Aligning learning across 15 countries at ISDIN with Totara

 ISDIN is an international company specialising in photoprotection and dermatology, with over 45 years of experience in skin health research and care. Headquartered in Barcelona, the company distributes its products across numerous countries, combining scientific research with wellbeing.

As the organisation expanded internationally, it sought to align learning and development with its global structure and cultural identity.

The challenge

ISDIN reached a point where international growth exceeded the capabilities of its existing learning platform. With more than 1,800 employees across 15 subsidiaries, the organisation required a system capable of standardising global processes while accommodating the needs of different business units.

The challenge extended beyond technology. ISDIN aimed to move from a model centred on assigned training to a culture of self-directed development. This required a single, scalable access point integrating e-learning, face-to-face sessions and live streaming. The platform also needed to reflect ISDIN’s internal identity and approach to talent development, ensuring alignment with its corporate purpose.

The solution

In partnership with Totara partner Actua, ISDIN developed MyAcademy, a learning ecosystem built on Totara Learn. The implementation followed a co-creation approach to ensure alignment with organisational culture and development objectives.

Key features include:

The ‘Isdinización’ onboarding programme
A blended learning experience in which new hires complete a week-long introduction to the company’s culture, scientific foundations and strategic priorities. For selected profiles, the programme includes a collaborative business case linked to operational objectives.

Centralised global hub
MyAcademy operates as a single sign-on access point for global training activity, consolidating the course catalogue and KPIs across 15 countries.

Personalised programme environmentsUsing Totara’s interface flexibility, customised learning environments were created for flagship programmes such as “Vivir la Piel”, differentiating these experiences from standard training activity.

Blended learning integration
The platform integrates interactive e-learning with live streaming from ISDIN’s auditorium, enabling employees across locations to participate in real-time sessions.

Data-informed oversight
The system provides reporting on participation and progress, enabling HR teams to identify requirements by country or employee group and prioritise content accordingly.

The partnership extended beyond technical delivery. Actua’s team undertook the internal ‘Isdinización’ process to understand organisational culture and working practices.

The results

Following the implementation of MyAcademy, ISDIN consolidated its global training provision within a single platform environment.

User satisfactionThe platform achieved a global user rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Operational efficiency
Automation of administrative tasks enabled the HR team to redirect effort towards development initiatives.

Global scalability
The “Buildwork” model supports the transfer of knowledge and training programmes across international subsidiaries while maintaining organisational alignment.

Cultural adoption
Employees increasingly engage with learning as an ongoing development activity, recommending content and contributing to the evolution of their learning paths.

Programme deployment agility
ISDIN can deploy training initiatives more quickly through segmented assignments aligned with organisational structure.