BlueVolt Changes the Channel for Universal Remote Control to Online Training

Portland, ORE – BlueVolt® launched a new online training university for Universal Remote Control, Inc. (URC), a world leader in the design and production of high quality remote controls and home automation products. BlueVolt’s Learning and Marketing Platform provides up-to-date information and training on hundreds of products to URC employees as well as its distributors, rep firms and installers.

The BlueVolt Platform is a web-hosted learning management system (LMS) combined with an online marketing solution that doesn’t require new software or hardware. It is accessible from any internet-connected computer so courses are available from the office, home or even the jobsite. Implementation for URC was fast and easy; it took less than 60 days from concept to launch.

“We have built our reputation by delivering exceptional levels of training and support for our customers,” said Mitchell Klein, URC Director of Business Development. “We need to use the best technology out there to help our installers show off the features of our products. And we wanted to develop ways for our customers to create and maintain a living transcript of their training achievements.”

URC has sold over 50 million remote controls in the past ten years to subscription broadcast providers, retailers, custom installers, OEM partners, and also offers a consumer DIY product line. Custom installers, URC’s core customers, need to know the features of URC products and how to implement them.

URC decided to move to an on-line learning management system to augment in-person training. It wanted a system that provided convenience for its customers and included certification program capabilities. After evaluating several options, URC selected BlueVolt’s Learning + Marketing Platform because of its flexibility, ease of use, and proven reliability.

URC can now create and publish interactive courses in its university. Its customers take the courses online, anytime, 24x7. Upon completing a test, they earn credit towards URC certification. In addition, participants can use the URC University to see a schedule of webinars and to sign up for in-person classes.

“BlueVolt was able to put together a custom-branded online university for URC that offers engaging online courses and tracks all of the participants’ training activity,” said Lisa Bordeaux, BlueVolt Director of Sales and Business Development. “Our platform records all training and tracks it in one place, regardless of the training method.”

URC found the BlueVolt staff very helpful during the implementation process. “Of course, we don’t do business with platforms and machines – we do business with people. The BlueVolt team has been with us every step of the way, providing timely and expert support and guidance,” said Mitchell Klein. “We are committed to training, committed to improving ourselves in every way possible, and are delighted to be working with BlueVolt because they showed equal commitment and intensity.”

“BlueVolt didn’t just solve a problem. They delivered an opportunity,” URC’s Klein concluded.

About BlueVolt (www.BlueVolt.com): Portland, Oregon-based BlueVolt connects and advances participants within selected industries through its leading online Learning + Marketing Platform, its comprehensive, quality learning catalog, and its talented professional services team. Platform participants include manufacturers, associations, distributors, contractors, and skilled professionals in selected industries such as electrical, plumbing, flooring, welding, and HVAC. The Platform enables online training and learning experiences including social/collaborative, blended, on-demand and live multi-camera webcast with enterprise-level functionality and performance. BlueVolt’s unique approach to training encourages learning with its proven reward program that is valuable to both content consumers and content sponsors. As of May 2010, BlueVolt delivered over 675,000 courses to over 84,000 registered users.

Universal Remote Control (www.UniversalRemote.com): URC is The Pioneer in Control Technology. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Harrison, N.Y., URC has sold more than 50 million remote controls in the last 10 years alone. A world leader in high-quality control design, engineering, manufacture and distribution, URC is widely regarded as a category innovator by consumers, subscription broadcast providers, retailers, custom installers and OEM partners. URC has built its reputation by delivering exceptional levels of quality, training, reliability and support to its customers. Installers can keep up to date with the latest URC news, training and support, as well as communicate directly with the company and their peers, at www.URCControlRoom.com.