A powerful ERP system is only as good as the people using it. One of the biggest factors in a successful rollout—and long-term ROI—is how well your team understands and adopts the system. Yet many companies treat training and onboarding as an afterthought, relying on generic manuals or rushed walkthroughs.
The truth? Customizing your ERP for training and onboarding makes adoption smoother, cuts down on user errors, and helps your team get real value from day one.
Here’s how to do it right.
- Tailor Workflows to Match Real Roles
Don’t train everyone on the full system. Yard staff, delivery drivers, inventory managers, and finance teams all use the ERP differently. Customize user roles so each team member only sees what matters to them—and train accordingly.
How to customize:
Create role-specific dashboards and shortcuts
Hide irrelevant modules or features to reduce confusion
Build custom workflows that reflect actual day-to-day tasks
Why it works: People learn faster when they’re only focused on what they actually use.
- Build Task-Based Training Guides
Generic ERP training is overwhelming. Instead, break it down into small, real-world tasks—like “create a pick ticket,” “receive a delivery,” or “generate a purchase order.” Then build how-to guides or video walkthroughs for each task, using your company’s actual data and processes.
How to customize:
Use screenshots and examples from your own system
Record short videos showing each key function in action
Store guides in a central, searchable location
Why it works: Task-based training is easier to retain, and employees can refer back to guides on the job.
- Use a Sandbox or Training Environment
A great way to build confidence is by giving users a “safe space” to explore the ERP without affecting live data. A sandbox or duplicate training environment allows your team to test processes, make mistakes, and ask questions—without risk.
How to customize:
Clone your live ERP into a training version
Pre-load it with realistic customer, item, and order data
Run simulations for common scenarios, like backorders or transfers
Why it works: It lets users learn hands-on without fear of breaking something.
- Add In-System Help and Prompts
Modern ERPs often allow for custom tooltips, step-by-step guides, or embedded support links. You can use these features to guide new users as they navigate the system.
How to customize:
Add pop-up tips to explain common actions
Insert help buttons or links to your training docs
Set up guided “tours” that walk users through first-time use
Why it works: In-the-moment help keeps users from getting stuck or frustrated.
- Create a Role-Based Onboarding Plan
Rather than dumping all training into a single onboarding day, build a phased plan by role. Introduce the most essential tasks first, then add layers as users get more comfortable.
How to customize:
Week 1: Focus on navigation and top 3 daily tasks
Week 2–3: Introduce reporting, deeper workflows, and advanced tools
Month 1+: Offer follow-up training sessions and check-ins
Why it works: Staged learning improves retention and keeps people from getting overwhelmed.
- Track Progress and Offer Support
Use your ERP’s user activity logs (or an external tool) to track whether team members are using the system correctly. If someone is falling behind or making repeated errors, that’s a signal to revisit training.
How to customize:
Monitor which modules or features are used by team
Create internal support channels (like a dedicated Slack/Teams chat)
Offer “ERP Champions” in each department to help answer questions
Why it works: It reinforces learning and builds a culture of support around the ERP.
Final Thought
Customizing your ERP for training isn’t about fancy tools—it’s about meeting people where they are. When you align the system with your workflows and train users with realistic, hands-on tools, you get faster adoption, fewer mistakes, and more confidence across your team.
Your ERP can be the backbone of your business—but only if your people know how to use it. Invest in training the way you invested in the platform itself, and the payoff will follow.
