Case studies
Company presentation
DeSH (German Sawmill and Timber Industry Association) is an organization representing the interests of the German timber industry at national, European and international level.
For the past seven years, DeSH has been using simulation to promote the industry. Using a van equipped with a simulator, they visit schools and trade fairs to offer interactive experiences related to the various woodworking trades.
Context
The German woodworking industry is experiencing a labor shortage, making it difficult to attract, train and recruit new talent. It was against this backdrop that DeSH set out to promote the industry.
“It’s essential not only to inform young people, but also to offer them real, practical experience.
Convinced of the value of simulation, Lars Schmidt (CEO) and Sebastian Rogalla discovered the Wood-ED Factory after the LIGNA trade show in Hanover in 2015. They immediately saw the potential such a tool could have in DeSH’s mission and startet planning the DeSH Truck “Timber Trainer”.
Clients needs
In order to carry out its mission DeSH wanted a mobile solution that would enable them to intervene over a wide geographical area and that would be quick to set up. To achieve this, they opted to equip and fit out a truck, enabling them to move the solution around easily.
DeSH works in particular with two types of players, namely companies and schools.
Working with companies :
-Promoting the sector: Showing a modern image of the sector and the industry by offering interactive and innovative experiences.
-Use of the truck for events: trade fairs, wood industry events, etc.)
-Training: Hire out the simulator to initiate and train the most inexperienced before allowing them to handle the real machines.
Work with schools:
-Promoting the industry: Modernizing training tools
-Attracting talent: Enabling young people to discover the woodworking trades in a fun way.
-Training: immersing students in woodworking training centers using the simulator.
Our actions
Our collaboration with DeSH began in 2017. We were able to support DeSH in setting up and designing the truck and also accompany the modernisation of the truck in 2022.
They were then able to start setting up their offer: a mobile truck, fitted out like a stand at a trade fair. In this way, DeSH is able to provide a turnkey solution that is equally suited to business discovery and training.
In fact, the variety of modules available makes it possible to offer fun experiences suitable for the most beginner levels, as well as for more advanced levels for training.
Benefits & results
Over 100 students a year take training on the simulator, impressed by its realism and grateful for the opportunity to train before using real machines. In addition, the vehicle has been used at over 150 events since 2017.
Schools and companies alike benefit from the simulator’s ability to modernize training programs and improve recruitment efforts.
By introducing simulation training to the general public at trade fairs, the organization promotes awareness and interest in the woodworking industry, ensuring its continued growth and relevance in the modern world.
This is in line with DeSH’s commitment to making greater use of digital technology for recruitment and training in the future.