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Black Hills Energy implemented a GPS-enabled Digital As-Built solution to modernize its field operations and eliminate manual, paper-based documentation. With more than 140 field engineers impacted, the organization needed a practical and highly engaging training program that reflected real-world field conditions. TrainingFolks partnered with the project team to evaluate learning needs, design hands-on role-based training, and equip all field staff with the skills and confidence required to successfully adopt the new digital tools.
Classroom and Jobsite Training Enables Field Engineers to Adopt Mobile Platform for Natural Gas Operations
Black Hills Energy (formerly SourceGas), a leading utility services provider, set out to modernize its field operations by implementing a GPS-enabled Digital As-Built solution. This initiative aimed to replace outdated, hand-drawn pipeline maps with accurate, real-time digital records of infrastructure assets, driving greater efficiency, consistency, and data integrity across field operations.
of Field Engineers Certified On Time
Every engineer completed hands-on training and certification within the project timeline, ensuring the new digital tools were fully adopted before deployment.
Engineers Successfully Trained
Field teams across multiple regions received consistent, scenario-based instruction designed around real equipment, workflows, and in-field operating conditions.
Delays to Project Schedule
Training was delivered within budget and on schedule, reducing support needs and enabling a smooth, efficient rollout of the Digital As-Built system.
Challenge
Black Hills Energy (formerly SourceGas), a leading utility services provider, set out to modernize its field operations by implementing a GPS-enabled Digital As-Built solution. This initiative aimed to replace outdated, hand-drawn pipeline maps with accurate, real-time digital records of infrastructure assets, driving greater efficiency, consistency, and data integrity across field operations.
The rollout impacted over 140 field engineers, many of whom had minimal experience with digital technologies. However, the initial training pilot, led by the software vendor, failed to meet the needs of the workforce. It resulted in low user confidence, delayed project milestones, and limited adoption of the new system.
Solution
To overcome these challenges and drive the successful adoption of the new system, Black Hills Energy engaged TrainingFolks to design and deliver a customized instructor-led training (iLT) program. A senior instructional designer from TrainingFolks was assigned to develop a comprehensive training solution, which included:
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Hands-on classroom and in-field training content
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A detailed facilitator guide and participant handouts
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Comprehensive user documentation for all equipment and software
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Quick-reference guides are available in both digital and print formats
The compliance training LMS encompassed all components of the technology, including tablet operations, GPS antennas, range-finders, software interfaces, tripod setup, and integrated field workflows. A team of skilled instructors was sent on-site to deliver training sessions and certify every field engineer on the proper usage of the new tools and processes.
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Results
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100% of field engineers were successfully certified on schedule
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All training sessions were completed within the allocated budget
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Participants reported increased confidence and required less post-training support
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Field teams adopted a standardized approach to data collection
By engaging expert training support, Black Hills Energy achieved a seamless system implementation of its digital field documentation platform. The initiative not only expedited deployment but also strengthened safety practices, improved data accuracy, and enhanced operational efficiency across the organization.