The smart factory of the future is one thing above all: networked. The advantages, such as predictive maintenance and a comprehensive overview of all processes, are obvious. The interest in solutions for industrial data communication is correspondingly high. Lapp's sales of Industrial Ethernet solutions are currently growing by around 27 percent annually. However, factory planners and operators are quickly becoming aware of the high complexity of industrial data communication. There are no one-size-fits-all packages; Industry 4.0 is always tailor-made. This presents Lapp's sales staff in particular with the challenging task of accurately analyzing customer requirements and meeting them with holistic, consistent solutions - which requires a high level of technological and systemic expertise.

"Many of our customers approach us about the topic of industrial data communication and the associated challenges. It is therefore essential to keep our employees up to date on the subject," says Georg Stawowy, Lapp's Board Member for Technology and Innovation. But how can thousands of employees worldwide be trained in such a complex topic? The answer lies in a qualification offensive with various learning opportunities tailored to specific target groups, not only for the company's own employees, but also for customers and partners.

Basic knowledge for everyone via e-learning
An e-learning course developed by the company together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Embedded Systems and Communication Technology provides basic knowledge of industrial data communication. Anyone interested can access the online training, which is publicly available online. It contains learning modules on the aspects of "Fundamentals of automation", "Components of automation", "Fieldbus" and "Ethernet". The modules are available in ten languages to enable international access. They clearly present the most important aspects of industrial data communication and explain the interrelationships. A question at the end of each learning module helps learners to ensure that they have internalized the content.

The content is primarily aimed at employees who are in contact with customers. The aim is to help them understand the challenges faced by customers and provide professional advice as early as possible. Due to the number of relevant employees, the decision was made to use the e-learning format: "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." There is also the added value that the online training can be made easily accessible to other interested target groups beyond the company's own employees, such as customers and partners.

In-depth training through webinars, boot camps and expert program
In addition to the e-learning offerings, Lapp also offers webinars: Experts from product management provide detailed insights into individual topics, allowing partners and employees to deepen their knowledge in a targeted manner. Face-to-face events in the form of boot camps are also part of the initiative. The experts explain industrial data communication topics to participants in a practical and interactive way.

Meanwhile, a certified global expert program is aimed specifically at employees. Employees from 15 countries can be nominated for this, who are then specifically trained as experts to help customers with their expertise in tasks that require the relevant specialist knowledge. Lapp has developed the content of this expert program together with the Institute for Control Technology of Machine Tools and Production Facilities at the University of Stuttgart.

Interest in lifelong learning
"We believe in the principle of lifelong learning," says Dr. Hilmar Döring. "Our world is becoming increasingly complex and is constantly changing, with digitalization being a key driver. It is important to us to enable our employees to keep pace with these developments in terms of their knowledge and skills. In this way, we not only enable them to do good work in the long term, but also give them an understanding of the big picture that we are all working on. It is just as important for us to share this knowledge with our customers."

Eva Martinez, Head of Global HR Development and International Assignments at Lapp, adds: "Complex issues can no longer be solved as a matter of course using existing knowledge. Employees must be prepared to continuously expand their knowledge. And that is a question of corporate culture. Lifelong learning is here to stay. We must accompany our employees on this journey. The qualification offensive for industrial data communication is just the beginning." as