Performance-based Training
Service training for Siemens medical diagnostic ultrasound systems is performance based. Courses are designed to fulfill specific job performance needs of Siemens service engineers and customer biomedical service engineers. Rather than follow the traditional information-based training method where many hours are spent explaining circuit design theory, the main focus of performance-based training is what the engineer needs to be able to do on the job. Each course curriculum is targeted to the actual needs of installing and supporting systems in the field.

As more intelligence is now designed into system diagnostics, the demands on service engineers have shifted away from intensive circuit-level troubleshooting. Consequently, in product service training more attention is given to understanding how each system is used by the customer, how to provide the level of support required, and how to achieve the highest level of uptime performance.

Certification
Ultrasound service courses have specific performance objectives. Each curriculum is developed to assist engineers progressively meet the objectives. Engineer performance is measured at intervals during the course with written and lab exercises. Engineers who meet course pre-requisites, who attend all sessions, and who complete all exercises with a passing grade of 70% are awarded a Certificate of Achievement. This document certifies the required level of performance at course completion.

Electronic Performance Support

Electronic Performance Support (EPS) is not training in the conventional sense. It goes beyond training to encompass a variety of reference material and tools that are useful and necessary for job performance. Using an EPS system is an ongoing process that includes using online help, job aids, and readily accessible "just-in-time" training material. Siemens ultrasound EPS systems integrate service documents, product courseware, training notes, and diagnostic software.

These systems are designed first for use in classroom training and, second, as a field support tool that trained engineers can access with their laptops. A key part of Siemens EPS systems is the hyperlinked course notes that each engineer generates during classroom training. By adding their own notes, engineers complete their training with a personally customized electronic tool. With the EPS system, Siemens Ultrasound service training is not an event but a continuum, an ongoing process of field performance enhancement.

Adaptive Performance Support

Adaptive Performance Support (APS) is Siemens patented service support concept for the 21st century. The APS concept includes the advanced feature set of EPS systems and takes performance support to an even higher level. APS combines learning material and service instructions in an interactive environment that dynamically adapts to the needs of the service engineer. The 88 patented features of the APS system support multi-level and multi-method learning. The APS system reduces time to competence and improves service engineer workflow by providing guided tasks and smart tools. With Siemens unique APS system, ultrasound technical training brings service engineers to the highest level of competence while optimizing field performance.

Since its introduction in 2001, the APS system has consistently received the highest accolades from graduating engineers. Here's a sampling of their comments:

• "The APS CD is awesome. All products should have one!!!"
• "The APS training & service CD is the best tool offered."
• "The APS CD was excellent teaching material."
• "APS disk is a big help in learning to service the product."
• "APS should be implemented for all ultrasound systems!!"
• "Great CD ROM, far better than any I have ever used."
• "APS CD will be an excellent resource for the field."
• "The APS CD was especially helpful and will serve as an excellent tool in the field."
• "Found APS guide to be very useful. ... Easy to understand and navigate."
• "I'm very impressed about the APS system. I'd like to have that for all systems."
• "The APS CD ... is about the finest, most comprehensive training tool I have ever used. It was extremely useful and user friendly.