RELOAD - A Semantic-based Learning and Knowledge Platform for Employees of the Do-It-Yourself Industry

Abstract

The focus of the project RELOAD is set on employees of theDo-It-Yourself (DIY) industry. Employees and consultants in this sectorplay a decisive role because they communicate directly with endcustomers during sales and consulting talks. Nevertheless, it is a factthat many employees and consultants in DIY stores are untrained, lowqualified workers, or even workers from other sectors. Moreover, RELOADconsiders customers with regard to means of informing them on products.Concerning commercial success, it is important for the DIY sectors thatend customers know how to use and apply products which are purchasablein DIY stores. Only if this know-how can be transferred, the endcustomers will buy the respective products. In other words the maxim forthis sector is true that `the knowing customer buys more'. RELOAD triesto address employees and costumers at the same time by offering aKnowledge Platform as a multimedia and semantic-based solution. Thisplatform contains eLearning modules which are specified to theindividual learning needs of the employees and which should enable themto actualise their knowledge much more efficient and faster. Togetherwith the knowledge platform in DIY stores, eLearning applications inform of short learning modules will support the self-directed learningof the employees. This kind of learning can be integrated into dynamicdaily work processes more easily than classical types of learning and atthe same time it is also more cost-efficient. As a consequence customersof DIY stores will gain more profit through a more efficientconsultancy, too.