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5 Best Practices for Effective ERP End-User Training

One of the most common reasons for ERP software implementation failure is the lack of end-user training. It is an integral part of ERP implementation. But while many organizations underestimate the importance of end-user training, others use ineffective delivery methods. With organizations operating in different locations of the world, conducting instructor-led training can be challenging. E-learning is the best approach to implement ERP software training in today’s scenario.

When you consider implementing online ERP end-user training, you need to keep a few best practices in mind for its successful implementation. Here are 5 best practices that will help you better implement ERP training in your organization.

1. Give Training the Priority it Deserves

During cost cutting initiatives, end-user training is often the first thing to be axed. Never fall into such traps. End-user training deserves a high priority right from the beginning of the ERP implementation. If you fail to train end-users on the proper use of the ERP software, they may not understand how to operate it and may end up using it incorrectly. This means end-users would be least productive and your investment will mostly be wasted.

2. Blend Training Methods

Blending instructor-led training with e-learning can offer good training results. While e-learning eliminates the challenge of reaching a large audience, the ILT approach facilitates a collaborative learning experience. Such a blended training approach benefits both end-users and organizations by making training a more effective and engaging experience.

3. Start Training Before You Go-Live

You must ensure end-user training is an integral part of ERP implementation. You need to start preparing for end-user training at least 15 months before you go live. First train the functional heads who can train their respective end-users. This will ensure end-users of the ERP software are well-prepared when you go-live.

4. Consider Role-Based Training

Employees from each department will have different roles in the ERP software. Role-based training allows you to train your employees based on their roles. For example, the end users of Finance, HR, Marketing and Sales have different roles. Train them only on the modules relevant to their roles. Such a training method helps you deliver training in a very effective, systematic manner.

5. Provide Hands-on Training

Making a mistake in the enterprise software could take a long time to rectify. Organizations must not only show end-users how to use the software, but also give them a chance to try out the software and get acquainted with the tool.

The ‘Watch-Try-Do’ approach facilitates the best hands-on training experience in such a scenario. You can first show users the step-by-step procedure and then let them try it in a risk-free environment.

ERP software implementation will be of the least use without its end-users being trained properly. So, training the end-users of the ERP software is as important as implementing it.

Keep these five best practices in mind and ensure successful ERP end-user training. Hope you find this blog helpful. If you are aware of other best practices, please share them through your comments.

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