Never underestimate the critical role a "fully integrated" training program plays in the successful deployment of new cloud based software.

 

While the allure of new, cloud-native software, with its collaboration tools, enhanced scalability, accessibility, and cost-efficiency, is always front and center, driving these transitions, the success of a software migration will hinge, each and every time, on how well the people in your organization adapt to and utilize the new tools you purchase. Forgetting or foregoing a robust training program will lead to decreased productivity, increased frustration, higher support costs or, in the worst of cases, a failed deployment. In our observation this is common with Procore and, to a lesser degree, Buildertrend and Sage CM; the software is installed but no one is knowledgeable enough to use it to its fullest potential. Often, we find, key employees only know how to, and are only doing, the bare minimum.​ Because they haven't been trained to do anything more.

 

The moral to this story is a simple one: whenever you migrate from a legacy system to a new software solution, don't make the mistake of underestimating the critical role training plays in a successful deployment. Specifically:

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The Imperative of Training

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Maximize ROI and Productivity

 

New cloud-based software such as Intuit Enterprise Suite, QuickBooks Online, Procore, Buildertrend and Sage CM each and all come with advanced features and workflows designed to streamline operations and improve efficiency. But without proper training, your people are likely to only utilize a fraction of these capabilities, essentially limiting your return on software investment. Effective training ensures that users understand the full potential of the new system, enabling them to leverage its features to their fullest, leading to increased productivity and optimized workflows.

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Reduce Resistance to Change, Increase Adoption

 

You should expect that change, particularly if significant and made in established work routines, will be met with resistance. With the people in your organization accustomed to, and comfortable with, legacy systems you should expect that they will be made to feel overwhelmed and threatened by a new interface and processes. Comprehensive training, delivered with patience and clarity and custom tailored to your business and its anomalies, will go a long way toward demystifying the new software, alleviating anxieties and fostering a sense of confidence. This proactive approach to learning will encourage faster adoption and a smoother transition, as your people will be made to feel supported rather than abandoned.

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Minimize Errors and Support Costs

 

An untrained workforce is left prone to making mistakes when navigating unfamiliar software. In the case of Procore, Buildertrend and Sage CM, these errors will range from minor data entry issues to more significant operational blunders, leading to reworks, scheduling issues and, in the end, financial losses. Moreover, a lack of understanding will likely lead to a surge in help desk inquiries and IT support tickets, significantly increasing operational costs. All of our training programs are carefully structured to proactively address common pain points and provides users with the knowledge and confidence to troubleshoot minor issues themselves, thereby reducing the burden on IT support and minimizing errors.

 

Our training programs also pay for themselves, particularly where the program being adopted is Procore or, to a lesser degree, Buildertrend or Sage CM; learning to use these programs properly takes time and an untrained PM team will cost you real money - please believe us when we say this!

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Enhance Data Security and Compliance

 

Cloud-based software, by its very nature, involves data being stored and accessed remotely. While cloud providers such as Intuit, Procore, Buildertrend and Sage each do an excellent job of employing robust security measures, the actions of your own people will play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and security of your data. Our comprehensive training programs include best practices for data handling, password management, identifying phishing attempts and understanding compliance requirements specific to the new software. This ensures that your people become an active part of your security strategy rather than a potential vulnerability.

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Boost Employee Morale and Retention

 

Investing in employee training demonstrates a commitment to the professional development and well-being of your team. When employees feel equipped and confident in using new tools, their job satisfaction increases. Likewise, a lack of training can lead to frustration, reduced morale and, worst case, a higher turnover rate as employees seek environments where they feel more competent and better supported.

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Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement

 

The implementation of new software is an opportune moment to embed a culture of continuous learning and adaptation within an organization. Our training programs are designed not just to introduce the new system but also to encourage employees to explore its capabilities, provide feedback, and contribute to ongoing optimization.

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Key Considerations for an Effective Training Program

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To maximize the effectiveness of training when transitioning to cloud-based software, organizations should consider the following:

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Look for Tailored, Fully Integrated Training Programs

 

One-size-fits-all training rarely works. That's why all of or trainings are customized to different user groups (e.g., executive team, administrative staff, PM team, estimating, sales, accounting & finance) based on their specific roles and interaction with the new software.

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And let us take this opportunity to once again climb up on our soap box, because this is an important distinction that cannot be overstated: all of our training programs are "fully integrated" training solutions. And what, you ask, is a fully integrated solution? 

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A fully integrated training solution is a training program that doesn't limit itself to a particular piece of software but that, rather, trains users on an integrated software stack (e.g., a collection of software programs working in concert with one another) to its fullest potential. Citing examples: Procore, Buildertrend and Sage all offer training programs on their systems. But none of these training programs train users on how to use, manage and administrate, for example, Procore linked with Intuit Enterprise Suite or QuickBooks Online. ​

 

​​​​Blended Learning Approaches

 

Our training programs combine various training methods such as in-person workshops, online modules, video tutorials, and self-paced learning. This allows you to cater to a diverse roster of people with unique learning styles.

 

​Plan for Time Conflicts and Constraints

 

Our training programs offer a variety of scheduling options, in anticipation of time conflicts and constraints. 

 

The Bottom Line

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The decision to replace legacy software with new, cloud-based solutions represents a significant strategic investment. To unlock the promised benefits of collaboration, enhanced efficiency, scalability, and innovation a parallel and equally significant investment in comprehensive employee training is non-negotiable. By prioritizing effective training, you mitigate risks, accelerate adoption, maximize return on investment and empower your workforce to thrive in a technologically advanced environment, ultimately paving the way for long-term success.

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