SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 09, 2025 – Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Germany GmbH in Mannheim is renowned for its commitment to employee training, having been an early adopter of augmented reality (AR) in its production facilities. However, traditional training methods, whether on-site or online, often face limitations in terms of time, planning, and flexibility. To address these challenges, Coca-Cola Mannheim has partnered with KHS to implement the innovative Virtual Training Center (VTC).
KHS Virtual Training Center: A Game Changer for Employee Learning
The KHS VTC offers a unique solution for employee training, allowing operators and maintenance personnel to learn at their own pace and convenience. By utilizing a digital twin of the production line, employees can familiarize themselves with specific functions and procedures without disrupting production schedules.
"A sound onboarding process for our colleagues is essential for optimum operation," says Markus Straßer, Head of Maintenance at Coca-Cola Mannheim. "KHS’ range of training courses has thus quickly become an important module for us.”
Benefits of the KHS VTC
- Flexibility: Employees can access training modules anytime, anywhere, even during short breaks in production.
- Accessibility: The VTC runs on standard office computers, eliminating the need for specialized hardware.
- Engaging Learning: Interactive learning nuggets and virtual rewards create a gamified experience that motivates employees.
- Improved Efficiency: By reducing learning inhibitions and accelerating the onboarding process, the VTC contributes to increased operational efficiency.
Addressing the Challenges of a Modern Workforce
In today's dynamic production environment, employees need to adapt quickly and perform their duties with confidence. The KHS VTC provides a valuable tool for addressing the challenges associated with shift models and a diverse workforce.
"Flexibility is absolutely necessary when assigning personnel," says Straßer. "If newer colleagues can get to grips with the various functions on their own through a playful learning approach that’s also fun, then we have a great basis from which we can then move on to familiar study formats.”
Virtual Training Complements Traditional Formats
While the VTC offers a valuable new approach to training, KHS recognizes the importance of traditional training methods. On-site training and seminars remain crucial for imparting specialized knowledge and expertise.
"The initial response has been extremely positive," states Straßer. "Thanks to the intuitive and playful approach from the individual’s personal perspective, even our older colleagues are able to perfectly manage this setup.”
Expanding the Reach of the VTC
KHS plans to expand the VTC by adding new modules, languages, and machine types in the coming months. This will enable the company to offer this innovative training solution to customers worldwide.
"As no additional hardware is needed to use the VTC other than a totally normal Office PC, we can roll it out worldwide within a very short space of time indeed," explains Marco Palme, Head of KHS Training Center South and VTC Project Manager.
A Collaborative Approach to Training
The successful implementation of the VTC at Coca-Cola Mannheim highlights the benefits of collaboration between technology providers and their customers. By working together, KHS and Coca-Cola have created a training solution that addresses the specific needs of a modern production facility.
About KHS Group
The KHS Group is a leading global manufacturer of filling and packaging systems for the beverage and liquid food industries. With production sites and service centers worldwide, KHS provides innovative solutions for high-capacity production. The KHS Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of the SDAX-listed Salzgitter AG corporation.