Managing business uncertainty: importance of staff training

The success of a business, and ultimately the effectiveness of an ERP system, is its employees. Achieving ROI on software and IT investments is key, but even the best tech solutions and software applications cannot maximise ROI if its users aren't fully trained on the capabilities of the system.

Training is typically provided when the application is implemented, but as memories fade, new software releases take place and new staff come on board, the level and quality of knowledge on the system's abilities is decreased, which means the software tends to be under-utilised.

A lot of businesses are finding themselves facing the challenges of having a reduced work force. Unfortunately, employers are having to furlough staff, make redundancies and ultimately consolidate roles to reduce cost, which is key to their survival. This means team members are now picking up tasks and even entire roles that they weren't doing before. In some cases, whole businesses are reduced to just a few key players, so knowledge of your ERP system is crucial to the running of your business. Glendower Cutting Tools, during the first few months of the initial lockdown, had to furlough all their staff apart from three employees. They explain, the three employees were still able to manage the distribution processes all the way through. The system takes out the hard work and drives what we do, allowing us to remain at 60% of our turnover with just three members of staff. That's obviously down to the hard-working team but having a system that is intuitive and efficient helps massively.

As the world tries to adapt to the continuing challenges we're faced with, knowing your team is efficient and confident on your ERP solution means you can rely on them to continue to manage the business' day-to-day processes. A well-trained workforce needs to be part of your business continuity planning to ensure the running of your business remains smooth, even during challenging times. Investing in your employees' knowledge of your software solutions is key to success and this is true for training long after the implementation of the software. Employees and businesses benefit greatly from a well-oiled team and this is only possible with confidence in the ERP system they use every day.

Benefits of investing in staff training

Users are more productive

Without the knowledge of the features and functionality of the software, users will tend to only use the basics and often revert to manual processes to help them complete tasks. Basically, you don't know what you don't know! Well trained users can effectively use and navigate the system to their advantage, meaning they're quicker and more effective in their role.

Improves job satisfaction

When employees feel confident in their role, they'll be less stressed and feel more prepared to take on challenges. If individuals feel they don't have the skills they need to effectively complete the job or they spend a lot of their time asking peers for guidance, their confidence wavers and frustration sets in which leads to unhappy employees. With frequent, high quality training, staff can feel empowered in their role and will be more productive as a result.  

Reduces costs

Why invest in an ERP solution that users aren't fully utilising? You're immediately reducing your ROI. Without the relevant skills and knowledge of the software, employees tend to revert to old ways or manual processes to help them get the job done. Business owners who have invested in an ERP solution know their old ways are costing them money, so avoid reverting to old processes and equip your team with the digital tools and the knowledge to use them! With complete training on the software, users may even find new, quicker and more effective ways to complete their tasks.

Increases efficiency

With training in place and all the above fulfilled - a satisfied and productive team and a fully utilised system that is reducing overhead costs - businesses can take full advantage of automation and digitalisation to improve efficiencies across the business. Changing how you manage and control core processes within the business through utilising an ERP system can increase efficiency and profitability. Then you are better able to adapt to challenges and stay agile to change, helping you stay competitive.

Improves quality

A knowledgeable team and efficient processes help to provide a quality service. Reduced order processing, a decrease in the number of errors and accurate customer and product data all lead to improved quality. With visibility across your entire operation and confidence in your staff, you will know your customers are receiving the best shopping experience you can deliver which boosts sales!  

At OGL Software we offer a comprehensive, flexible, role-based training programmes during the implementation of our ERP solution; this gives users the confidence to go live on the software and is crucial to the success of the migration. We also provide additional, tailored training sessions, as and when you need them, because we know the value these can bring to your business. Enrol new staff members, have training on new software releases or provide key staff members with additional training on more complex areas of the software so you can perform at your best.