What is the point of having a shiny new toy if you don’t quite know how it works/aren’t aware of a very exciting function?
The same logic applies when your business invests in a new product. To ensure maximum value, you need to know all the nitty gritty features so that you get full use of the functionality.
You also want to ensure the product can be easily integrated without running into any issues. This is why end-user training is so important.
Before making a product purchase that affects your entire organization, find a supplier that offers comprehensive end-user training. This will help you get more value from the product, ultimately boosting your organization’s success.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know about end-user training from a reputable supplier.
What Is End-User Training?
As stated in the description, end-user training ensures the person/team that operates/uses a product is fully trained and informed on the core functions.
In many cases, the decision-makers who make the purchase are not actually the ones who will use the product. For example, this could be the case with a VoIP phone system, where an entire organization of employees needs access and full use of the system.
By offering end-user training, the provider ensures that each person that uses the product understands exactly how it works.
Why Is End-User Training Important?
Looking for a supplier that offers extensive end-user training should be a key factor in your purchase decision. Here are some of the main reasons why.
Smoother Product Implementation
Providing in-depth end-user training makes it faster and easier for the product to be implemented. If everyone using the product knows exactly how it works, then the company can start using the product to its full extent straight away.
This streamlined process means there is minimal business disruption, which helps to maintain strong levels of productivity.
Access More Value
Tech tools and products can offer many different features and functions. In many cases, companies invest in new tools and the end-users don’t actually know exactly what these tools are capable of.
By providing comprehensive end-user training, users can understand the full capabilities of the product from day one. This means they can use the product to its full power, which helps them access more value from the product and in turn, ensure a higher level of efficiency and productivity in their roles.
Greater Reception Of New Tools
Users aren’t always excited to give up their current systems and switch to something new. This is especially true if the user isn’t properly equipped to handle the product.
By providing comprehensive end-user training, users will be more comfortable using the new tools. In fact, 93% of employees say that well-planned employee training programs positively affect their levels of engagement.
So, comprehensive training will help to create a more positive work environment, while also encouraging users to engage more with the new products.
Improves Product Usage
Beyond improved productivity, end-user training also helps users improve their accuracy of product use.
When users are well-trained, they use the product more effectively and generate value with it faster. This benefits the user as well as the business.
Types Of End-User Training
Reputable suppliers should always offer end-user training as part of the package when providing a product. However, this training can take different forms depending on the supplier, the product, and the business environment.
Here are the three types of end-user training that exist.
Self-Instruction Training
If you’re looking for the best possible end-user training, then this certainly isn’t it.
Many suppliers provide instructional documents/manuals or videos to help new users get started. While this is useful for developing a general understanding of the product, it’s not personal and it doesn’t leave any room for a constructive Q&A session.
Self-instruction training can also miss out on many important details.
In-Person Training
In-person training is ideal. This is especially useful for unique situational products, like phone systems, computer networks, or security cameras.
In these instances, each product will be unique based on the business and environment. So, in-person training helps to provide a more customized solution for these products.
In-person training is also more personal, and users can ask questions and engage with the supplier. This helps to provide a more thorough, hands-on training experience.
Online Training
Virtual training is a good alternative to in-person training. Although it may feel slightly less personal, you still get individual attention. This means training is still customized to each environment and use case.
Virtual training also comes with the advantage of being flexible, which makes it faster and easier for organizations to access.
What To Look For In A Supplier Regarding End-User Training
Comprehensive end-user training should be an expectation when dealing with a reputable supplier.
This should start with installations and site visits. Instead of simply purchasing products and having them delivered, the supplier should take a hands-on approach to installing the products on-premises. This gives businesses access to the supplier’s expertise from the start.
Once the product has been installed, the supplier should offer in-depth end-user training. This should involve all of the product users, and include a detailed breakdown of how the product works and how they can get maximum value from it.
Even the best training programs can be forgotten though. Ideally, the supplier should provide ongoing support and training for users that need it. When users get stuck or have a question, they should have a direct line available to the supplier for assistance.
It’s important to consider maintenance and updates, as this could be necessary for the type of products you’ve invested in. Look for a supplier that offers maintenance contracts and the like to ensure your systems are always up to date.
Conclusion
When choosing a reputable supplier for your business, always pay attention to the level of end-user training and support that they offer. Even the best products won’t hold much value if the people using them don’t know how they work.
By focusing on end-user training, you can enhance your product implementation, access faster product usage, and gain more value from the product from day one. This should be a key consideration any business makes when investing in new tech solutions.
