There are many ways to learn how to work with new software. You choose the training method based on the complexity of the software, the effectiveness of the method and possibly the cost. Classroom, small group, self-study, online training; there are many possibilities. Does it concern training in the use of a new ERP system? Then one teaching method is sacrosanct: the 'Train the trainer' concept.
What is "Train the trainer?
The concept of Train the trainer means that a selective number of your employees are trained as internal trainers. These trainers then instruct and guide all other employees in the use of the software. With a new ERP system, a number of so-called "core users" are trained. These are employees from different departments with excellent knowledge of the business processes who are able to transfer the knowledge to the other employees in their department and act as the first point of contact in case of questions or problems.
Why is it effective?
ERP software is extensive, complex, business-specific and has a major impact on the organization. Good core users are aware of this. They have thorough knowledge of the specific business processes supported by the ERP software and feel a responsibility to transfer the knowledge to other employees. Core users know the culture of the organization, speak the language of the organization and know better than anyone else the issues your employees are struggling with and the changes taking place for them. The training is therefore completely tailored to your organization and many times more effective than mass group training, non-committal self-study or anonymous online training. In addition, it is also very cost-effective; you save significantly on expensive training from the software supplier or training agencies.
Also the best method in the long run
Even after the implementation of the ERP system is over, the Train the trainer method will pay off. Your core users are the first point of contact for the other employees and can solve many questions and issues for them. You won't have to keep knocking on the software vendor's door. The core users can also train and supervise new employees. And should you start improvement projects, start using new modules or upgrade after going live, this will be much easier if the knowledge of the system is present internally.
Alex Bouwmeester is Project Manager Europe at Dysel and accompanies the customer from start to finish in the implementation.
