The answer? A remote training facility. Tata Motors already had a CRM-based solution that connected over 1,800 locations. The remote training solution included providing Web-based software and dedicated connectivity through a closed, user-based VSAT/VPN network. This network was utilized to deliver audio-video feeds for training, thus saving costs on network and bandwidth. Multicasting further optimized bandwidth usage.

As ingenious as the idea was, it did not come without challenges. Since the CRM and the remote training application used the same network and bandwidth, the CRM application slowed down when training was in progress. This was addressed in two ways. The first was buying additional bandwidth for short durations and the second was scheduling trainings during off-peak hours. Another challenge faced was change management: trainers who were used to a classroom environment were now facing cameras.

Despite these challenges, the results of the remote training facility were real and immediate. When it was first used to conduct field training for the Nano, Tata Motors went through the training of 2,000 people in just a month, mainly because it could reach 200 to 500 people in single session. The project, which until then cost the company Rs 50 lakh (in capex and training), saved it about Rs 30 lakh. And today, neither its trainers nor partners need to travel.