Joining expertise to enhance the competitiveness of manufacturing businesses

Through this collaboration with HIFA, three Premier Tech Business Groups undertook pilots tailored to their context to support skill development, knowledge sharing and training in industrial environments.

Over the years, experienced operators involved in peat moss harvesting at Premier Tech Growers and Consumers gain in-depth knowledge of the heavy equipment they operate. 

Documenting this expertise in a didactic format facilitates access to their colleagues across the organization and ensures efficient transmission of critical knowledge to the next generation. This pilot was therefore implemented to capture, formalize and transfer field expertise by leveraging innovation.

As a result, we were able to structure the knowledge related to the peat moss harvesting process through an online training journey and procedures explained with augmented reality. Production team members can now inspect harvesting equipment using a digital twin or directly in the field, encouraging best practices and securing knowledge for the long term.

Field service technicians at Premier Tech Water and Environment handle complex tasks on a seasonal basis that often demand advanced technical skills. It became essential for the Business Group to evaluate the level of knowledge and skills not only at the time of hiring, but also to monitor and adapt the continuous training of field service team members.

As part of this pilot, the Business Group developed a skill evaluation tool to assess and personalize learning experiences, both during the team members’ onboarding process and throughout their professional journey.

This tool helps better guide training efforts, accelerates the learning process and enhances customer satisfaction.

In an industrial context where safety is essential, Premier Tech Systems and Automation sought to expand the learning methods available to team members for risk prevention. HIFA therefore supported the implementation of a pilot using virtual reality, offering team members the opportunity to experience immersive risk analysis scenarios in a simulated, yet realistic and safe environment.

This innovative approach, which combines gamification and immersion, will contribute to integrating safety reflexes over time, reducing risks of accidents and enhancing operational efficiency.

After just one year, we can observe positive outcomes from this collaboration between HIFA and Premier Tech. By delivering actionable, innovative solutions tailored to the needs of businesses, they both structure, rethink and accelerate the development of technical skills.

This impactful partnership stands out for its innovative approach and the long-term vision it embodies. It strengthens the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry in Québec and Canada while empowering the next generation.