Edition 57, June 2008

New training tool for manufacturing industry

A new learning resource, which uses a virtual manufacturing environment, has been developed to help the manufacturing industry deliver critical skills training to staff.

The resource, developed as an industry e-learning demonstration through the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, the national training system's e-learning strategy, focuses on delivering skills in automated systems used in manufacturing and processing industries.

In particular it focuses on the skills required to work with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and manufacturing intelligence systems (MIS).

The SCADA and MIS - Skills for the future e-learning demonstration, was developed by the Engineering Employers Association Group Training Scheme (EEAGTS) and SAGE Didactic, in partnership with registered training organisation River Murray Training Pty Ltd.

The demonstration takes place in a virtual manufacturing and processing company 'No-Waste Ltd' whose plant and equipment includes SAGE Didactic's HAS200 (a highly automated mini factory).

This simulation reflects the real-life management of a working factory and the virtual environment allows participants to manage the mini factory using production data to solve problems and improve efficiency.

By using the demonstration businesses have an opportunity to up-skill existing workers and train new staff without interrupting production.

The use of an advanced manufacturing simulation, such as SAGE Didactic's HAS200, to deliver training in this way is believed to be a world first.

The SCADA and MIS automated systems are found across processing and manufacturing industries, including food processing, wine, automotive and water treatment, and are critical to ensuring those industries remain both globally competitive and environmentally responsible.

The demonstration involves both online and workplace assessment, aligned to production job roles at three different levels; production worker, production supervisor and production manager.

Successful completion of the demonstration can contribute towards the following three units of competency from the Competitive Manufacturing Training Package (MCM04):

  • MCMT261A Use SCADA systems in manufacturing*
  • MCMT461A Facilitate SCADA systems in manufacturing team or work area
  • MCMT660A Develop the application of enterprise systems in manufacturing.

(*MCM261A is a prerequisite to MCMT461A)

The units are also in Metals and Engineering (MEM05) and Food Processing (FDF03) Training Packages, and are expected to be imported into other manufacturing and processing training packages as they are reviewed.

Although the demonstration is specific to the production and manufacturing industry, it can be used as a guide to developing e-learning across a variety of industries.

To access the SCADA and MIS - Skills for the future e-learning demonstration, its case study, business case and other additional information visit http://industry.flexiblelearning.net.au (Select 'Engineering Employers Association' from the 'Other examples' drop down box).

For more information about industry use of e-learning contact Jenny Dodd, Industry Integration of E-learning Business Manager on 02 6207 4955, industry@flexiblelearning.net.au or visit http://industry.flexiblelearning.net.au

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