Knowledge is Power: Training Users for Success

Whether due to limited budget or time constraints in project schedules user training often falls to the wayside during software implementation. In the interest of time users may receive informal on-the-job training that is just ample to complete their work. They may not use some product features to their fullest potential and be unaware of other useful ones. A more formal approach can avoid these and other issues. Following are several compelling reasons to invest more in training:

1.  Educate staff how to use the software.

Formal training is particularly critical if users are unfamiliar with the software. Training is also required as current product features undergo enhancements, new features are developed and knowledge is lost through employee turnover. Users at a minimum must gain familiarity with the key capabilities of each product directly applicable to their job duties.

2.  Differentiate systems.

Oftentimes companies employ a wide range of systems to facilitate business operations. Some tools offer similar capabilities so it is all the more important that users understand the purpose of each tool and when each is more appropriate. For example, users can view data in both Hyperion Financial Reporting and Smart View. However, Smart View is useful for ad-hoc queries and data validation while Financial Reporting is geared toward routine highly formatted reports and books for monthly internal and external reviews.

3.  Increase user adoption.

When users understand the benefits of a tool such as improved traceability of data and increased productivity they are more likely to accept and utilize it. Training can prove to be especially helpful when users need to discontinue use of prior systems with which they are more accustomed.

4.  Communicate current and new business processes.

Training should additionally address impacts to daily operations due to introduction of new systems and ever-changing regulatory compliance requirements. For example, do we need more technical staff to support ongoing system maintenance? What kinds of journal entries will we perform in the general ledger versus Hyperion Financial Management?