Training

The final, crucial component in a successful CRM implementation is training.

The Ascendix approach to training combines technology, comfort and proven adult learning techniques to make learning as efficient as possible. You'll find that our state-of-the-art training center defies the stereotypical views of other computer training facilities.

Students have ample working space and sit in comfortable, ergonomically correct chairs. Desktop monitors are partially recessed providing unobstructed views of the nine-foot instructors screen. A break room is provided with a dining area and semi-private desktops complete with telephone and modem lines.

Why all the creature comforts? Students learn better when they are not preoccupied with trying to see what the instructor is doing, struggling with a manual that won't fit in the desk space allotted, trying to get comfortable in a conference room style stacking chair.

Our training is also unique because we pay attention to the principles of adult learning. We give students the opportunity to explore the reasons why learning the new technology is useful, explore places where this may have been useful in past experiences and how it will be beneficial in the future. The student sees what is being done on the screen, hears what the instructor is saying about the action, and is allowed some self-directed practice on a fully functional PC in front of them. The training identifies specific tasks that the software will be used for and those tasks are practiced by the student. The goals of the users' organization in purchasing the solution are also communicated, thus making it clear to the students why they are expected to learn and use the tools.

Why Training is Crucial

Training is one of the most important components of the CRM implementation. Its importance lies in the value of time. If the people expected to use the tool are not properly and adequately trained, they will typically take one of two actions. They will either spend extraordinary amounts of time away from their sales or support responsibilities trying to learn the product by trial and error, or they will not use the product at all. The most common response observed by poorly trained or untrained users is the latter. This refusal to use the product causes the solution to fail and the organization loses considerable amounts of valuable time in the research, selection, customization, and implementation of the solution.

Training significantly shortens the learning cycle and raises the users' comfort level immediately. Armed with a solid understanding of the fundamental functionality of the product, users are able to gain efficiencies and productivity very quickly. This fast success causes increased usage, which in turn multiplies the benefits of the product to the organization.