The Pros and Cons of Using Training Software
Written by Megan Hamilton • Reviewed by Skyler Moss
April 5, 2022
Before we dig in, let’s clear something up: no training software is 100% perfect.
It won’t solve every training problem you face . . . but the right software can go a long way toward solving your most critical workforce issues.
Now, let’s weigh the pros and cons of training software so you can see how it helps—and a few things to beware of.
Pros of Using Training Software
Training software can be a game-changer for your team’s performance. Here’s why:
No long-distance limits
You can train spread-out teams easily, without worrying about gathering everyone for sessions or workshops.
Leadership training
Some software provides preloaded leadership content, so you can build up the next generation of leaders and promote from your own team. It also teaches your crew soft skills to work effectively together.
Microlearning
Software that’s made up of short “microlearning” lessons lets you consistently train crew members throughout the week, instead of waiting for a rain day or yearly training workshop. It also helps them retain their training, so they can use it in the field.
Scalability
Good software helps you scale your training program as your company grows. It should be easy to add user licenses or buy extra training credits.
Content creation
Some software lets you upload custom content, so you can teach your crews how to do things your way. (Bonus points if the software provider lets you upload that content for free.)
Everything in one place
One huge perk of training software is that you can share and store your way of working in one convenient place, so your crew members always know where to get information.
Flexibility
You can assign content to the individuals or groups who need it—like excavator training just for operators, notifications about a supply delay just to the impacted foreman, or important safety notices to the whole company.
Communication
Some training software has messaging features that let you send important, time-sensitive information, such as a video response to a safety issue.
Time saving
When a foreman has to stop working to teach a new hire the same thing for the tenth time, that’s productivity lost. But training software helps the new hire learn while the foreman focuses on their own work.
Tracking and analytics
You can see who’s completed what training, so you know who’s hungry to grow and who needs a nudge in the right direction. You can also track individual, team, or company-wide results, making it easier to see the ROI on training.
Automation
Virtually all training software automates tasks like reminders and progress tracking so administrators can focus their valuable time elsewhere.
Fewer training costs
Good software lets crew members train any time, anywhere, without shutting down production. That means fewer costs for training. It also saves your training manager loads of time—and if you don’t have a full-time training manager yet, that’s okay. Good software should be simple enough for anyone at your company to administer.
Cons of Using Training Software
Training software is a big investment, so before you buy, be aware of potential concerns and some ways you can combat them—like these.
Resistance and low participation
People tend to resist change, so they may not be keen to try training software. It’s important to create change respectfully and get key stakeholders onboard before you introduce training software to the whole company.
Too generic
The Dirt World has specific needs that differ from other industries—so just any old training won’t do. You need something that’s suited to your industry.
Implementation time
Getting started with training software can take awhile, so look for a software company with good customer service and quick implementation times.
Learning curves
Training admins and crew members alike need time to learn how to use the software. Choose easy-to-use software, and give grace while they learn.
Lack of customization
Some software won’t let you customize content or add your own resources—so if they don’t have what your crew needs, you’ll have to use other training for those topics.
Initial cost
Training software can cost a pretty penny upfront, which may not seem worthwhile. However, good-quality software can give you an incredible ROI, as in the example from Chapter 4.
Hidden fees
Whether it’s an overage charge for using too many training credits or an add-on that costs extra, some software has hidden fees. Look for a software company that values transparent pricing before you commit to buying.
Should I purchase training software?
The short answer, it depends. We know that’s (not) very helpful, so let’s dig into the long answer.
Training software is a good idea if you want to:
- Level up how you’re currently training
- Help your people learn and grow
- Start a training program, without too much heavy lifting
- Find your next generation of leaders within your company
- Train spread-out teams
- Recruit and retain workers by giving them a clear path to grow
However, not all training software is created equal. The wrong product can become a pricey, time-consuming headache that your team won’t use. Likewise, buying software before you and your team are ready—and committed—is a poor use of your resources.
When in doubt about the product, your budget, or your team’s response, wait. Get advice from people you trust and plan how you’ll pay for the software and introduce it to the team. The software will still be there when you’re ready to buy.
Remember, it’s important to be confident that you’re making the right choice.
One tool that can help make that choice clearer is the guide to training for retention and recruitment. It'll help you spot problems (and solutions) in your current training program and calculate the ROI of training software so you can make sure you're getting a good return on your investment.
Takeaways
Training software has amazing benefits, but it’s not a magic elixir to cure everything that ails you. Let’s sum up the pros . . .
- No long-distance limits
- Leadership training
- Microlearning
- Scalability
- Content creation
- Everything in one place
- Flexibility
- Communication
- Time saving
- Tracking and analytics
- Automation
- Fewer training costs
. . . and the cons:
- Resistance and low participation
- Too generic
- Implementation time
- Learning curves
- Lack of customization
- Initial cost
- Hidden fees
Whether you should buy training software depends. Generally, it’s a good idea if you want to level up your training and grow and develop your workforce. However, it's important to weigh your options carefully and get key team members onboard before you make a decision.
One option worth weighing is BuildWitt Training. This software is specifically designed to help Dirt World leaders like you overcome some of their biggest workforce challenges.
Learn how BuildWitt Training can help solve your workforce problems.
