How To Develop An Effective ERP Online Training Course
Your organization relies on its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to manage, organize, and analyze data. It tracks your orders, tallies your expense sheets, and takes care of CRM. Your ERP apps keep your staff connected and ensures that every department has access to the information they need. However, your employees need effective ERP online training to utilize this software and collect actionable insights from your data. Here are 6 top tips to help you create a winning ERP online training course for your organization.
1. Define Expectations And Desired Outcomes In Advance
Every organization has different goals and objectives in regards to ERP software. Some want to improve customer relations, while others need to track sales and invoices. For this reason, you must clearly define your expectations and desired outcomes before training your employees. Speak with managers to learn how they use the ERP apps in their day-to-day routines. Evaluate your business intelligence data to identify areas for improvement. All of this data helps you created targeted online training courses that address your business needs. You also have the opportunity to figure out which employees require specific ERP modules. For example, your HR team is not going to receive the same ERP online training as your sales staff. One-size-fits-all online training courses will NOT give you the results you're looking for, as they don't cater to specific ERP tasks or responsibilities.
2. Provide Real World Experience With ERP Simulations
The most effective way to impart real world experience without risking costly mistakes is through ERP simulations. They give employees the power to explore every facet of the ERP software, including all of the features they'll use in the workplace. Better still, managers and online trainers can offer customized feedback and recommendations based on employee performance. For example, online training videos and tutorials that walk them through a specific ERP function. Just make sure that they are up-to-date and accurate. For instance, if the vendor adds on a new feature that impacts data entry, you'll need to modify the ERP online training simulation. Every aspect of the ERP online training activity should be true-to-life in order to prevent costly mishaps.
3. Target Tasks To Provide Personalized Online Training
Different departments in your organization will be using different functions of the ERP software. Some may need it for marketing purposes, while others are using it to improve customer satisfaction ratings. Thus, your ERP online training should consists of targeted task-based online training activities that personalize the online training experience. For instance, updating accounting records or new hire processing. Integrate real world examples, case studies, and stories that connect to practical applications. This makes the online training relatable, relevant and puts everything into context. Thus, employees will be able to see the benefits of their ERP online training course and its many uses.
4. Make It Manageable With Microlearning
Microlearning involves easily digestible online training modules or activities that corporate learners can complete at a moment's notice. Rather than sitting through a lengthy online demonstration, they have the power to access targeted online training content quickly and actually remember it. Bite-sized online training helps reduce cognitive overload, thereby improving knowledge retention. Employees are more likely to retain and recall what they've learned. As such, they can memorize the ins and outs of the ERP system and use it effectively on-the-job. Microlearning is also more convenient, especially if you make it mobile-friendly. Employees can access the online training resources whenever, wherever, even if they are working out in the field.
Extra Tip: Use a responsive design tool to create multiplatform-friendly online training materials. This saves the time and expense of developing different versions of your ERP online training course. You simply design one master layout that adjusts to fit the screen size and resolution. You also have the option to preview the online training content to make minor modifications.
5. Use Branching Scenarios To Troubleshoot Performance Gaps
Branching scenarios give employees the rare opportunity to test out the ERP system without worrying about mistakes. In fact, mistakes are encouraged. Errors allow them to pinpoint performance gaps and then utilize supplemental resources to fill them. Every choice the employee makes leads them down a different path with unique consequences and repercussions. Therefore, they can try out new features in the ERP software and find an approach that works best for them. Managers can also use the results to recommend microlearning activities that address individual issues. For example, an employee who struggles with the ERP interface might benefit from an online tutorial or live demo. Branching scenarios follow the same rules as online training simulations when it comes to realism. You must incorporate real world images, tools, and situations to achieve the best results.
6. Create An Ongoing ERP Online Training Strategy
Your organization is perpetually growing and evolving. You add or discontinue products, make changes to your accounting system, and enact new customer policies. This means that your ERP online training course must also be updated on a regular basis. As a result, you must make your ERP online training ongoing and monitor its effectiveness. Months from now you may find that different ERP modules or online training activities are necessary. Or that existing ERP online training content is missing the mark. Ongoing online training ensures that every member of your staff gets the most from the online training experience. It's also important to stress the importance of the ERP online training course in relation to your company's success. This may be the extra motivator your employees need to actively participate in the process.
ERP software offers valuable business intelligence data that can ensure the future success of your organization. However, effective ERP online training is the key to unlocking your ERP power. These 6 tips provide you with the opportunity to develop ongoing ERP online training that meets your business needs.
Do your new hires need to know about your ERP from day one? Read the article 6 Tips To Succeed In Online Onboarding Training to discover some helpful tips for creating a successful online onboarding training program for your newest team members.
