Managed Service Providers for Mobile Plant Training: Benefits and Limitations

In today’s business landscape, the need for accredited mobile plant training services is more pronounced than ever. With the emphasis on safety, efficiency, and compliance, end-user businesses are increasingly turning to managed service providers (MSPs) to fulfil their training requirements.

In short, an MSP is an organisation who businesses outsource the administration and/or delivery of their employee training requirements to, rather than managing it internally.

While MSPs offer some benefits, they also present limitations that need to be carefully considered. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of utilising MSPs for accredited mobile plant training services.

Benefits of Utilising Managed Service Providers

1. Expertise and Accreditation: MSPs specialising in mobile plant training often advertise a team of seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in the field. These experts should be equipped with the latest industry standards and possess the necessary accreditations to deliver high-quality training programs. By leveraging their expertise, businesses should receive comprehensive and compliant training tailored to their specific needs.
2. Convenience and Flexibility: Partnering with an MSP helps to streamline the training process, offering businesses the convenience of outsourcing administrative tasks, such as scheduling, logistics, and record-keeping. Moreover, MSPs typically offer flexible training solutions, including on-site, off-site, and online options, allowing businesses to accommodate their workforce’s varying schedules and preferences.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Engaging an MSP for mobile plant training may result in cost savings for businesses compared to developing and maintaining in-house training programs when factoring in the saving made on administration costs. MSPs operate at scale, spreading overhead costs across multiple clients, which can translate to more affordable training solutions. However, potential savings can be reduced and, in some cases eliminated entirely, where the MSP charges a service or administration fee.
4. Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Compliance with health and safety regulations is paramount in industries utilising mobile plant equipment. MSPs help to ensure that training programs adhere to relevant legislation and industry standards, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and regulatory penalties.

Limitations of Managed Service Providers

1. Lack of Customisation: While MSPs offer standardised training programs, they may not always fully align with the unique requirements and challenges of each business. Generic training content might not adequately address specific machinery configurations, site conditions, or operational contexts, limiting its effectiveness. Businesses must carefully assess the level of customisation offered by MSPs to ensure training relevance and applicability.
2. Dependency on Third-Party Providers: Relying on MSPs for training services entails a degree of dependency on external entities, which can pose challenges in terms of control and accountability. Businesses may experience delays or disruptions in training delivery due to factors beyond their control, such as scheduling conflicts or unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, outsourcing training functions can dilute the company’s internal expertise and oversight. Additionally, by introducing a link between the provider and the end-user, this can lead to a reduction in the speed and/or effectiveness of communications. To combat this, it is essential that the MSP has a solid understanding of the relevant industry; the end-user’s specific requirements and has or is able to quickly establish a positive working relationship with the provider(s) delivering the training.
3. Quality Variability: While reputable MSPs will claim to strive for excellence, the quality of training services may vary across providers. Businesses must thoroughly evaluate MSPs’ credentials, track record, and customer feedback to gauge the consistency and reliability of their offerings. Subpar training experiences can compromise employee competency and morale, undermining the intended benefits of outsourcing. Whilst some MSPs will have full control over the delivery of training (i.e. the MSP themselves will be the organisation delivering the training), this is not always the case. There are a significant number of providers who act like an agency or drop-shipper. By this, we mean that they will not deliver the training themselves, but will rather sub-contract most or even all of the actual training provision to a third party or parties, with a margin or commission for themselves.
4. Limited Data Ownership: Entrusting training data management to MSPs raises concerns regarding data ownership, privacy, and security. Depending on the specific arrangements, businesses may have limited visibility and control over their training records, making it challenging to monitor employee progress, track certifications, and generate compliance reports. Clear agreements and protocols regarding data ownership and access rights are essential to mitigate potential conflicts and safeguard sensitive information.

In Conclusion

While MSPs can offer numerous benefits, including expertise, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and compliance assurance, they also come with limitations, such as lack of customisation, dependency, quality variability, and data ownership concerns. To maximise the value of outsourcing training functions, businesses must carefully assess a prospective MSPs’ capabilities, evaluate their satisfaction levels, and establish clear communication channels and expectations. By striking the right balance between benefits and limitations, businesses can ensure a robust and sustainable approach to mobile plant training that enhances safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Looking for a reliable provider that can support your mobile plant and safety training requirements? Contact us today!