The $960 million Advancial Federal Credit Union has deployed a new cloud-based Web and video conferencing system to provide in-person training meetings and reduce travel expenses.

The video conferencing technology is from San Diego-based Nefsis. Dallas-based Advancial has more than 160 employees and branches in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Alaska.

“During video conferences, trainers can see trainee body language, which helps indicate whether they are comprehending and engaged,” said Laurelle Campbell, director of employee development at Advancial. “And trainees now see they're all learning as a team and are willing to ask questions and talk to each other about their learning.

The system includes the ability to share presentations and desktops, annotate over live applications, play movie files and run remote control sessions during coaching and training meetings.

It has reduced soaring travel costs and helped ensure employees are well versed in complex computer functions that enable them to process thousands of transactions daily, the 62,000-member credit union said.