In the building materials industry, the yard is where operations come to life — managing inventory, loading orders, and keeping materials moving. But as more companies implement ERP systems to streamline distribution, yard employees must be equipped to interact with these platforms confidently and effectively. The challenge? Many ERP systems are not built with the yard in mind, and many yard roles haven’t traditionally required tech skills.
That’s changing — and fast.
Upskilling yard employees for ERP usage isn’t just about training; it’s about rethinking how we empower frontline teams to thrive in a digital environment.
Why Yard Teams Matter in ERP Success
While much of ERP implementation focuses on purchasing, inventory, and sales teams, the yard is often where the data originates — from receiving and scanning to tracking material movement and completing orders. When yard employees are comfortable using ERP tools, accuracy improves, delays are reduced, and the entire operation runs more smoothly.
Overlooking this team during ERP rollouts creates gaps in data, disrupts workflows, and ultimately limits the ROI of your technology investment.
5 Innovative Strategies to Upskill Yard Employees
Simplify the Interface with Role-Based Views
Start by tailoring ERP dashboards or mobile tools to yard-specific tasks. Avoid overloading employees with unnecessary features. Focus on clean, user-friendly interfaces that match their day-to-day activities — like receiving shipments, logging damaged goods, or updating stock levels.
Use Mobile Devices and Real-World Scenarios
Many yard workers are more comfortable with hands-on, task-oriented learning. Equip them with tablets or scanners and run simulations that mimic their actual workflows. For example, show how scanning inventory into the ERP system improves real-time visibility and reduces errors in shipping.
Leverage Peer Mentoring
Identify early adopters or tech-savvy yard employees and position them as ERP mentors. These peer leaders can support colleagues during the transition, offer practical tips, and provide on-the-ground feedback to improve the system rollout.
Incorporate Microlearning into Daily Routines
Instead of long, one-time training sessions, use microlearning: short, focused modules delivered over time. These can include videos, quick walkthroughs, or interactive guides accessed during breaks or shift changes — keeping learning consistent and digestible.
Recognize Progress and Build Confidence
Many yard employees may not have formal IT backgrounds, so it’s crucial to build confidence. Track progress, celebrate milestones, and provide positive reinforcement as they adopt new tools. Creating a culture where learning is recognized helps drive long-term engagement.
Make ERP a Tool, Not a Burden
The most successful ERP systems are the ones employees actually use. For that to happen in the yard, you need to meet workers where they are — with training that’s practical, accessible, and designed around how they work.
ERP isn’t just for the back office anymore. With the right upskilling strategies, your yard team can become a vital part of your digital transformation, contributing real-time data, improving customer service, and ensuring operational accuracy from the ground up.
