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Training
Mike Libbe - VP Technology
Is your business getting the most out of your business system? Do you believe you have squeezed all of the power and efficiencies out of your business system investment? If you are like most businesses, the answer is No.
The single most important method available to improve the efficiency of your hardware and software investment is training and education. This is an often neglected and overlooked aspect of a computer system purchase. Many distributors understand that you should buy as much hardware as you can afford, and others understand the value of feature-rich software. But how many distributors really take advantage of the power of employee training and education? Distributors generally do not hesitate to get their mechanics certified for different systems on the vehicle, and their counter staff up to speed on product information. But they rarely take advantage of getting their staff "certified" for maximum use of a computer system.
When a new computer system is installed, the business system provider will generally provide either classroom training or onsite training for the new software. These training sessions generally last for 1 or 2 weeks. After training is over, the distributor begins using the system and goes about their business as best they can. But how much of the training is retained by the staff? Chances are that it is only enough to handle the day-to-day operations of the business. In order to leverage the hardware and software investment, a business must strive to continually train their employees to properly use the computer system.
A computer system will quickly become the linchpin to a successful business. If the computer is up and running properly, management can focus on developing and expanding the business. If the computer is not performing properly, then management must spend time, energy and resources to manage the business without the computer system. This applies to how well the employees use the computer system as well. Employees who are properly trained are better able to do their jobs and efficiently use the power of the computer system. Management may balk at the cost of providing advanced training, but consider the cost of not adequately training your staff. Management may save real dollars by not spending money on employee training, but how much money is "lost" through inefficient use of the software?
AutoPower provides ongoing training for their customers. These training opportunities help employees retain skills and techniques required to use features of the business system that may not be used every day. These same training classes are instrumental in helping new employees learn how to properly use the computer system. Over the years, companies that do not take advantage of advanced education suffer from "brain drain". When employees leave a company, they take their intimate knowledge of how to use the computer with them. Also, as employees use the computer the same way day after day, they become complacent and believe that the business system is unable to help them do their job better. A training class can be an eye-opener for long-time users about how to best use a computer system.
Don't try to train the entire staff every year. Instead, develop a policy of rotating different employees each year to different training classes offered by the business system provider. An employee should undergo advanced training every 2-3 years to keep their skills sharp, or more frequently if new features have been added to the business system. AutoPower University classes are held periodically in Orlando, FL. These training classes can be offered as a reward or benefit to your employees. Most employees will appreciate an opportunity to travel to Florida for training and education and will likely look forward to repeating that trip again in another 2-3 years.
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