You can buy the best ERP platform on the market—but if your team doesn’t know how to use it, the system will fail. That’s why user training and onboarding are just as important as features and pricing when evaluating ERP platforms for your building materials business.
Not all ERP vendors offer the same level of support, and the differences can have a major impact on your adoption, productivity, and long-term ROI. Use this guide to compare training and onboarding programs across vendors before you commit.
- Training Format and Accessibility
What to compare:
Do they offer live training sessions, recorded videos, or both?
Is the training hands-on and interactive, or mostly presentation-based?
Are there role-specific modules (e.g., for sales, warehouse, accounting)?
Can training be accessed on demand later?
Why it matters:
Your yard team, delivery drivers, and sales reps all have different needs. Look for flexible, accessible training so users can learn at their own pace and revisit material when needed.
- Onboarding Timeline and Planning
What to compare:
How long does onboarding take from kick-off to go-live?
Is there a clear rollout plan with milestones?
Will they help set up your data, workflows, and integrations before training begins?
Who leads the process—you or the vendor?
Why it matters:
A disorganized or rushed onboarding leads to confusion and missed steps. Choose a vendor who provides a structured, guided onboarding process from start to finish.
- Level of Customization
What to compare:
Does the training reflect your industry (construction, supply chain, distribution)?
Will they tailor the system to your workflows before teaching it to your team?
Can they use your data in the training environment?
Why it matters:
Generic training doesn’t stick. Your team will learn better when they’re working with real-world scenarios and processes that match your business.
- Who Delivers the Training
What to compare:
Is the training delivered by product experts or outsourced consultants?
Do trainers understand your industry?
Will you have a dedicated implementation team?
Why it matters:
Trainers with real experience in the construction supply chain can answer your team’s specific questions—not just the “textbook” ones.
- Post-Go-Live Support
What to compare:
Is there follow-up training after go-live?
Do they offer refreshers for new features or seasonal workers?
How do they handle retraining during updates or expansions?
Why it matters:
Training shouldn’t end when you go live. Ongoing learning ensures your team continues to get value from the system and stays efficient as your business evolves.
- Documentation and Help Resources
What to compare:
Is there a searchable knowledge base?
Are guides written in plain language or tech jargon?
Can users access help directly from the ERP interface?
Why it matters:
Your team needs to solve issues on the spot. A strong support library reduces downtime and reliance on your internal admin team.
- Cost and Inclusions
What to compare:
Is training included in the implementation package?
Are there limits on the number of users trained?
Is there a cost for additional sessions or departments?
Why it matters:
Training costs can add up fast—especially in multi-yard operations. Get clear on what’s included up front so there are no surprises later.
Final Tip
Don’t treat training as a checkbox. Treat it as a critical factor in your ERP success. Ask vendors to walk you through their onboarding program in detail, and get references from other customers who’ve gone through it. The right training can make or break your investment.
