Now that you’ve purchased your new software, you are ready to install and train your employees. Hopefully, you read my blog post “How to Choose the Right Software Company” and have chosen a software company that has made the development of a quality Customer Education Strategy (CES) a priority.

Training should be flexible and meet the needs of your company. If your new software is easy to use, it will likely be easy to learn, manage data entry errors, and increase productivity. The effect of this is seen in the strength of your team and, of course, your bottom line, and after all, who doesn’t like a stronger bottom-line.

Know your options:

On-site customized training is a great option. Typically the costs will be a little higher as costs of travel need to be taken into account. This could vary greatly depending on the size of your company. The key to this option is customized training. You can limit or control the portions of training that your individual staff members require based on positions. This is a key factor as this will improve the bottom line especially in regards to data entry errors. Who doesn’t like a little time away from their usual duties? The key elements here are:[1] 

1. Control over participation
2. Some control over topics covered
3. Allows you to see areas of opportunity for your staff
4. Increased employee engagement
5. Easier transition
6. Increased proficiency
7. Training cost oversight

Off-site Training is beneficial when multiple locations need training. In cases like these, it can be easiest to send personnel to a single remote location. Keep in mind, due to travel expenses; this could be a less cost-effective option. The key elements here are: 

1. Increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods
2. Increased employee engagement
3. Easier transition
4. No interruptions (phones, email, etc.)
5. Training cost oversight

Online Computer-based Training is often the most cost-effective choice. However, this can limit the educational experience. This type of training doesn’t allow for the additional information gained in a class-like setting and can make training and learning a little more cumbersome. It is important to note, the installation and activation of new software programs are often combined with a deadline or a “go live” date. The key elements here are: 

1. Flexibility – availability
2. Work/learn at your own pace
3. Convenience
4. One-on-one training
5. Training cost oversight

A successful CES will include multiple options for you to choose from. Maybe a combination of the available options is best for your company. A good example of this could be, providing on-site customized training followed by a course of online, training modules. Ask about your software companies Customer Education Strategy. 

Written by: Rachel Hedrick – Rhedrick@rdb-solutions.com

RDB Solutions – Crafting thoughtful business solutions since 1998

We Listen. We Collaborate. We Deliver.

www.rdb-solutions.com

[1] https://www.socialsolutions.com/blog/improving-data-integrity-software-training/

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