Bel Group

Bel Group: Empowering Operators with
Digital Training

Accelerate Onboarding Improve Factory Training Digital Work Instructions & Troubleshoots Skills Management
Thumb 3

How Bel Group Standardized Knowledge Transfer Across Global Operations

Bel Group, a global leader in healthy snacks and well-known for brands like Babybel® and The Laughing Cow®, operates 26 factories worldwide, serving customers across Europe, North America, and Asia. As the company embarked on a significant digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency, one of its key goals was to modernize workforce training to address global challenges.

Through Poka’s connected worker platform, Bel Group achieved remarkable results, including a 50% reduction in the time it takes for new hires to reach competence and a 66% reduction in shadowing and trainer time, revolutionizing training efficiency and scalability across its operations.

The Challenge: Scaling Training Across a Global Workforce

Bel Group’s operations are diverse, with facilities spread across regions and languages, producing a wide range of products such as cheese, fruit snacks, and plant-based alternatives. While this diversity is a strength, it also posed significant challenges in training.

Inconsistent Processes: 

Training methods varied by location, leading to inefficiencies and knowledge gaps.

Time-Intensive Training: 

Operators relied on extensive shadowing, requiring significant time investments from experienced trainers.

Resistance to Change: 

Digital transformation efforts faced challenges in adoption, as operators were accustomed to traditional, paper-based systems.

Yannick Steunou, Chief of Digital Excellence at Bel Group, described these challenges: “Before Poka, our training processes were fragmented and heavily reliant on local practices. It was difficult to measure or replicate success across sites.”

The Solution: A People-Centric Digital Model

Bel Group implemented Poka as part of its digital transformation strategy, focusing on creating a people-centric model that emphasized operator empowerment, knowledge sharing and standardization.

Image 9

Key components of the solution included:

1. Digitizing Training Materials

Bel Group transitioned from paper-based training guides to digital resources, enabling operators to access standardized procedures and instructions on the factory floor.

2. Reducing Trainer Dependency

Poka’s platform allowed operators to independently follow structured learning paths, significantly reducing the need for extended shadowing and one-on-one trainer time.

3. Global Standardization

A core model was developed to ensure consistent use of Poka across all factories, regardless of region or language. This approach enabled rapid scaling while maintaining quality and efficiency.

The Results: Driving Measurable Impact

The implementation of Poka resulted in significant improvements in training efficiency and operational outcomes:

50% Faster New Hire to Competence

By providing new hires with on-demand access to digital resources and structured learning paths, Bel Group halved the time it took for them to become fully competent in their roles.

66% Reduction in Shadowing and Trainer Time

Trainers could focus on high-value tasks as operators learned independently, reducing the reliance on traditional shadowing methods.

Improved Global Consistency

Standardized processes and digital tools ensured consistent training experiences across regions, reducing variability in outcomes.

Yannick highlighted the cultural shift this created: “Operators are now empowered to take control of their learning. They feel more confident, and this has had a direct impact on performance and engagement.”

“

Operators are now empowered to take control of their learning. They feel more confident, and this has had a direct impact on performance and engagement. ”

A Phased Rollout: Ensuring Success Across Factories

Bel Group implemented Poka in a phased approach, allowing for iterative improvements and scaling:

1. Pilot in Quebec, Canada

Poka was first introduced at a greenfield facility in Quebec, enabling Bel Group to test the platform’s capabilities and refine its implementation strategy.

2. Scaling to France

Following the success in Canada, Poka was rolled out in France, where it was further validated across one of Bel Group’s largest factories.

3. Global Deployment

Today, 10 factories across North America, Europe and Asia have adopted Poka, with a goal to expand to all 26 operations by 2027.

A Cultural Shift: Empowering Operators Through Digital Transformation

Beyond operational improvements, Poka’s implementation has driven a cultural transformation at Bel Group. Operators now see themselves as active contributors to the company’s success, using Poka to document and share best practices, troubleshoot issues, and improve processes.

“We conducted a survey among operators, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” Yannick shared. “Poka has become an integral part of their daily work, and they can’t imagine going back to the old ways.”

This cultural shift extends beyond individual sites, creating a globally connected workforce that shares knowledge and works collaboratively to achieve Bel Group’s goals.

Key Takeaways for Manufacturers

Bel Group’s success with Poka offers valuable insights for manufacturers:

1. Leverage Digital Tools for Scalability

Digitizing training materials and standardizing processes enable consistent outcomes across diverse operations.

2. Reduce Trainer Dependency

Structured learning paths and on-demand resources empower operators to learn independently, freeing up trainers for strategic tasks.

3. Focus on People-Centric Transformation

Putting operators at the center of digital transformation fosters engagement, accountability, and long-term success.

Ready to Transform Your Workforce?

Bel Group’s experience demonstrates the transformative power of connected worker platforms to streamline training, reduce trainer dependency, and foster a culture of empowerment. Contact us today to see how Poka can help your organization achieve similar results.

Become the Next Success Story