Selecting And Implementing Employee Training Software: Common Challenges You Might Face
Both startups and well-established organizations cannot afford to ignore the training needs of their employees. It is a small, and sometimes a relatively inexpensive task that will empower your employees and increase the productivity of your organization. Even for companies in the same industry, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as all companies have unique factors that need to be considered. You have to create an online training program that addresses all the training challenges your organization has faced with other training methods. When choosing new employee training software, it’s all a matter of overcoming certain challenges. Though the challenges will not be the same for all organizations, there are a few that seem to be par-for-the-course in regard to selecting and implementing employee training software.
1. Inconsistent Results
The quality of any online training program is defined by what the participants can accomplish after the training. Creating an online training program that is as closely aligned with the improvement of job performance as possible is a huge challenge. It is also a great way to improve your Return On Investment and have a cost-effective online training program that focuses on being compatible with your current work programs. To overcome this challenge, business owners have to articulate the learning outcomes that they want the participants to achieve. You also need to understand the context in which the corporate learner will work and recommend a delivery method that accomplishes the desired learning outcomes. Finding employee training software that remains relevant to the work environment is a challenge that all organizations must overcome.
2. Launch Delays
The time it takes for a company to implement any employee training software varies significantly. Employee training software, unlike most software programs, typically requires longer implementation periods as there is a need to integrate all the information across the business platform. Organizations tend to set an extremely optimistic timing for employee training software implementation. They do this despite the different outcomes the business has and the challenges the implementation processes may cause, considering these obstacles are an important aspect of choosing the right time frame for the implementation of all software programs. During the integration process, you must ensure that you get all the pieces right. It is the details that make the system work efficiently. Allow time to get your end users up to speed with the system. Give them an opportunity to learn how to use the employee training software effectively and make the most of its features. In other words, leave some room in your launch schedule for unexpected issues.
3. Inadequate User Training
When implementing employee training software, you need to teach your employees how to use it. Without detailed and comprehensive training, you will be faced with a major setback. The employee training software implementation process may stall or be completely unsuccessful, especially if you have not established clear goals and timelines. To make sure that the milestones are met, it is critical for your plan to reflect the resources and needs your organization has. You need to monitor the progress of individual tasks when implementing employee training software. Discuss with key stakeholders the essential project dates and the lifecycle of the employee training software to prevent downstream impacts. Each of your employees is unique, and they have specific needs which need to be tailored to the project. A detailed plan with assignments and due dates is critical. The system should, at first, provide employees with small bits of information and concentrate on the completion of tasks. This gives them time to absorb the knowledge and build on what they’ve accomplished.
4. Data Entry
Data entry is the most time-consuming part of employee training software implementation processes. Unfortunately, it is a very necessary process. You need to find ways to make this process easier and accurate, ensuring that your implementation timeline is adhered to. It also minimizes the errors you will face as the online training program goes live. Focusing on data entry early in the process reinforces your training efforts and reduces risks. Verify that your data is compatible with the new system and that you can easily import user information.
5. Failure To Vet The Vendor
The vendor who stands behind the product is just as important as the employee training software you’re purchasing. You must ensure that they are credible and have a strong history of superior customer service. Check online for reviews and ratings from past users. Ask for references. Venture onto social media groups to ask questions about the vendor’s track record. Once you sign the contract, it may be difficult to get out. Thus, you need to be certain that you’re familiar with their policies and practices regarding service. Also, don’t forget to ask about any hidden fees that may put you over budget.
Another huge challenge that often goes unnoticed is the fact that some software vendors may simply disappear after implementing employee training software. If you have any roadblocks along the way, you have to deal with them by yourself. The services and resources provided by your vendor can determine the success of the employee training software. By overcoming these challenges, you have a better chance of realizing your Return On Investment. It is possible to have a successful launch of your employee training software and integrate it into the existing system. You only need to know your limitations and understand how you can overcome those challenges before they occur.
Download our eBook Take L&D To The Next Level: Your Guide To Bridging Gaps And Boosting Profits With Employee Training Software to discover everything you need to know to select, implement, and upkeep your new employee training software. We’ll share tips to help you find the best tool for your organization’s budget and training requirements, such as which features to look for and reports that every employee training software should provide.
