So, you’ve decided you’re getting a new ERP system for your business. An important part of preparing for your incoming business system is the ERP testing and training phase. This is where certain business processes are tested out to make sure that they are appropriate for the finished system – it is critical to finesse the methods of communication between departments to ensure no long-term issues remain by the time the go-live date rolls around.
Here are Neuways Managing Director, Martin Roberts’s top ten tips to gain the most from your testing stage…
1. Secure your team
Agree and ensure that everyone who needs training, usually as many staff as possible, are prepared for the ERP project. This is critical to the long-term success of the plan, as it will mean that the project team is full of expertise to help push the project along.
2. Think logically
Decide how much ERP testing and training is required and keep a detailed record of the amount of time staff have spent training. This will give you confidence that everyone meets a targeted amount of time learning. While there will be some teething issues upon the go-live date, at the bare minimum everyone who is required to will have received enough training to successfully carry out their job roles.
3. Educate, educate and educate
Make sure that training covers not only the ‘how’, but the ‘why’. If everyone understands the impact of completing a task incorrectly, then they are more likely to do it right. Being properly educated on the incoming ERP system will ensure employees understand how their job will change.
4. The bigger picture
ERP testing and training gives everyone in the business an overview of the ERP system. This will help each individual fully understand their role within your business.
5. Train Away
If possible, have a training base that is away from your regular working environment. This will allow you to start every training session on–time and help maximise the time you have available to train. Additionally, it will take staff away from their day jobs, enabling them to fully focus on training.
6. Understand
Instil into your people that this is the most important thing they can be doing right now – sure, if they are called away to an emergency that they must attend to then they can break away. But don’t let them be called away for trivial work, this ERP training is critical to your business’ future.
7. Varied training
Ensure that the training carried out covers a range of scenarios, not just day–to–day tasks. For instance, taking a normal order and practising is okay, but working out how to deal with a delivery with damaged goods is also useful. This tells you how well your ERP system deals with a variety of different issues which may arise.
8. Keep it tight
When creating a timeframe, ensure that there is not a large period of time between user training and your go-live date. The training needs to be fresh in the mind of those using the system. As more time passes, we forget information if we are not using it as part of a regular business process.
9. Reassure
Think of it this way: if your job changed after you’d spent many years doing it in a certain way, what emotions would you feel? There may be stress, uncertainty and insecurity. It’s important to reassure all users that whatever happens – any errors, any problems – it can be fixed! Once users are using the system day in, day out, errors due to uncertainty are gradually eliminated.
10. Appreciate Difference
Everyone has different learning styles so give time for staff to get to grips with the new way of working. Some people can pick up a process by doing it once and others may need a few attempts to master it. Building extra time into your schedule to allow for longer learning periods is critical.
