{"id":66649,"date":"2025-04-21T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/customer-stories\/modernizing-steel-trading-training-how-bds-transformed-learning-with-totara\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T19:42:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T19:42:54","slug":"modernizing-steel-trading-training-how-bds-transformed-learning-with-totara","status":"publish","type":"customer-story","link":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/customer-stories\/modernizing-steel-trading-training-how-bds-transformed-learning-with-totara\/","title":{"rendered":"Modernizing Steel Trading Training: How BDS Transformed Learning with Totara"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"\"The Bundesverband Deutscher Stahlhandel<\/em> (BDS AG) is the trade association representing Germany’s steel distribution sector, supplying around two-thirds of the nation\u2019s steel market. With over five decades of history, BDS supports its members\u2014including stockholding steel traders, bending companies, service centers, processing hubs, and traders\u2014with communication services, research, and vocational training.<\/p>\n

The Challenge<\/h3>\n

As a leader in the steel industry, BDS needed to modernize its training infrastructure to better support a diverse, evolving workforce. Their previous learning management system (LMS) couldn\u2019t scale to meet the complex needs of a global audience or accommodate the wide variety of learners\u2014from internal staff to contractors and external partners.<\/p>\n

BDS required a flexible, scalable solution that could handle:<\/p>\n

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    Complex multi-tenant management for different user groups<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Industry-specific training pathways<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Robust reporting and analytics to guide strategic decision-making<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Streamlined collaboration with external stakeholders<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The Solution<\/h3>\n

    BDS chose Totara for its flexibility, scalability, and ability to integrate seamlessly into existing processes. Working closely with Totara Partner LearnChamp, BDS created a modern learning platform capable of meeting the steel industry’s present and future needs.<\/p>\n

    \"Catalog<\/p>\n

    Multi-Tenant Setup and Seamless Migration<\/strong><\/p>\n

    BDS successfully migrated over 70 courses and 15,000 learning records from its legacy system into Totara. Using Totara\u2019s multi-tenant architecture, BDS established over 30 distinct learning environments to serve different user groups. Each tenant has tailored content and branding, while administrators maintain centralized oversight\u2014combining the benefits of autonomy and efficiency.<\/p>\n

    Driving Engagement Through Gamification<\/strong><\/p>\n

    BDS integrated gamification elements such as digital badges to boost engagement across learner groups. These visual rewards drive healthy competition and encourage learners to stay on track, significantly increasing course completion rates.<\/p>\n

    Advanced Reporting and Analytics<\/strong><\/p>\n

    With Totara\u2019s built-in reporting tools, BDS can now monitor learner progress in real time, track engagement across tenants, and pinpoint content areas for improvement. These insights enable data-informed decisions that continually optimize the learning experience.<\/p>\n

    Streamlined Partner Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Totara\u2019s multi-tenant features also improve collaboration with external partners and contractors. Tenant administrators can manage users, monitor progress, and assign training\u2014all within a secure, role-specific environment. This structure ensures efficient operations while maintaining data privacy and separation.<\/p>\n

    Planning for the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n

    With a long-term roadmap in place, BDS plans to scale its learning programs by adding more tenants, developing advanced learning paths, and enhancing gamification elements. These efforts will support ongoing learner engagement and align with the changing needs of the steel industry.<\/p>\n

    The Results<\/h3>\n

    Stronger Learner Engagement<\/strong>
    The user-friendly design and gamified learning experience have significantly boosted engagement across all learner groups, from internal staff to partners.<\/p>\n

    \"Course<\/p>\n

    Simplified Management of Diverse User Groups<\/strong>
    BDS effectively manages a global, multi-tenant learning environment. Each audience receives customized training content tailored to their needs\u2014resulting in more relevant, effective learning experiences.<\/p>\n

    Increased Operational Efficiency<\/strong>
    By reducing administrative overhead and simplifying reporting, BDS has freed up valuable time to focus on strategic initiatives. Managing training across regions and learner types is now centralized and seamless.<\/p>\n

    Industry Recognition and Scalable Growth<\/strong>
    Totara\u2019s extended enterprise features and flexible design have set a new standard for steel industry training. BDS\u2019s innovative approach has earned recognition and paved the way for future learning innovation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n\n

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    \u201cWe believe that with Totara, we are on the right path\u2014especially because of its multi-tenant setup, comprehensive reporting capabilities, and the flexibility to further develop the platform in the long run. And we are very satisfied with LearnChamp\u2014we have a great partner by our side.\u201d\n<\/blockquote>\n
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    \n Markus Huneke,,<\/strong>\n
    \n Editor-in-Chief, BDS AG <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","tax\/tags":[683,684],"tax\/countries":[],"tax\/sectors":[782],"org-size":[],"tax\/solutions":[778],"tax\/topics":[688],"tax\/industries":[831],"class_list":["post-66649","customer-story","type-customer-story","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customer-stories\/66649","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customer-stories"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/customer-story"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/tags?post=66649"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/countries?post=66649"},{"taxonomy":"sector","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/sectors?post=66649"},{"taxonomy":"org-size","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/org-size?post=66649"},{"taxonomy":"solution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/solutions?post=66649"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/topics?post=66649"},{"taxonomy":"industry-tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.totara.fortyapp.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/industries?post=66649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}