if they need to step in and get the job done. That way, insight gained becomes company knowledge.
Streamlined Apprenticeship Opportunities
Smaller companies may be hesitant to accept apprenticeships due to the complex and extensive documentation required. However, STS simplifies this process by automating documentation and compliance with regulations. A few clicks can generate the necessary reports, making apprenticeships much more feasible for shops like ours.
In addition, every step in an apprentice’s journey is documented with industry-recognized credentials that can be carried with them as they progress in their career.
Fully Digital and Accessible Training
STS is cloud-hosted, making it incredibly convenient for trainees, who can access training right from their phones. Furthermore, STS seamlessly integrates with external training modules we use at Reata such as Tooling-U and NTMA-U, providing access to a wide array of educational resources, all from one central location.
Simplified Auditing
Managing certifications such as AS9100 is streamlined with STS. Instead of sifting through spreadsheets or scattered documents, all certifications and training records are organized within the system, allowing us to demonstrate compliance and competency with ease.
The benefits we’ve experienced since implementing STS at Reata have extended outside the four walls of our shop. For our customers, a highly trained workforce translates to fewer errors, less scrap, reduced lead times, and lower costs. Ultimately, our investment in STS produces efficiencies that enhance our contract manufacturing services, resulting in the best possible outcomes for our customers and the Reata team.
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