{"id":9065,"date":"2024-12-12T12:18:37","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T12:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordcorp.com\/ocm-and-end-user-training-part-ii-your-guide-to-end-user-training-and-its-importance\/"},"modified":"2024-12-12T18:21:25","modified_gmt":"2024-12-12T18:21:25","slug":"ocm-and-end-user-training-part-ii-your-guide-to-end-user-training-and-its-importance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oxfordcorp.com\/en\/insights\/blog\/ocm-and-end-user-training-part-ii-your-guide-to-end-user-training-and-its-importance\/","title":{"rendered":"OCM and End-User Training Part II: Your Guide to End-User Training and Its Importance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published on August 12, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

End-User Training (EUT) is a critical yet often overlooked component of OCM strategy. Implementing the most cutting-edge new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool under a thorough OCM plan can still fail if end-users are not happy or comfortable using the new system. This is where quality end-user training plays a crucial role.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Before Training Can Begin, There are Several Factors to Consider<\/h2>\n

Laying a solid foundation is crucial for a successful training outcome, from understanding the specific needs and skill levels of your team to ensuring the availability of necessary resources. By carefully evaluating these elements, you can tailor the training program to address the unique challenges and goals of your organization, ultimately leading to a more empowered and proficient workforce.<\/p>\n

Crowning a Project Champion<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Consider appointing a spokesperson for the project. This \u201cproject champion\u201d will share critical information with employees (e.g., change is coming, how it will make their jobs easier, and what they can expect moving forward). Employees will naturally have concerns as to how this change will affect their careers. To mitigate these concerns, the champion needs to explain how the ERP\u2019s integration will resolve any headaches inherent in the current way of doing things.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Creating User Profiles<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before training plans can even be discussed, trainers must figure out\u202f<\/span>who<\/span><\/i>\u202fwill be trained and\u202f<\/span>what<\/span><\/i>\u202fthey need to know. One-size-fits-all training does not work well with a tool as complex as an ERP. To be efficient and effective, each training lesson must be customized to the employees\u2019 jobs. For example, casual end-users would be completely overwhelmed if they sat in a superuser class, and superusers would tune out in a class intended for basic users. So, before training can begin, a thorough audience analysis must be conducted to ensure the best blended learning strategy is adopted.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Managing Training Input<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Request and welcome any-and-all input from superusers and SMEs \u2013 their buy-in and insider knowledge will be a key contribution to the project\u2019s success. However, do not let these experts take over the training program. Make sure they understand the format the training will follow and that their input fits within that framework.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Focusing the Message<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Avoid teaching trainees what they already know \u2013 it\u2019s the quickest way to lose the audience\u2019s attention. When developing customized training materials, understand the end-users\u2019 needs and focus on addressing them. Score some bonus points by showing them how the new system quickly completes a task they had identified as burdensome through the old system. Showcase a solution that helps them solve problems and work more efficiently.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Filling the Gaps<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

When preparing classroom materials, the various trainers need to communicate and coordinate openly. There shouldn\u2019t be any obvious learning gaps, especially in places where processes are handed off between departments.\u202f If a gap is found, make sure it is filled, documented, and that the solution is agreed upon by all parties involved.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Creating Timeless Content<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

When creating training materials, try to keep the content timeless. Don\u2019t reference \u201cthe old way of doing things,\u201d just explain how the new system works. That way, when future new hires undergo software training, they won\u2019t be confused by references to a system that no longer exists. This method should extend the life of your training materials.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking Advantage of eLearning<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

While it\u2019s no substitute for live professional training, self-guided online learning can be useful in certain instances. For example, students could be encouraged to take a basic eLearning class before in-person training starts \u2013 just as a background refresher.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scheduling for Success<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Here are some key considerations for scheduling training classes:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n