How to Successfully Apply ERP Training

ERP users run the spectrum in regard to their ability to properly use their current system. Some are Jedi masters, many are proficient, and others know only the basics. Oftentimes, a user’s ability is directly related to their role in the organization and amount of training they’ve received on their ERP system.

Our team commonly sees a direct correlation between business problems and a lack of training on how the ERP system works. You may not know what the ERP system is capable of, or maybe the company isn’t even aware there’s a problem due to a lack of integrated systems or uneducated role-specific users. In any case, business problems are frequently symptoms of not using the ERP system correctly.

So how does Visual South remedy this situation with our customers? With additional ERP training. This the general approach we have found to be successful:

Perform a Usage Assessment

We send a skilled senior application consultant to spend three to four days onsite with customers, reviewing the ERP’s usage in primary departments such as sales, engineering, production, quality, finance, and executive management. The consultant documents areas of improper use, work arounds, spreadsheet dependencies, and lack of use of the ERP. We also prescribe remedies to address these issues, with the goal of integrating the ERP to meet executive-level output and high-level corporate directives.

Develop a plan

The consultant reviews the findings and prescriptions with the management team and the entire group prioritizes areas of focus. Then, a project plan is built reflecting the prioritized order of functional areas that need to be addressed. The project typically follows these steps:

1. Train the users

The first activity in the project plan is to hold focused ERP training sessions for the managers and end users on their existing toolset. It can be a highly enlightening process as managers and users learn the capabilities and functionality available to address the requirements of their role, while also meeting corporate directives. Oftentimes, we see attitudes about the system change immediately as users at all levels realize they have an ERP tool available that does work and can make their job easier.

The specific ERP training offered is based on customer preference. We traditionally train onsite, but can provide live online classes with web meetings as well.

For Infor-specific customers, our team also uses Infor Campus. It provides a curriculum for specific roles, including live classes, recorded classes, and workbooks.

Or we can use a combination of onsite, remote, and Infor Campus ERP training, based on the customer’s preference.

2. Develop new and improved procedures

Once you have an educated user community, you now have the ability to roll out the functionality needed to properly address the business problems. Your next step is to develop new and improved procedures to properly use the ERP system. Visual South works with the department representatives to optimize processes while now having well trained ERP users.

We highly suggest that you document the new procedures and make them readily available to ensure there is no education and usage erosion as employees transition in and out of roles. For more information about procedural documentation in manufacturing please visit here .

3. Validate the new procedures

Next, Visual South validates the new procedures to ensure the executive team is getting the desired outputs and the managers and end users are being provided with the data needed to perform well. We also validate that the end users are applying the new procedures and know how to execute their jobs using the ERP properly.

4. Roll out new procedures

The final step is to roll out the new, validated procedures on a formalized date. Upon this date, the improved methodologies will be deployed in a specific department or departments based on the project plan.

Related: The 5 Keys to ERP Training Post-Implementation (Whether In-House or Not)

Related: 3 Types of SyteLine Training You May Need

Related: 3 Common VISUAL ERP Trainings That Make a Big Impact

Related: Infor ERP Training: Where To Find The Best Resources

Summary

The result of adding ERP training will be more educated end users, as well as new and improved business processes. That inevitably alleviates the previous business problems that were creating challenges.

Visual South provides usage assessments for all types of ERP system users. We are more than happy to provide a free consultation about managing your ERP implementation, evaluating ERP, or addressing your industry-specific needs with your current ERP. Please reach out to us for a free assessment.