PowerTrain Inc. Creates Hyper-Realistic Training Simulations With Articulate 360

The Challenge

PowerTrain wanted to push the boundaries for customized online training

PowerTrain produces a range of e-learning offerings for its clients. While most of its work is for the federal government, the organization also works with nonprofit and commercial clients, taking a highly customized approach to each individual project and audience. Training runs the gamut from more basic informational courses, like how to write a resume, to high-level technical skill instruction, like how to operate highly specialized equipment and machinery.

“We take a team approach to designing and developing our training programs,” says Bob O’Donnell, VP of Media Development at PowerTrain. Each project is a collaboration between multiple specialists across the organization, from instructional designers and media developers to programmers, allowing the highest level of customization for the client.

In the past, PowerTrain used Flash and HTML programming to create a majority of its online courses. Then, a client approached them with a request to update a course designed in Storyline.

“Storyline allowed us to push the boundaries of what’s possible with online training beyond standard programming,” says O’Donnell. “Our team found it fairly easy to learn and use, and the client was extremely happy—so much so that they came back multiple times with additional work.” 

That initial project was a catalyst that inspired PowerTrain to use Articulate 360 more broadly. 

“We began using Storyline to show other clients all that we could do for them with online training,” says O’Donnell. “It attracted more business. People were drawn to the look, feel, and customization power of Storyline.”

The Answer

With Articulate 360, PowerTrain streamlines workflows and creates immersive technical training

Today, Storyline courses comprise the majority of PowerTrain’s training. The team also leans heavily on Review for feedback and collaboration, and Rise for select content creation, like creating interactive user manuals. 

Due to the nature of its client base, PowerTrain often uses Articulate 360, and particularly Storyline, as a vehicle for immersive training. This allows the organization to create courses that give learners a glimpse of what a high-risk or highly technical task would be like in real life, but without the associated risk since learning takes place online.

For example, the team often creates Storyline courses that include highly realistic 3D models of equipment. “These types of simulations are really helpful for specialists who need to revisit concepts they’ve already learned, but haven’t yet put into practice,” says Lauren Wertheim, VP of PowerTrain’s Human Capital and Training group. 

The 3D models themselves are built outside of Articulate using another program, then imported into Storyline. Within Storyline, PowerTrain can rotate the model, zoom in and out, and simulate different functions of the equipment for learners—like pushing a button or opening a compartment. Adaptive scenarios further enhance the immersive experience, allowing users to experiment with different choices that come up in their daily work.

Working frequently with government entities, PowerTrain’s courses are all Section 508 compliant and SCORM conformant, making accessibility a major priority. “Storyline makes accessibility easier for us,” says O’Donnell. ”New Section 508 tools are always being added to the product.” 

With its highly collaborative approach, the team appreciates how Review streamlines the client feedback process. “Review makes our lives, and our clients’ lives, so much easier,” says O’Donnell. “It fundamentally helps our course development and makes Storyline easier to use than many other programs.”

Unlocking Human Potential

PowerTrain creates highly efficient, consistent, cost-effective training with Articulate 360

With Articulate 360, PowerTrain creates highly efficient, consistent courses for its range of clients. “Our clients love what we can do with Articulate 360 and know the courses will look good and work well,” says O’Donnell. “That’s why they keep coming back.” 

Because final courses become the client’s property, many clients also specifically request Storyline because it allows them to update courses themselves after delivery. PowerTrain delivers the final product and source files, and the client has the option to make basic updates as long as they have an Articulate license.

Ultimately, the way PowerTrain approaches e-learning software ties directly into its culture of putting client needs first. “We always research the best possible solution for each client’s training needs, and Articulate 360 is often the answer to get things done quickly, cost effectively, and at a high quality,” says O’Donnell. “It’s been a big contributor to PowerTrain’s success.” 

PowerTrain, Inc. creates highly customized, immersive client training with Storyline, streamlining workflows while keeping quality high.