CAD/CAM software is essential for industrial design, but choosing the right one can be challenging. Not only do you need to consider the features, compatibility, and cost of the software, but also the quality of the training and onboarding that comes with it. How do you evaluate CAD/CAM software training and onboarding? Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.
Before you compare different CAD/CAM software options, you need to assess your own needs and goals. What kind of projects do you work on? What level of skills and experience do you have? How much time and budget do you have for learning and implementing the software? How do you prefer to learn: online, in-person, self-paced, or guided? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your choices and focus on the software that matches your needs.
The above checklists per topic are made for individuals but what does the same question means for a small, mid and large company where some are responsible for the choice and budget of the team.
Once you have a shortlist of CAD/CAM software options, you need to review the curriculum of the training and onboarding programs that they offer. The curriculum should cover the basics, such as how to install, configure, and use the software, as well as the advanced topics, such as how to optimize, troubleshoot, and integrate the software with other tools. The curriculum should also be relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with the industry standards and best practices.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the training and onboarding programs. You can check the quality by looking at the credentials, feedback, and ratings of the instructors, trainers, or mentors who deliver the programs. You can also look at the format, duration, and frequency of the sessions, as well as the availability of support, resources, and assessments. The quality of the training and onboarding programs should reflect the quality of the software and the value that it provides.
Finally, you need to compare the benefits of the training and onboarding programs among different CAD/CAM software options. You can compare the benefits by looking at the outcomes, such as how much you can learn, improve, and achieve with the software. You can also compare the benefits by looking at the costs, such as how much you have to pay, invest, or commit to the software and the programs. The benefits of the training and onboarding programs should outweigh the costs and justify your choice.
After you have completed the training and onboarding programs for your chosen CAD/CAM software, you need to evaluate your results. You can evaluate your results by measuring your progress, performance, and satisfaction with the software. You can also evaluate your results by soliciting feedback, reviews, and testimonials from your clients, colleagues, or peers who have seen or used your work with the software. The results of the training and onboarding programs should meet or exceed your expectations and goals.
I am a fan of evaluating the success by having team members immediately implement what they have learned for a real production program then noting all the challenges and additional learning required to complete the task and use this to evolve the training.
??In our company, we implemented a structured evaluation system. We gathered feedback from new users at various stages of their training journey, ranging from initial orientation sessions to advanced skill-building workshops. We conducted post-training surveys to assess comprehension, proficiency, and overall satisfaction with the software. Through careful analysis of this feedback, we identified areas for improvement in our training materials, curriculum design, and delivery methods. ??By continuously refining our training program based on user input, we ensured that our team members could effectively leverage CAD/CAM software to enhance their design and manufacturing processes.