Thales Group Case Study
How Thales Group managed contractor onboarding and online inductions
Thales Group is a global leader in cybersecurity and data protection. It services several industries including defence, aerospace, security, space, and transportation. It has more than 81,000 workers worldwide.
In Australia, Thales Group has around 4,300 employees across 35 sites. It focuses on helping its customers turn leading-edge technologies into effective systems and solutions.
THE CHALLENGE
Finding an efficient way to onboard and induct high volumes of workers
Thales Group engages contractors to ensure consistently high levels of customer service. This presents a significant challenge. For example, what is the best way to manage the onboarding and induction processes for high volumes of external workers? Is there a digital system to help ensure efficiency, safety, and quality standards?
When Thales Group sought Altora’s help, it was managing multiple contractors across geographically diverse sites, and induction and onboarding were complex and time-consuming. Managers required a complete picture of contractor credentials and compliance whenever they were on a Thales-managed site. When time was critical, inductions moved slowly because compliance requirements – for example High Risk Work Licences and Trade Certifications – had to be manually checked and approved.
Thales Group needed an integrated digital solution to:
- manage inductions of its contractor workforce effectively; and
- maintain site safety and risk management standards.
Because of the volume of these contracted workers, Thales sought a way to distinguish and manage active and inactive workers while being able to refer to historical records if required. Also, it needed digital document storage for its contractor management processes including:
- onboarding new contractors
- collecting necessary credentials and paperwork
- conducting site safety inductions
- keeping track of licence renewals and other compliance requirements.
THE SOLUTION
A centralised platform for induction and onboarding, integrated with existing systems
Since 2018, Thales Group has used Altora’s Online Induction System, which caters for significant volumes of workers. It differentiates between active and non-active workers, with previous records to refer to if needed. This level of flexibility is one of the significant advantages of Altora’s systems.
Our user-friendly tools streamline and connect previously separate contractor management processes on a centralised platform. Key onboarding features include:
- site-specific inductions
- health and safety inductions
- trade-specific licences
- site checklists.
Our systems also provide other benefits, including:
- seamless transfer of all information
- merging records and accounts into Altora’s systems
- customisable online profiles
- automated checking for credentials
- direct and ongoing support from our IT team
- training and support from our development team
- options for company-based permission levels
- document storage, collection and notifications
- interactive online induction courses
- induction completion tracking
- automated reminders.
We delivered these services through our easy-to-use, centralised dashboard, which helped Thales Group manage and track ongoing licence renewals, induction refreshers, and overall compliance. Real-time visibility has been a critical factor.
We chose Altora for the simple user interface, ease of administration and ability to include non-network users.
THE RESULT
Smooth integration and implementation for an excellent outcome
Since Altora’s contractor management implementation, Thales has made the most of the streamlined digitised processes including:
- 46,000 registered users since 2018, with 25,000 active users in 2023.
- 20 external companies in Thales Group’s contractor management platform.
- Faster, more standardised onboarding.
- Increased engagement via multimedia inductions.
- Total compliance visibility in one dashboard.
Thales has reduced administrative overheads with automated credential checking, permissions-based access, and digital induction sign-offs.
It’s a success story forged by a long-term partnership, clear vision and precise execution.
At a glance
Client: Thales GroupIndustry: Cybersecurity and data protectionChallenges
- Meeting induction and onboarding requirements for a high volume of workers
- Tracking licence renewals and other time-sensitive contractor compliance requirements
- Needing an effective solution to manage safety requirements
Product
Altora Online Induction System Altora Contractor Management System
National Training Manager (HSE), Thales Group Australia
