What are the most important ERP training considerations for Technical Sales?

1 Know your audience

The first step in designing and delivering an effective ERP training program is to know your audience. Who are the end-users of the ERP system? What are their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? How familiar are they with the current business processes and systems, and how willing are they to adopt new ones? What are their preferred learning styles and methods? By answering these questions, you can tailor your training content, format, and delivery to suit the needs and preferences of your audience. You can also segment your audience into different groups based on their level of involvement and access to the ERP system, and provide them with relevant and customized training.

2 Choose the right tools

The next step is to choose the right tools and platforms for your ERP training program. Depending on the complexity and scope of the ERP system, you may need to use a combination of tools, such as online courses, webinars, videos, manuals, guides, simulations, quizzes, and feedback forms. You should also consider the availability and accessibility of these tools for your audience, and how they can be integrated with the ERP system and other existing systems. For example, you may want to use a learning management system (LMS) that can track and manage the progress and performance of your learners, and provide them with certificates or badges upon completion. You may also want to use a cloud-based or mobile-friendly platform that can enable your learners to access the training anytime and anywhere.

3 Plan the timing and frequency

The third step is to plan the timing and frequency of your ERP training program. You should align your training schedule with the ERP implementation timeline, and ensure that your learners have enough time to learn, practice, and apply the new skills and knowledge. You should also consider the optimal duration and frequency of each training session, and avoid overwhelming or boring your learners with too much or too little information. Ideally, you should provide your learners with a mix of pre-implementation, during-implementation, and post-implementation training, and reinforce the learning outcomes with regular follow-ups, refreshers, and updates.

4 Engage and motivate your learners

The fourth step is to engage and motivate your learners throughout the ERP training program. You should use interactive and engaging methods and techniques, such as gamification, storytelling, case studies, scenarios, role-plays, and demonstrations, to capture and retain the attention and interest of your learners. You should also provide them with clear and specific learning objectives, expectations, and outcomes, and show them how the ERP system can benefit them and their organization. Moreover, you should encourage and support your learners with positive and constructive feedback, recognition, and rewards, and foster a culture of collaboration and communication among them.

5 Evaluate and improve your training

The fifth step is to evaluate and improve your ERP training program based on the feedback and results of your learners. You should measure and monitor the effectiveness and impact of your training program, and use various methods and metrics, such as surveys, tests, interviews, observations, and analytics, to collect and analyze the data. You should also identify and address any gaps, challenges, or issues that may arise during or after the training program, and provide your learners with additional or revised training if needed. Furthermore, you should seek and incorporate the suggestions and recommendations of your learners, customers, and stakeholders, and continuously improve your training program to meet their changing needs and expectations.

6 Be a trusted partner

The sixth and final step is to be a trusted partner for your customer throughout the ERP integration process. You should not only provide them with high-quality and effective training, but also with ongoing support and guidance. You should maintain regular and clear communication with your customer, and update them on the progress and status of the ERP integration. You should also be ready and available to answer any questions or concerns that they may have, and resolve any problems or issues that they may encounter. By being a trusted partner, you can build a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with your customer, and increase their satisfaction and loyalty.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?