Your Approach to Training Can Be the Difference:
Effective Ways to Deliver Real PLM Results

Commentary on AberdeenGroup's research report, Profiting from PLM

By Tony Strows, President, Kalypso Learning and Greg Adkins, Partner, Kalypso

Why is it that companies who claim to be innovators use the same old underachieving techniques to deliver PLM training?

Look at many PLM implementations and you will see the same low-level, task-based training delivered in a sterile way, often by technical staff.

Traditional instructor-led classroom training delivered during the weeks just prior to "go-live" continues to be the presumed and often sole mode of training on most implementations of enterprise PLM software. How about we apply a little innovation to engaging our people in the process of learning? We must do something different to address the "TiVo®" effect of learners completely tuning out.

Aberdeen Group’s recent research report “Profiting from PLM” asked a series of questions about the content of training on implementation programs. The results give us some insight into the differences in approaches between “Best-in-Class” companies that are enjoying high rates of return on their PLM investments and the “Laggards” that are struggling to deliver value.

The data from the chart demonstrates that it is vitally important to train all of your staff on the “why” and “what,” as much as the “how.” Simply relying on task-based training will produce at best average results – not really what a true innovator should accept.

Our experience suggests that training on product lifecycle management concepts and roles is a critical factor in successful implementations. This information gives the people that must execute new processes some context for why things are changing and how they will be affected personally. Taking the time to explain the strategic imperative for PLM is essential to enroll individuals in the change program.

While content is obviously important, we see best-in-class companies taking a blended approach to learning and using a mix of delivery vehicles. Instructor-led training has a place in almost every program, but it should not be considered the only option. The popular train-the-trainer method only produces effective results if experienced trainers are used. More often, this is not the case and the results speak for themselves.

On-demand eLearning is an extremely effective alternative and a more enduring method of training. Complex concepts can be brought to life and PLM systems can be replicated with scenario-based training, enabling learners to practice many times at their own pace. Importantly, this method delivers great training every time and ensures training is delivered consistently across the organization.

To get the most out of classroom training, you should think differently. Facilitated workshops are far more appropriate for adults, allowing learners the opportunity to discuss the gray areas with a knowledgeable person. This increases the value of the session for all, and linked with eLearning, dramatically improves adoption and usage of the PLM system. Virtual instructor-led training can also be used in this way, especially for geographically dispersed teams and for “check-up” training after an implementation. Creating “super users” that act as local coaches is another popular support component of an effective program.

Blended learning is more effective at delivering results. The best approach is to combine delivery vehicles while recognizing that training is not a one-time event reserved for “go live”. Phased rollouts, continuous improvements, functional enhancements, system upgrades, and employee turnover all drive demand for learning solutions that can be delivered at multiple points in the PLM program.

Ultimately, “best-in-class” business results from the PLM program are dependent on users adopting and exploiting the power of new processes and systems. The effectiveness of blended learning can be measured with testing of users to evaluate retention, by tracking adoption measures within the program, and by monitoring the volume of “help” calls over time.

Adopting a blended approach to training is a decision that should be made early in the program lifecycle so that plans and budgets can be set accordingly. We recommend that the training strategy be defined during program planning.

At Kalypso, we have the experience and breadth of capability to guide you on your PLM journey. We formed Kalypso Learning specifically to address the sustainability of the innovation improvements we help our clients make. The advanced instructional design and adult learning capabilities of the Learning organization combined with our exclusive focus on innovation, product development and PLM technology allows us to help you deliver on the promise of PLM within your organization.

For more information about Kalypso and Kalypso Learning, visit www.kalypso.com and www.kalypsolearning.com.