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No matter what ERP software system you use, be it Infor Lawson, SAP, PeopleSoft or any other, there is a constant need for training. The complexity and ever-changing nature of the ERP application requires at the very least annual training to keep the staff and administrators up to date. What we will do in this article is compare the standard of sending staff members out to a remote training session with the benefits of bringing the training to them instead. As you will see, the in-house workshop is far superior in every way. To begin, let’s examine the downside of remote training. While these trainings are necessary, and this article is not meant to put them down, they do come with a unique set of cons. First, a remote training is often generic in nature. It is a once size fits all program that may or may not address your specific issues to your satisfaction. Second, there are a large number of costs associated with remote training. Costs above and beyond the training itself. These costs include travel, lodging, food and perhaps some others. Finally, when you send people away for a training, they are not at work doing the jobs they were hired to do. This represents a loss of productivity. Even when these staff members are replaced with substitutes, the results will probably not be the same. On the other hand, remote training through a third party ERP consulting firm brings with it a variety of benefits that are not only exactly opposite the cons of remote training but a set of its own unique rewards. While we focus on Lawson primarily, this is true for every enterprise resource planning environment. Benefit 1 – Large cost-savings Since this option brings the trainer into your facility, there is no ancillary expenses that come with sending your staff away. You simply negotiate a fee for the training and that’s it. Even if there are a few extra expenses such as travel and lodging, these are negligible compare with the traditional remote option. Additionally, the cost of the training itself will more likely than not be lower. Benefit 2 – significant time savings The in house training workshop can be an enormous time saver, as well as not putting an undue strain on your company’s productivity. Since the training sessions are held at your facilities, there is no need to send large groups away. Trainings can be scheduled to coincide with work and tasks so as not to pull key personnel away from their positions for any great length of time. Benefit 3 – knowledge retention It has been shown that when staff members attend trainings that are held on their premises, the retention of knowledge is far higher than that from the remote training. This is due to a higher level of comfort, and most importantly, from learning with real world examples. In house training provided by a consulting firm uses actual models based on your company’s ERP system configurations and needs, so the training flows right into actual performance. Benefit 4 – Bonuses There are some interesting side-effects of taking advantage of the on-site workshop. The biggest of these is that you will have a qualified Lawson or other ERP consultant and trainer right on site. As they are using your ERP system, they will no doubt be able to point out ways to improve process flow, security, business intelligence, maintenance, upgrades and more. On top of this, you and your staff will have access to these professionals for in-depth questions about your system and the training. You will have the option to exercise post-training support with people who are intimately familiar with your business’ particular needs and configurations. So the next time you are considering sending a group of staff members away on a training junket, consider bringing in a qualified ERP consultant to do it on-site. In every conceivable way, this is the better, more effective and less expensive option. To learn more about Lawson consulting and training services, please visit our website and see what we can offer you. We will help maximise the potential of your ERP. Visit Forte Technology Resources Today! for up to date information and to interact with us, please visit our Infor Lawson ERP software blog
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