3 Proven Tips to Impart Online Supply Chain Process Training

We all know that one of the key aspects of ensuring the smooth functioning of companies in the manufacturing sector is seamless supply chain management (SCM). Effective management of supply chains plays an important role in making the right decisions pertaining to forecasting demand, procurement, logistics, production, etc., to ensure timely delivery of the finished product and reducing cost. These decisions play an important role in enhancing operational efficiency and thereby, improving the bottom line of manufacturing organizations.

One of the vital elements that contributes to effective SCM is the delivery of proper training on supply chain processes. Many multinational companies are moving their supply chain process training programs online, as the e-learning format helps reduce training expenditure and overcome the barriers of time-zones and language in the delivery of training. Today, we will look at 3 proven tips to impart online supply chain process training of high quality.

1. Use avatars

A solid understanding of supply chain concepts plays a key role in executing supply chain processes. For instance, employees in the procurement department need to know the various concepts related to materials management such as re-order levels and inventory recording.

You can use avatars (animated characters) with a high degree of efficacy to impart good training on supply chain concepts. They are simple characters that speak straight to the learner throughout the course, making it easier to understand.

An avatar serves the same function in an e-learning course as a trainer does for a classroom session. In one of our courses, we chose an ant as the avatar, because ants are great at managing all aspects of a supply chain viz. materials planning, inventory, and logistics.

2. Go for videos

Today, the supply chains of most international manufacturing organizations extend to different parts of the world, and many companies are using software applications such as SAP, Oracle, JDA Software, and so on to streamline the management of their complex supply chains. One of the key challenges in implementing SCM software applications is resistance from employees.

Many employees fear that they might lose their jobs. In many cases, companies re-engineer their supply chain processes when they implement an SCM software application, and it is necessary to train workforce on the new processes and explain where they fit in the new scheme of things.

You can use short video-based modules with a high degree of efficacy to overcome the problems of change management. A bite-sized video, containing a message from the CEO assuring that no jobs would be lost as a result of the SCM software implementation, will go a long way in allaying fears. The video can also be used to explain how the software will help improve operational efficiency of the organization.

Likewise, you can use video-based modules to train your staff on the re-engineered supply chain processes, in a cost-effective manner. Many companies conduct classroom sessions to explain the new processes and provide clarity on the changed roles and responsibilities of the staff. It is a good idea to record an instructor-led session and use the recording to train learners in different parts of the world. You can also translate these videos, effectively, with minimal expenditure, to meet the learning needs of employees in non-Anglophone countries.

Videos can also be used to train learners on the steps to use SCM software, using Watch-Try-Do simulations. Find out more about these simulations in the informative post What Makes Simulations the Perfect Software Training Tool.

3. Develop infographics

The ability of learners to retain information for extended periods is limited. This makes proper reinforcement of the knowledge imparted, at regular intervals, necessary to enable learners transfer their learning effectively to the workplace.

Infographics are very useful tools to reinforce the information delivered in a supply chain process training program. One of our clients in the automotive sector has developed an infographic that lists the steps of its supply chain process. The infographic can be viewed conveniently on tablets and smartphones, and learners can go through the digital learning resource from time to time, ensuring that the information is not lost.

Thus, you can use the three online learning tools listed above to deliver high quality supply chain process training. Would you like to expand this list? You’re most welcome.