The trend towards networked smart factories poses new challenges for many different groups of users, from electrical installers to factory planners and operators. Depending on the complexity of the challenge, there are various offers as part of the qualification initiative. The demands on Lapp employees are also changing: new possibilities and increasing complexity mean that customers want more intensive, in-depth advice. Lapp's aim is to enable sales staff to analyze customers' needs accurately and to help them find holistic, consistent solutions.

To do this, they need technological and systemic expertise to a much greater extent than before, especially when it comes to industrial data communication. One of the main aims of the industrial data communication training initiative is to impart this specialist knowledge in a modern, appealing and efficient way. "Many of our customers approach us about the topic of industrial data communication and the associated challenges. Keeping our employees up to date on the subject is therefore essential," says Georg Stawowy, Lapp's Chief Technology and Innovation Officer.

Understandingindustrial data communication
The modules on the basics of industrial data communication are accessible to all employees who have contact with customers. The focus is on understanding the challenges that can arise in the application and being able to provide professional advice as early as possible. In view of the resulting number of participants, however, it was clear: "Holding classroom courses with face-to-face teaching for thousands of employees on various continents is not a solution," says Dr Hilmar Döring, Board Member for Human Resources and Organizational Development. "It doesn't make sense logistically, it would take too long and it doesn't correspond to our ideas of how knowledge should be imparted today."

Lapp therefore relies on e-learning for the basics with learning modules on topics such as "Fundamentals of automation", "Components of automation", "Fieldbus" and "Ethernet". The e-learning courses were developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Embedded Systems and Communication Technology. All modules are available in ten languages. They are available online for all interested parties.

Sharing knowledge
As part of the initiative, experts from product management also offer webinars and boot camps for partners and employees, in which the topics are explored in greater depth and illustrated in a practical way. "The feedback has been very good," reports Georg Stawowy. "We have a completion rate of over 85% for the e-learning courses, the webinars are very well received and are establishing themselves as a learning medium within the company. Our bootcamps are particularly well received as they have a high practical relevance and always include a gamification component. This shows us that we have struck the right note and that our customers, partners and employees are ready to embrace new approaches and content."

The certified global program for experts in the field of industrial data communication addresses another target group within the company. Lapp developed the modules of the program in collaboration with the Institute for Control Technology of Machine Tools and Production Facilities at the University of Stuttgart. Lapp employees from 15 countries were nominated and specifically trained to help customers with tasks that require special expertise in the field of industrial data communication. as