In today’s technologically advanced world, software is ever-changing and evolving. The latest versions of software provide companies with powerful tools—if used in the right hands. For some companies, the benefits of software training are a no-brainer, recognising the benefits to the company from the outset. Others are more hesitant. Questions arise, such as what the tangible benefit is, what the true ROI will be, and what’s stopping employees from leaving for another company afterwards.
While it’s understandable companies may be reluctant to invest in software training, there are a number of benefits including acquiring new skills, having a higher job satisfaction and retention rate, and utilising the software to its full potential.
Acquiring new skills
The value of software training in employee growth and productivity should never be undervalued or understated.
We recommend that users receive formal training for complex systems such as ERP software. This gives them a well-rounded knowledge of the hundreds of functions and capabilities that are available to them. While employees could learn how to use it themselves, formal training provides structure. This makes the learning process easier, and shows best practice processes and tips and tricks.
Receiving training from a company that caters to your specific industry allows more emphasis to be put on functions and processes that your employees will use.
By investing in software training, you allow your employees to acquire new skills and increase company productivity and efficiency. This allows your company to save both time and money and is where the software’s ROI will show.
Employee satisfaction & retention
It can be frustrating and stressful to be thrown in the deep end and not understand the necessary tools to do your job. Software training overcomes this, giving your employees the ability to use the software confidently. This helps to reduce stress and frustration and increases employee satisfaction in the workplace.
Investing in your employees and giving them the opportunity to receive training can make them feel valued. Believing that a company cares about their ability to perform in their role can lead to the longevity of their careers and development at the company. This willingness to invest in them is a significant motivator for employees and increases their loyalty to the company, increasing employee retention rates.
Staying up-to-date
Investing in training and staying up to date with your software is important, particularly when considering upgrading. Understanding the newest software version helps reduce the knowledge gap and allows your company to use the software to its full potential.
For example, your company upgraded to the latest version of Pronto Xi, believing it will increase productivity and streamline processes. However, without training, you miss out on many of the key functionalities, and productivity takes a dive. Employees take longer to complete processes in the new system, and you start blaming the software. Software training can help to minimise this, allowing your employees to understand the system and take advantage of new functionality.
Should you invest?
While software training can be an expensive investment, ultimately the benefits far outweigh the initial costs. Software training not only makes employees happier, better equipped to perform their tasks and more loyal to the organisation, but the company’s productivity, competitive edge and profits increase also. Couple this with software solutions evolving more rapidly than before, it is vital for companies to invest in the correct training so they can use their systems to their full potential.
Interested in software training? We provide training courses for Pronto Xi modules, Qlikview and IBM Cognos tailored to the mining industry. Our courses are conducted from our classroom in our head office in Perth or we can provide face-to-face online training.
