Making the decision to change or upgrade wastewater inspection data software is a big step. Integrating that new software with other current systems is an even bigger project. Ensuring your team gets up to speed on your new tech quickly is vital to its success, so well-thought-out training can make a significant difference.

Before you start

Before you get started on training, take the time to talk to the software company’s training team. Help the developers understand your expectations and choose the right people to join each training session. Things like data conversion, GIS data setup, training agenda, and customized workflows or macros can all be discussed and decided on before any learning begins. This ensures your training session is focused on the right things.

Learning methods

Remember that different people learn better in different environments with different methods. Initial training for employees should include visual, auditory and experiential learning. Using screenshots, screen-records, infographics and other diagrams provides new users with multiple ways to become familiar with your new program without the stress or distraction of in-field learning.

Break it up

Break the instruction into small units or activities with specific learning goals. Most people have trouble focusing on one task for an entire day, particularly when it’s something complicated like learning new software. And sewer operators who are tasked with multiple projects in a single day may be used to moving from one job to another and one task to another.

Use your team wisely

Pair tech-savvy employees with less-confident ones to provide opportunities for more individual learning. More advanced employees can reinforce skills by teaching, and less-confident team members learn skills with a focused instructor. Offer different levels of training as well; tech-savvy employees will likely pick up information faster, so don’t let them get bored while others are still learning the basics.

Your team is the solution

Finally, remember the value of marketing. Supervisors usually make the decision to upgrade or change software, while many lower-level employees don’t get a say in the matter. They may feel like their voices aren’t being heard. Before training begins, explain to your operators how this software is going to help the department, and by extension, help them do their job better. Software rollouts supported by a majority of employees are always more successful than those with only upper-level endorsement. Instead of framing it as as a top-down demand, make your team part of the solution.

When training on new software, it’s always easier to bring in a professional. WinCan’s training ensures your team gets up to speed quickly. Request a demo of WinCan VX inspection data analysis and asset management software today and learn how our customer support and training resources can help you get the most out of your data.

Request a demo