In the building materials industry, the successful rollout of an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system can streamline everything from inventory and order management to customer service and reporting. But even the most advanced system can fall short without one key element: effective onboarding.
Training isn’t just a box to check during ERP implementation. It’s the foundation for long-term adoption, efficiency, and a culture of operational excellence. One of the best ways to support that goal is by building a comprehensive, accessible training library.
Here’s how to do it—step by step.
Why a Training Library Matters
ERP systems can be complex. Without consistent, role-specific training, employees often feel overwhelmed, leading to workarounds, errors, and underutilized features. A centralized training library addresses these challenges by:
Providing on-demand access to learning materials
Standardizing how processes are taught across departments
Reducing time spent on repetitive one-on-one training
Supporting new hires and ongoing upskilling
Reinforcing a culture that values accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
Step 1: Identify Core Workflows by Role
Start by breaking down the ERP functions that each department or role uses most. For example:
Sales team: entering orders, checking inventory, tracking customer history
Warehouse team: picking lists, shipping confirmation, inventory adjustments
Purchasing: generating POs, managing vendor data, reviewing costs
Finance/admin: invoicing, payment tracking, reporting tools
By mapping out each group’s core tasks, you can tailor training content to match real daily responsibilities—not just system overviews.
Step 2: Choose the Right Format for Your Team
People learn in different ways. Your training library should include a mix of formats to meet those needs:
Step-by-step guides (with screenshots) for repeatable tasks
Short training videos demonstrating workflows in real time
FAQs or cheat sheets to clarify common stumbling blocks
Interactive demos or quizzes, if your system supports them
Keep materials short and focused—5 to 10 minutes is ideal. Bite-sized content is easier to absorb and reference later.
Step 3: Use Real Scenarios from Your Business
Generic ERP training often falls flat because it doesn’t reflect how your business actually runs. Use real examples—like entering a specific product line or processing a return for a contractor—to make training more relatable.
Bonus: this also helps new employees understand not just how the system works, but how your company works.
Step 4: Create an Organized, Accessible Library
The training library should be easy to navigate. Organize content by:
Role or department
Task category (orders, inventory, billing, etc.)
System module
Use a shared internal platform—like a company intranet, SharePoint, or even a cloud folder with permissions. Label everything clearly and use consistent naming conventions.
Step 5: Keep It Dynamic and Up to Date
Your ERP system will evolve—and so should your training. Assign someone (or a small team) to review and update training content regularly, especially after:
Software upgrades
Process changes
Staff feedback about unclear or outdated materials
Encourage employees to suggest updates or improvements when they spot gaps in the content.
Step 6: Make Training Part of the Culture
The goal isn’t just to train employees—it’s to empower them. Here’s how to keep training top of mind:
Include ERP training in every new hire onboarding plan
Offer refreshers during slower seasons or downtime
Recognize employees who demonstrate system proficiency or help others
Build KPIs around data accuracy and process compliance
When training is seen as a tool for success, not a burden, teams are more likely to embrace it and use the ERP system the right way.
Final Thoughts
A well-built ERP training library doesn’t just improve user adoption—it strengthens your entire operation. By giving employees the knowledge they need, when they need it, you lay the groundwork for a culture of excellence rooted in consistency, confidence, and clarity.
Whether you’re just starting your ERP journey or looking to improve an existing system, investing in a scalable, well-organized training library will pay off in fewer errors, faster ramp-up times, and stronger results across the board.
