F.Hinds - eLearning Case Study

A new LMS for a leading UK Jeweller.

F.Hinds, a leading UK jeweller, had been using an older version of Totara LMS to manage the product training of its front-line employees. This learning management system, running on Totara 12, was becoming increasingly outdated, lacking key functionality and modern features

Case details

Client name:

F.Hinds - A leading UK Jeweller

Location:

24 Park Road Uxbridge Middlesex UB8 1NH

Category:

Business Solutions

Challenge

Several challenges with the existing platform necessitated an upgrade:

Modernisation of the platform: Critical security updates were required across all components, including the operating system, database, PHP, and the Totara application itself. In addition, the hosting infrastructure needed to transition to Amazon Web Services (AWS) to leverage a more scalable, secure, and high-performance cloud solution.
Improving user experience: The user interface was clunky and unintuitive. Key information was fragmented between a dashboard and landing pages, resulting in a confusing and inefficient experience for employees.
Streamlining integrations: The Cybertill integration, which included an additional database for authentication purposes, was found to be redundant and unnecessarily complicated. Simplifying this integration was a priority.

Solution

Recognising the need for a modern and flexible learning platform, F. Hinds decided to upgrade from Totara 12 to Totara 18, a decision that brought several key benefits.

Upgrade Process

The upgrade process was structured and carefully executed by Webanywhere, in close collaboration with F. Hinds:

Initial Assessment and Planning: The teams conducted a comprehensive assessment of the existing system and mapped out the requirements for the upgrade. A clear timeline was established to minimise disruption to ongoing training activities.
Data Migration: A new hosting environment was provisioned on AWS. All existing data, including learning records, user profiles, and course materials, were migrated seamlessly to the new platform without any loss of data integrity.
Optimising Integrations: The integration with Cybertill was re-engineered, removing the redundant database and simplifying the data flow, reducing complexity.

Key Features of Totara 18

Enhanced User Interface and Experience: The upgrade brought a more user-friendly, responsive design, allowing employees to easily access courses, and resources on any device. The navigation is much simpler, reducing the frustration users previously faced. It has also enabled an improvement in meeting requirements related to compliance.
Improved Security and Latest Updates: Upgrading to Totara 18 ensures F. Hinds benefits from the latest security enhancements and patches, safeguarding the platform against new threats. The update also keeps the system compliant with industry regulations like GDPR. Staying on the latest version ensures continued support, reducing risks and ensuring future-proof protection for both IT and users.

Result

Upgrading to Totara 18 provided F. Hinds with a robust, flexible learning platform that meets the evolving needs of their customer-facing workforce, addressing the limitations of the older version.

With this investment, F. Hinds has successfully enhanced employee engagement and streamlined administrative processes. The result is a more knowledgeable and capable workforce, which in turn improves the overall customer experience.

Reflecting on the upgrade process, Kevin Davis, the Training Manager at F. Hinds, commented:

“Initially, the upgrade process seemed daunting, and it was difficult to visualise the benefits. However, the team at Webanywhere were extremely helpful in managing the project, keeping us involved at every stage. Now that we have the new platform, we can immediately see the positive impact it’s having on our employee training, which ultimately enhances our customer service.”

Kevin Davis, the Training Manager at F. Hinds

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