ERP Administrators are responsible for a number of different tasks, including the training of new hires. This is a tall order for many administrators simply because it’s difficult to gage where the focus should be. This is especially true with cloud based ERP solutions, which are very comfortable to use because they can be accessed from anywhere and are upgraded automatically. Cloud-based ERP provides more flexibility and options, where more diverse and customized training is needed. When new hires have no background with ERP, it can be a real challenge to get them to the level they need to be to productively function on a team. Chances are pretty high that you are already working towards meeting a deadline, so time is of the essence.
However, you are not alone. There are other ERP Administrators out there facing the same challenges, and there are some helpful tips that have been put into place to benefit everyone. Here are 5 of the most influential things you can do to ensure that your new hires are at the level they need to be as soon as you get started.
1. Review Training Materials Early
There is a clear difference between training someone and having them learn something. If you are serious about having the highest level of retention, you need to make sure that you are providing your users with materials that address and answer all of their questions. Give them the materials early so that they can get a head start on the process and ask questions that they don’t see the answer to. If you give them the materials after a training session, you assume that they will be able to answer their own question. Make the best use of your time and let your new hires come to training prepared.
2. Use More than One Training Method
While it’s going to be harder for you to think of more than just one way to train someone, you need to make sure that you are catering to as many learning styles as you can. There are several different methods that you can use to increase learning and retention. Learning Solutions Mag suggests some of the following strategies:
- On-demand eLearning courses
- Boot-camp style onsite training sessions
- Traditional classroom sessions
- Live Workshops
- Virtual Tours
By thinking about your employees and what they need, you’ll be able to get more out of your training sessions.
3. Focus on Results
You need to have a way to gage your success, which means that you need to keep track of your results. Gartner research reports on the ‘Forgetting Curve’: German researcher Hermann Ebbinghaus discovered that retained knowledge drops significantly after 20 minutes of a training session or presentation. After that time, more than 40% of the information has been lost. This is called the ‘forgetting curve’. Don’t waste your time and energy. Look at what’s being learned and focus on results and not covering as much as possible in a short amount of time.
4. Track Progress
This goes without saying, but you want to make sure that you are able to gage the progress for your new hires. Make sure that they are not lost and just agreeing with you. Use the tools you have to monitor their progress and determine if they are on the right track or not. If they are not, decide if you need to change your approach or if there are just a few people that are lagging behind. If you have the data supporting you, you can know for sure that your users are learning everything they need to for ERP mastery.
5. Keep Training!
Are you done teaching your new hires? The honest answer would be, “no.” Learning never stops and neither should training. Gartner recommends: “improve training effectiveness by conducting reinforcement training three to four weeks after go-live”. Whether someone has been with the organization for years or weeks, there are new adjustments on a daily basis that they need to be aware of.
Conclusion
Take the right steps now to ensure that your new hires are ready for the future. Don’t wait any longer to use these tips and start moving towards a better workforce!
