Software solutions provider Unibase Solutions says most companies installing enterprise resource planning or other business software solutions do not train employees properly on these applications.
Effective training methodologies should be built around an individual`s job function, yet most organisations either fail to provide training or employ the wrong methodology, says Unibase MD Lance Schaffer.
"Any training provided for new products or packages should be carried out from the same angle. The training methodology should take into account each person`s job function as a primary focus and the software, which is based on the job function, as a secondary focus."
He states that with the implementation of business-specific software packages and inadequate training, employees often do not understand the entire process. Thus, steps can be left out that may have a large-scale impact on the business process later on.
Effective training, says Schaffer, must include "an explanation of the employee`s job function, then the system function and then the importance of the individual`s job within the business process. In other words, a holistic approach to training must be adopted."
He adds that certain features of any application will not apply to some individuals, while they may be important for others.
"Each user is going to interact with the application in a different way, or perhaps even use a separate interface. Structuring training around the range of tasks each individual is required to perform will ensure that the training is useful, effective and worth the expense," Schaffer notes.
For example, he says, a credit controller needs to make sure cash flow is used effectively, so it`s important to discuss the credit controller`s objectives in consultation with the client company before the training parameters for that individual or group of individuals are defined.
"In the same way, software applications being created for a client must be designed according to the defined objectives of the end-user, as well as the business process as a whole. This will help the individual being trained to be optimised when using the system."
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