The 100% Solution to Worker Testing

Technology ROI

Positive indicators show the return on investment (ROI) provided by technology-based training, testing, and remediation, as a number of companies are more than willing to verify. Among the indicators are:

• Decline in recalls;
• Decline in plant accidents and downtime;
• Increase in employee retention;
• Reduction in workers compensation costs;
• Increase in productivity; and
• Improved performance in third-party audits.

A question from the Spanish version of the SISTEM “Preventing Food Contamination” course. Employees use remotes to answer the questions.

Unfortunately, some plant managers, such as those in the QA and human resources departments, may not realize the positive impact technology can have on their operations. Occasionally, internal data indicating food safety compliance may not be shared within all departments, even though this data is relevant to any department when it comes to effectively evaluating the success of a company’s training program. In this case, the data behind these leading indicators can be accessed and shared through the technology—providing useful and actionable information.

Another example of ROI is the reduction in costs associated with data entry, document storage, and retrieval. Records no longer need to be transcribed into a central database, because the training and testing data are automatically organized and archived. Companies have reported significant drops in labor and paper costs after implementing electronic record keeping.

The biggest ROI from technology, however, is its importance in creating a culture of food and plant safety—a point Marler said he frequently emphasizes. “Every company that has an outbreak wishes they would have invested the money in food safety,” he said.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of technology-based training and comprehension is its ability to quickly process and provide information that a company can act upon immediately. No one likes to admit that a current training system is inadequate. However, health and safety incidents involving workers who were thought to be properly trained are a reminder that training officers and other managers must reassess not only their training techniques and materials but also their evaluation of worker understanding.

That is especially true with testing for employee comprehension. A company whose impact extends far beyond its walls cannot afford to place itself and the public at risk. That means companies cannot accept less than perfect test scores simply to avoid the expense of remedial training. Without a thorough testing and evaluation mechanism that flags all incorrect answers, shortcomings in training will not be readily apparent—an open door to noncompliance in food safety and quality, as well as potentially serious mistakes.

Laura Dunn Nelson is director of industry relations for Alchemy Systems, an Austin, Texas-based company that creates and globally markets highly interactive training products that use technology and media to educate individuals and groups. Contact her at (254) 965-8563 or [email protected].