Recently, a customer shared how using our solution for AI in manufacturing training improved the productivity and confidence of a trainee.
Background:
Nate, a machinist trainee at Ideal Gear, joined about 10 months ago. He had a strong background in trades, including millwright foundations and work at a sawmill. His new position had him focusing on hobbing and shaping gears. Despite his limited experience with CNC machining, Nate quickly embraced his role and sought ways to enhance his skills and productivity.
Challenge:
Ideal Gear recognized that they needed a solution to help their new trainees, like Nate and other team members, improve their manufacturing knowledge, ask better questions, and increase productivity. They found that traditional training methods were not tailored enough to each individual’s learning needs, and timely answers to questions along the way were hard to come by.
Solution:
Ideal Gear met with THORS eLearning Solutions to incorporate THORS Academy™ and later included MFG Genius™, a tailored AI Learning Cloud designed to provide explanations and real-time answers to manufacturing-related questions at the point of need, whether on a computer or mobile device. By leveraging the power of both products, when a question was asked, answers were delivered instantly, backed by the entire expert-vetted THORS Academy™ library, including all of the videos, images, and graphics created by THORS. Their trainees and team members could ask a question and not only receive an illustrated answer, but also the opportunity to learn more from any of the THORS Academy™ courses.
Implementation:
When he first started, Nate used THORS Academy™ to gain foundational knowledge in manufacturing. He found the courses beneficial, helping him understand complex concepts and ask his supervisors relevant questions. When MFG Genius™ was adopted, Nate found the addition seamless, intuitive, and easy to use. He appreciated the AI’s ability to provide tailored explanations and links to course material whenever he had a question, even if a supervisor was not accessible.
Nate’s team members noticed the initiative he was taking with the courses and AI tool, and he received positive team feedback. They recognized his improvement and potential as a gear cutter. This affirmation further motivated him to continue using the platform.
Results:
- Improved Productivity: Nate self-reported a 15-20% increase in productivity since using MFG Genius™. The platform helped him ask better questions and understand processes in greater detail, leading to more efficient work on the shop floor. The tailored explanations and links to course material helped him recall information and apply it effectively.
- Enhanced Confidence: Nate’s confidence in his abilities grew significantly. He was able to understand gear grinding processes better and ask relevant questions, which boosted his confidence in handling complex tasks.
When asked about an example, Nate shared that he talked with his supervisor about verifying the runout of hobs before mounting them and running parts, a critical step he learned from asking questions using MFG Genius™ and learning more in the THORS Academy™ courses. This proactive approach was noted by his supervisor as a demonstration of his growing confidence and understanding of the processes.
Conclusion:
For Ideal Gear, MFG Genius™ has proven itself to be a valuable tool, leveraging AI to improve productivity and confidence of its team members. This AI-driven platform has provided tailored explanations and real-time answers, which helped team members like Nate improve their skills and efficiency.
Nate said he would recommend MFG Genius™ to others looking to enhance their manufacturing knowledge and productivity.
Ideal Gear plans to expand the use of MFG Genius™ to other team members, as well as take the next step toward expanding their AI usage by securely integrating their own content into the platform for even greater benefits.
Contact us if you would like to hear more!
