Why Generic ERP Training Falls Short and How Optimum Delivers Tailored Learning That Works

When organisations invest millions into new ERP systems, many overlook a key factor that determines their new tool’s success: the quality of end-user training.

Statistics on ERP training show that up to 75% of ERP implementations fail to meet their objectives, with inadequate training often being cited as the root cause. 95% of companies that experience failure report that they dedicated less than 10% of their total budget to education and training.

Without proper training, users become frustrated and often create workarounds rather than adopt new processes. This leads to a flood of support tickets to help desks, and a failure to realise the true potential of the system.

Here at Optimum, we’ve spent over 25 years helping companies implement a different approach: bespoke, client-specific training solutions built to drive user adoption.

Our consultative methodology and proprietary RapidScope exercise helps ensure that your team gets the training it needs, not an off-the-shelf approach that leaves knowledge gaps.

Want to learn more about how RapidScope can help roadmap your training phase? Contact us today to get started.

The Problem With Generic Training

Most generic training protocols follow a similar pattern: standardised content covering basic functionality (often delivered without considering your system’s unique configuration).

While it may seem cost-effective up front, this approach often carries costs that outweigh any potential “savings”:

• Generic training may spend time covering functionality your organisation may not use, whilst skipping customisations crucial to your workflow
• Your ERP is configured to your business processes. If your training doesn’t cover these workflows, users won’t be able to translate what they’ve learned into their daily work
• If users don’t understand how their actions impact downstream processes, errors can multiply quickly
• Generic training will often leave users without a context for problem-solving during go-live. A lack of contextual understanding can drive up support costs and decrease productivity

At Optimum, our approach to training is fundamentally different. We recognise that effective ERP training must be as unique as your organisation and implementation.

That’s why we start with learning your processes and system configuration, long before any training materials are developed.

The Optimum Way – Training Built Around You

Training success begins far before any training materials are developed. We take a consultative approach that starts with understanding your team’s needs, challenges and objectives. This creates the foundation for training that drives adoption faster.

Unlike vendors or implementation partners who often issue training quotes based on generic templates, our process begins with a comprehensive pre-sales consultation covering your system configuration, user demographics and implementation timelines.

This discovery process allows us to define “success” in terms that relate to your goals.

We then take those findings and deliver detailed indicative costings that outline the specific expertise and time needed to deliver effective training, as well as an investment breakdown to help allocate resources across planning, development and delivery.

We work with all stakeholders to create a common understanding of needs and outcomes. Our “alignment before development” method allows us to create bespoke training that prevents mid-project redirections and keeps everything aligned with your organisation’s needs.

Introducing RapidScope — Getting Everyone Aligned from the Start

At the heart of our bespoke approach is our RapidScope ERP training plan exercise, our proprietary methodology for mapping end-user training requirements and creating a roadmap for success.

RapidScope is a structured, Senior Consultant-led process that identifies the right training content for each user group. As a distinct product offering, RapidScope delivers immediate value, whether you choose Optimum for full training development or prefer to implement the recommendations internally.

The process typically takes between 6-15 days, depending on project complexity. Time is spent between on-site interviews with subject matter experts and stakeholders and report development.

How Is RapidScope Different from Standard Scoping?

Where generic providers might simply ask, “What system are you implementing?” and provide standard materials, RapidScope digs deeper to discover:

• Audience Analysis: Identifying all user groups, their roles and their specific training requirements
• Content Mapping: Determining what topics must be covered for each audience segment
• Delivery Strategy: Recommending the most effective training methods for each user group
• Resource Planning: Outlining the time, materials and support required to ensure a success user adoption phase
• Timeline Integration: Aligning training activities with your broader implementation schedule

The RapidScope process culminates in a detailed report that serves as your training blueprint – complete with scoped deliverables, resource requirements and training phase timelines.

This standalone value means you receive a professional training strategy regardless of your next steps, allowing internal teams to proceed confidently or providing the foundation for Optimum’s full ERP training solution.

Tailored ERP Training Content, Not Generic Documents

With the foundation laid through RapidScope, we move to the development phase. While generic providers recycle standard content across clients, our tailored ERP training materials are created specifically for your organisation.

We develop a wide variety of customised deliverables depending on each user group’s needs:

• Reference Guides for detailed, step-by-step processes with your specific system screenshots
• Quick Cards for frequently used simple processes
• Trainer Packs including lesson plans and presentations, to ensure consistent delivery
• Multiple eLearning formats from interactive modules with system simulations to tutorial videos and concept videos

Even when we leverage templates as starting points for efficiency, the end result is always fully customised through our collaborative development process.

Training Should Go Beyond the Classroom

Effective training isn’t just about developing materials. It should ensure that training can translate into action during critical moments.

Our flexible delivery options include train-the-trainer programmes, direct delivery by our experienced consultants, or a blended approach to meet your specific needs.

Our bespoke training also includes go-live support through floor walking, help desk augmentation and just-in-time materials when users first apply their learning in the real world.

Your Partner In Ongoing Success

We believe in a commitment to partnership and we measure our success by your outcomes: user adoption, efficiency gains and ERP return on investment.

This includes post-go-live support through ongoing assessment, adaptive support and success measurement while ensuring knowledge transfer and strategic guidance across implementations and upgrades.

Choose Training That Works, Not Just Training That Ships

The choice between generic training and Optimum’s bespoke approach goes beyond materials and processes. It’s all about the final result: project success and user adoption.

Our methodology, including consultation through RapidScope, means you’ll work with training that is designed specifically for your organisation.

Contact Optimum for a discovery call to learn how our RapidScope methodology can transform your implementation from a technology change to true business transformation.