As building materials companies continue to modernize operations, ERP systems have become essential for managing inventory, tracking deliveries, and coordinating across multiple yards. But technology alone doesn’t drive results — your people do. That’s why high-performing teams make it a priority to upskill their yard employees to use ERP systems confidently and effectively.
Here’s what successful teams understand about training their frontline staff for ERP adoption — and how they turn that investment into long-term operational gains.
- Start With the Why
Before diving into training, the most effective teams explain the value of the ERP system to their yard employees. Instead of framing it as “new software to learn,” they communicate how ERP tools will:
Make daily tasks more efficient
Reduce errors and rework
Improve communication with other teams
Create opportunities for advancement
This helps employees see ERP training as a tool for their success — not just a management initiative.
- Make Training Job-Specific
ERP systems can be complex, but not every employee needs to master every feature. High-performing teams tailor training to each role:
Forklift drivers learn how to update inventory movements
Yard leads focus on scheduling, order tracking, and reporting
Shipping teams are trained on dispatch coordination and fulfillment
By focusing on only the relevant tasks, training becomes more efficient and less overwhelming.
- Use Hands-On, On-the-Job Learning
The best training happens in the flow of real work. Instead of long presentations or manuals, top teams use:
Step-by-step walkthroughs on actual yard equipment
Role-specific cheat sheets or quick-reference guides
Peer mentoring, where experienced users coach newer team members
This makes the learning process more intuitive and directly connected to the job at hand.
- Provide Consistent Follow-Up and Support
Upskilling isn’t a one-time event. High-performing companies understand the importance of ongoing support:
Regular check-ins to reinforce usage
Supervisors available to answer system questions
Feedback loops to improve training materials and workflows
This prevents early drop-off and builds confidence as employees grow more comfortable with the system.
- Celebrate Progress and Competency
Recognizing milestones — like successfully entering a full order, running a report, or completing a task independently — motivates employees and reinforces learning.
Whether it’s a shoutout in a team meeting or a small reward, these moments contribute to a positive training culture and encourage others to follow suit.
- Connect ERP Skills to Career Growth
Top-performing teams know that digital skills are the future of warehouse and logistics operations. They make it clear that learning the ERP system isn’t just good for the business — it opens doors for employees, too.
From shift leads to operations coordinators, ERP competency is increasingly tied to advancement. High-performing companies use this connection to inspire long-term employee growth and retention.
Final Thoughts
Adopting an ERP system can transform how a building materials yard operates — but only if your team is equipped to use it. High-performing operations know that upskilling yard employees is not just about training — it’s about empowering people, building confidence, and creating a more capable, connected workforce.
When employees understand the value of the system, see how it makes their work easier, and feel supported every step of the way, ERP adoption becomes more than a tech upgrade — it becomes a competitive edge.
