ERP Training 101: A Step-By-Step Guide For Your Team

Implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning system in your company? While it’s an exciting time, it’s also a major transformation, one that takes time getting used to and requires a certain level of training for your team.

 

In fact, a successful transition is guaranteed only if your employees are well-trained to use the new custom ERP system effectively. If they are not equipped with the knowledge required, your advanced ERP system can turn into a costly investment that’s severely underutilized.

 

Here are steps you can take to train your team, ensuring a smooth transition to your new ERP system.

 

1. Develop a training strategy

Rolling out an ERP training program for your employees is great as long as it is built on a concrete strategy. You can build a sound plan by identifying the key users of this software from your team. Next, you should categorize these users based on their roles and responsibilities. This will help you come up with a structured lesson plan that covers only those features your employees will be using the most, thus preventing the waste of time and manpower. Your typical training program should include:

 

• Key learning objectives
• A clearly defined training schedule
• Mode of training - in-person, online or self-paced
• Assessment activities and feedback

 

2. Appoint ERP champions

These are basically employees who have mastered the art of using the custom ERP software you have. You can ask them to help other colleagues who are not quite there yet. Make sure you appoint an individual ERP champion from each department that will be using the software. The champion should also have a strong understanding of your business’s processes. They can then use their expertise to answer specific questions fellow employees may have. They can also assist with troubleshooting issues and even encourage quick adoption among their peers.

 

3. Focus on role-based training

Generic training sessions on using the new ERP system you have implemented might not be helpful. Instead, taking a role-based approach will prove to be more effective since the different departments in your company will be using the system in different ways. Tailoring the training on a role basis will ensure your employees pick up the program faster. For instance:

 

• It’s best to train your finance team on features such as accounts payable, budgeting, and reporting
• Similarly, the sales team should be trained for using the CRM (customer relationship management) and order processing features
• Finally, the HR team should be trained to use performance management, payroll, and employee record modules

 

4. Conduct practical sessions

While classroom-style lessons and instructional videos have a role to play in the training program, they are not as effective as hands-on experience. Your employees will learn best during interactive sessions in which they can practice using the custom ERP system in real-life settings. Regular interaction and engagement with the system will help your employees build the confidence they need to use it accurately. You can employ a couple of techniques in this regard:

 

• Create sandbox environments so employees can experiment with different features without any risks
• Conduct live walkthroughs of the most frequent tasks so employees can refer to them as and when needed
• For high-impact processes, simulation-based training might be helpful

 

5. Provide them with multiple learning formats

Not everybody learns the same way. While some of your employees might thrive under instructor-led training, others might prefer self-paced learning. Providing employees with diverse learning formats is a great way to ensure everyone has access to the mode of learning they prefer. You can offer your custom ERP software training program in a mix of the following:

 

• Video tutorials
• Live workshops
• FAQs and troubleshooting guides
• User manuals and documentations
• One-on-one mentoring sessions

 

Conclusion

Training your employees to use your new custom ERP system can be a time-consuming task. However, with a well-executed program, successful transition can be guaranteed. You can make the journey smoother for your employees by offering continuous support and encouraging a culture of adaptability. It might also help to conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of your training program to ensure every employee has gained enough confidence to use the system error-free.

 

That said, if you are yet to upgrade your current legacy system and are looking for a reliable vendor, Vestra Inet is here to be your digital transformation partner. Contact us today to get custom ERP software that offers everything your business needs to flourish.