Selecting the training management software that suits the needs of your training company is the first challenge – but the good news is the majority of software houses will provide flexible arrangements so that the functionality you implement is bespoke to the challenges you face.

The next challenge is implementation , and the reason this is a challenge is because it is signals the start of a new way of ‘getting things done’, and the end of the old-fashioned (and inefficient) way.

To help you with the implementation stage , we thought it would be useful to share a few considerations to ensure a smooth switch that helps to get using the new system off to the right start…

1. Planning the install

The first step is to accept the fact that this might not be a two-minute job. As straight forward as the software is once it’s up and running there is a transition and implementation stage.

If you plan effectively this can be just pain free!

Ensure you know what your new systems provider requires from you, so keep levels of communication up and take the initiative and draw up an internal project plan . Make sure it’s aligned with your new system provider’s plan but, importantly, includes what you need to do as well.

2. Get staff on board!

Buy-in, just like any time to change, is an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to implementing new training management software . Ensure your staff are engaged with the new system.

How can you do this?

• First of all you can explain why the software is being implemented, and it always pays in the long-run to be honest. There is a need to move forward in business, and often training software helps companies to automate and be a more effective organisation. Modernisation can be a tricky notion for some people, but it is necessary.
• Look to get buy-in to the positives as well, so if the plan is to introduce online booking so that the business can become exposed to a new global market which means expansion and fresh opportunities for staff – tell people that!
• It also pays to get employees understanding the new system, people tend to fear what they don’t understand. If your software house supplies training, think about who you can include in that training to maximise understanding around the business.

3. Make sure that…..

• Your old system provider is aware of what is expected from them and that they have agreed the dates
• You meet the dates you have agreed with your new system provider
• Any required actions and activities that you have agreed take place
• Monitor everything and have regular updates meeting both internally and with your new systems provider to ensure that you stay on plan and any issues are highlighted at an early stage.

4. To summarise planning and preparation are the dual keys to success

• Make sure that ALL your staff members are trained on the new system
• Set the go live date and stick to it
• Switch the old system off! Limit access to senior members of staff for lookup if required
• Make sure you hold a post go live meeting and thank your staff for their efforts (this feeds into point 2), this will keep the momentum going after the first day or two which can be difficult when people are really coming to terms with a new system and still having to deal with customers.

Training companies should never feel isolated when they come to implementing a new training administration system . A good provider will give the necessary support needed to get maximum engagement early on and help the customer start to earn the kind of return they were no doubt assured they would find.

You can speak with accessplanit today, not just about our training administration software , but also about the excellent support service that is provided to customers. The UK-based support team is available every working day of the year to ensure accessplanit clients continue to find maximum benefit from its software. Call us on 0845 5430229 or email enquiries@accessplanit.com .