Modernizing Steel Trading Training: How BDS Transformed Learning with Totara

The Bundesverband Deutscher Stahlhandel (BDS AG) is the trade association representing Germany’s steel distribution sector, supplying around two-thirds of the nation’s steel market. With over five decades of history, BDS supports its members—including stockholding steel traders, bending companies, service centers, processing hubs, and traders—with communication services, research, and vocational training.

The Challenge

As a leader in the steel industry, BDS needed to modernize its training infrastructure to better support a diverse, evolving workforce. Their previous learning management system (LMS) couldn’t scale to meet the complex needs of a global audience or accommodate the wide variety of learners—from internal staff to contractors and external partners.

BDS required a flexible, scalable solution that could handle:

• Complex multi-tenant management for different user groups

• Industry-specific training pathways

• Robust reporting and analytics to guide strategic decision-making

• Streamlined collaboration with external stakeholders

The Solution

BDS chose Totara for its flexibility, scalability, and ability to integrate seamlessly into existing processes. Working closely with Totara Partner LearnChamp, BDS created a modern learning platform capable of meeting the steel industry’s present and future needs.

Multi-Tenant Setup and Seamless Migration

BDS successfully migrated over 70 courses and 15,000 learning records from its legacy system into Totara. Using Totara’s multi-tenant architecture, BDS established over 30 distinct learning environments to serve different user groups. Each tenant has tailored content and branding, while administrators maintain centralized oversight—combining the benefits of autonomy and efficiency.

Driving Engagement Through Gamification

BDS integrated gamification elements such as digital badges to boost engagement across learner groups. These visual rewards drive healthy competition and encourage learners to stay on track, significantly increasing course completion rates.

Advanced Reporting and Analytics

With Totara’s built-in reporting tools, BDS can now monitor learner progress in real time, track engagement across tenants, and pinpoint content areas for improvement. These insights enable data-informed decisions that continually optimize the learning experience.

Streamlined Partner Collaboration

Totara’s multi-tenant features also improve collaboration with external partners and contractors. Tenant administrators can manage users, monitor progress, and assign training—all within a secure, role-specific environment. This structure ensures efficient operations while maintaining data privacy and separation.

Planning for the Future

With a long-term roadmap in place, BDS plans to scale its learning programs by adding more tenants, developing advanced learning paths, and enhancing gamification elements. These efforts will support ongoing learner engagement and align with the changing needs of the steel industry.

The Results

Stronger Learner Engagement
The user-friendly design and gamified learning experience have significantly boosted engagement across all learner groups, from internal staff to partners.

Simplified Management of Diverse User Groups
BDS effectively manages a global, multi-tenant learning environment. Each audience receives customized training content tailored to their needs—resulting in more relevant, effective learning experiences.

Increased Operational Efficiency
By reducing administrative overhead and simplifying reporting, BDS has freed up valuable time to focus on strategic initiatives. Managing training across regions and learner types is now centralized and seamless.

Industry Recognition and Scalable Growth
Totara’s extended enterprise features and flexible design have set a new standard for steel industry training. BDS’s innovative approach has earned recognition and paved the way for future learning innovation.