How sharing Best Practices fuels innovation and growth

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, sharing best practices isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential. It drives continuous improvement, boosts safety, sparks innovation, and saves precious time and resources. Well-informed employees, better collaboration, a competitive edge, and happier customers are just a few of the perks. Sounds great, right? But let’s be honest, our industry often struggles with a silo mentality, which can make sharing crucial information a real challenge.

The success of sharing best practices hinges on the approach. The right strategies turn obstacles into opportunities.

Where things stand

In manufacturing, sharing best practices covers everything: safety protocols, efficiency strategies, quality control—you name it. These practices are the golden nuggets companies have picked up over time—the best ways to hit targets while staying within the lines of industry regulations.

How these practices are shared internally varies by sector. In chemicals, the focus is on safety, with extensive training and detailed documentation. Construction zeroes in on efficiency and time management, often taught through hands-on training and on-site coaching. The food industry prioritizes quality control and compliance, given the direct impact on public health.

But no matter the sector, the challenges are the same. Outdated or incorrect information can be disastrous. And the method of sharing is key. Digital platforms offer quick and wide distribution, but not everyone is digitally savvy. On the flip side, traditional methods like printed manuals or meetings can miss the mark on details and are hard to update.

HSSE specialists need to make sure that knowledge is not only current and complete but also understandable and accessible to everyone. It’s all about finding the right mix of method, sector focus, and continuous management.

Newsletters – short and sweet

Newsletters are a popular way to share best practices. They provide updates on safety incidents, introduce new procedures, or highlight process improvements. The trick? Keep it brief and visually engaging. Infographics, for example, make complex information easy to digest. An added bonus is that newsletters often reach contractors and other external partners.

The challenge, of course, is making sure they’re not just opened but actually read. Open rates and click-through rates give some insight, but the real test is what happens on the shop floor. Are people talking about it? Are they applying the insights in their daily work? That’s where the true value of a newsletter shines through.

When used well, digital systems can break down traditional barriers, creating a smooth flow of knowledge and expertise. In manufacturing, systems like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), and QMS (Quality Management Systems) are crucial for sharing best practices across operations, production, and compliance. Contractor Management Systems are key for extending these practices to third-party contractors, ensuring they meet your company’s safety and operational standards. Together, these systems form a cohesive network that keeps quality high and collaboration smooth.

But rolling out digital systems isn’t without its hurdles. The digital divide can lead to differences in access and tech skills among employees. HSSE specialists need to prioritize digital literacy, making sure everyone can navigate these systems with confidence. Training sessions, user-friendly interfaces, and on-demand support can help bridge the gap.

Training sessions – go digital

Training sessions are critical in manufacturing for spreading best practices, especially when linked with digital tools like Learning Management Systems (LMS) that track progress and engagement. These sessions, often backed by interactive e-learning content, ensure that both employees and contractors are up to speed with the latest operational, safety, and quality standards, driving a culture of continuous improvement and compliance.

Make It Interactive

Add interactive elements, like a quick quiz or a feedback section. This gets readers involved and boosts the chances they’ll actually absorb the information. Plus, it gives you valuable feedback on how clear and relevant your content is.

Traditional training sessions offer face-to-face interaction but can be expensive and logistically challenging, especially with teams spread across different locations. The quality of training can vary, leading to inconsistent application of best practices. Plus, these sessions might not be as engaging as digital learning methods, which can impact how well information sticks.

The smart approach

Enter digital solutions like Onyx One, which offers intuitive, modular software that simplifies managing and automatically updating certifications and expiration dates. This fully digital process addresses the limitations of traditional training methods and ensures that best practices are shared consistently and effectively.

Want to see how this innovative contractor management system can enhance your training strategy? Book a quick demo with Nikolai now!

WHY

WE BELIEVE IN TEAMWORK

I believe that the world is a better place when: Everyone gets to do what they love.

Everyone does what they do best.
We can focus on what we do best.
We have the opportunity to specialize, which means we need others to do what we’d prefer not to, i.e., partnerships and teamwork are a must.
In short, I believe that the world is better off when we work together. Teamwork for the efficient and sustainable use of resources. Teamwork with our colleagues, suppliers, customers, and distribution channels. Teamwork with specialists, consultants, and contractors…and with the government in a regulatory framework.
Teamwork as individuals within a team.
Teamwork as a team within an organization.
Teamwork as a business in society.
I believe that partnerships and teamwork are possible through personal development. Teamwork happens when we:
are prepared for our mission
know what’s expected of us
have the autonomy to make (the right) decisions
are confident that what we delegate will be done well
trust that others are also prepared, have invested in personal development, and know what’s expected of them