Selecting and installing a CMMS program is an important decision for any organization, but it is even more vital to understand that implementation is not over at installation. In order to successfully implement CMMS software, it is vital to ensure that training occurs and is available on an ongoing basis for all departments. Failure to provide effective, in-depth training is one of the leading reasons CMMS program implementations fail.
Training Demonstrates Best Practices
One of the primary reasons to provide training across an organization during the implementation phase of a new CMMS is to provide instruction. Individuals at every level in various departments across the company need to know how to accomplish certain tasks in order to effectively do their jobs. Training provides detailed instructions and guidance on the spot and also includes documentation for review after the initial training.
When considered strategically, training is more than a how-to guide. Effective training demonstrates best practices or desired processes for the key functions within the company. This is of great value in the standardization of processes across multiple divisions, locations, and departments, and training provides the opportunity to essentially hit the reset button and bring everybody back to a single process.
Training Creates Opportunities for Questions
The hard truth is that if most of your employees do not buy into the CMMS program, the implementation will not be a complete success. If approached in the proper way and formatted with space for open discussion, CMMS software training will create opportunities for questions, and this is a key component of the buy-in process for your organization. Several types of questions will arise during a CMMS online training event:
- The “How do I…” question: This question will cover a topic already discussed in training, identify a future topic in the training, or identify a task not considered in the development of training. In all cases, it provides value to all in the training session to address it.
- The “Why Doesn’t it…” question: Often a complaint disguised as a question, this is nonetheless useful because it gives voice to the common fear of change. If the CMMS program does perform the specific tasks asked about, this is a great opportunity to describe how. If it does not, the question offers a chance to discuss alternatives to the particular task.
- The “Do we have to…” question: In most training sessions, one person will ask if they can continue to operate outside the program. It is of the utmost importance that the CMMS training answers this question with a definitive, “No.” A CMMS program is only as effective as the data contained within it.
Emphasize the Broader Importance as You Implement CMMS Software
One final reason training is vital is that it underscores how pervasive a CMMS program is to an organization. It’s not uncommon for a person to misunderstand how his or her work impacts the activities of other departments. Training provides an appreciation of how the pieces fit together.
At DPSI, we have successfully trained thousands of customers and have taught users not just how to implement CMMS software, but how to make the most of our solutions. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we know what works and what doesn’t. Contact us for more information, or request a free demo today.
