Training is a major factor – and one that is often skipped – in achieving ROI on enterprise software implementations.  When individual users are appropriately trained on software, they are more likely to embrace it and integrate new practices that increase their productivity. As user adoption grows across the organization, companies experience exponential gain.

Training Leads to User Adoption

An enterprise data and analytics solution – a “single source of truth” – is exciting for any company. Analytics systems offer impressive potential – a 360° view of the organization, deep analysis, better decision making, increased productivity, and opportunities for business growth. However, because organizations are in a hurry to realize bottom-line benefits of their new analytics solution, they often cut critical corners like training—ultimately resulting in low user adoption of their analytics solution.

There are several factors at play:

>> Organizations are under pressure to quickly justify their software investments

>> Employees have less time than ever for formalized learning but are expected to perform at high levels of proficiency and adapt to ever-changing requirements

>> Small training budgets

Meanwhile, potential users of analytics system are unaware of features and tools that could simplify their work and help them be more productive. In order to promote user adoption and position yourself to take full advantage of your analytics investments, training must be prioritized and incorporated into any technology implementation project.

Training Plan Checklist

Prior to deployment, create a training plan that anticipates the needs and reactions of your analytics system users. Following is a checklist to help guide you on your mission to ensure user adoption.

1.  Is the business rationale for the implementation fully understood by users?

Give users a macro-level view of the new system. At the beginning of training, give all users a conceptual overview of the system, how it works, and benefits to encourage buy-in.

2.  Have you identified all users and their specific learning needs?

Give users a micro-level view of the new system. Create and distribute role-specific training, tailored to the needs of each group. This allows users to focus on the essential tasks that they need to perform to be succes.

3.  Do users understand their contribution toward project success?

When users clearly see the rationale for the implementation as well as their role, they are more inclined to commit their energies toward making the project work.

4.  Has adequate training budget been committed at the outset?

Fully budget training expense as part of the rollout. The time to secure appropriate budget is at the beginning of the exercise, not later when resources are stretched thin. Here’s an industry benchmark to consider: 8% of total project value for new implementations and 5% for ongoing projects.

5.  Have you identified beta users and “test driven” the training prior to launch?

Identify beta groups. Allow a small group of users early access to the system to incorporate important feedback and fine-tune training prior to launch.

6.  Have you identified power users who can help promote the new technology and processes within their areas?

Identify power users to help with post-launch support and training. One or two power users within each team can help answer questions and ensure consistency. Power users can become advocates for the project, helping set an example for others. 

7.  Do you know how you will address recalcitrant adopters?

Resistance to change is part of human nature. However, it is critical that expectations are clear to users—and that both negative consequences and rewards are linked to achievement of expected targets.

8.  How will you ensure continuous learning?

Some organizations have created corporate universities to ensure continuous learning. Others have introduced the role of Chief Learning Officer (CLO) to the executive team as a signal of the critical importance and value of learning. No matter what structure you adopt, there should be ongoing learning.

9.  Will your users retain what they learn in training?

Training should include a blended delivery approach that includes both theoretical and hands-on applications as well as ongoing follow-up sessions. Also, maintain a training manual that can be referenced by new hires and users who need a refresher.

10.  Are users encouraged to learn collaboratively—taking advantage of both formal and informal learning opportunities?

When users have the support of the organization to further deepen their knowledge and expertise through collaborative learning and practical application, they can enhance the organization’s overall knowledge base, contribute best practices, and innovate on behalf of the organization.

11.  Do you have support infrastructure in place?

Provide users with reference materials and/or implement a support channel, such as a help desk, to serve as a central resource for questions.

12.  Have you considered training for external users?

External users, such as partners and customers, will have different training needs depending on their role. Determine who needs to receive training and who will administer the training.

Need Training?

Analytics8 offers a range of training services to teach your team the new processes, skills, and knowledge you need to be successful and productive. Our trainers aren’t just trainers; they are consultants who have real world experience. They are comfortable going off script to adapt to your team’s needs. Our main goal is to set your team up to succeed. We can conduct training at an authorized training center or do custom onsite training, depending on your needs.

“Our instructor was not just reading from the book.  He gave real life examples and kept everyone connected.”

– Analytics8 client

        

Qlik Users

Test your skills with Qlik’s Skills Assessment. If you need Qlik training, Analytics8 has many certified Qlik trainers and will quickly teach your team how to use QlikView and Qlik Sense so you get the most out of your investment.

Analytics8 Analytics8 is a data and analytics consultancy. We help companies translate their data into meaningful and actionable information so they can stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
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