ERP Systems Training

Mastering Infor ERP systems might feel like stepping into a maze of unfamiliar terms and processes. Let this article be your compass, guiding you through the intricate landscape of ERP system training. 

Geared towards individuals unfamiliar with the intricacies of these systems, we’ll steer clear of technical jargon, providing a clear and accessible exploration of ERP training. When you don’t know, what you don’t know, this article will hopefully enable you to plan what training you need to understand the basics of ERP systems.  

Whether you’re taking your first steps or seeking to deepen your expertise, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the world of Infor ERP systems confidently. Let’s demystify ERP training to empower you on your path to operational excellence. 

Firstly, we define an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system as a software system that helps run a business with automation of processes such as accounts and finance, human resources, inventory and supply chain, procurement and invoicing. An ERP system should manage all aspects of the business, using a single database, increasing productivity and efficiency.  The ERP systems training is the program of tutorials that teaches everyone who will need to interact with the ERP system how to work with the system. ERP systems training can include “How to” guides and information for people inside the business but also for clients or suppliers who also interact with the ERP system.  

They key word to remember here is “ERP Systems training” and so the baseline is all about the system, not the nuances of working with the software in different businesses and industries. Each business is different and industries will have standard ways of working. However, the basic ERP system training explains everything you need to know, as a user, about using the system.  Business and industry specific tutorials can be added to the ERP systems training to provide best-practices and vagaries when using the ERP system in different scenarios.  

ERP System training will usually fall into the standard categories of functionality for users, so for instance all user guides required for an HR Manager, or for the Procurement Team, or for those involved in manufacturing and supply chain. In this way the ERP system training tends to be modular so that users can easily see the modules that would be most appropriate for their line of business requirements.

The biggest difference will be if the solution you are learning is on premise or in the cloud as there will be stark differences in the way in which you access and use the system, even if the modules will likely take the same format. 

There are many different types of training courses that will depend on the user (technical, functional, business, customer). All training programs will aim to help users work more efficiently with the system and will usually conform to the following common topics:  

Introduction to ERP – this will give an overview of ERP systems and their benefits and will likely be used as a precursor to all other modules for all users to give bring all users up to a base level of knowledge so everyone understands how ERP systems help improve business processes. 

System Architecture – this is a technical module aimed at those who need to maintain the system from a technical perspective and this will include how they add users, maintain security, apply patches and fixes or updates and generally maintain the system. 

Data – this course will probably be divided into several modules from elementary to advanced and include everything from data entry, data integrity, governance and integration. Since data is at the heart of all ERP systems, the ERP data training is an important module for all users to understand the importance of good data – as information and insight provided by the ERP system is only as good as the data.   

Integration – there is likely a dedicated section on integration as most systems will need to interface to other software systems in the business and that will require integration. Integration used to be a major stumbling block between different systems, but there have been huge inroads into enabling easy integration of systems more recently. Still important, but less of a challenge, integration can be facilitated across different business processes.  

Finance and accounts – this module will be important for the accountants and all those who need to understand budgeting and forecasting as well as reporting.  

Supply chain – this module will have more complexities depending on the industry, but there are still basic elements that are likely to be needed by all businesses.  

Industry – this is where modules build best practice guides and information of how best to use the ERP system in a particular vertical or industry.  

The combination of all modules should build a comprehensive knowledge of the ERP system with the industry sections building a training program for your industry.   

All ERP systems, (such as Infor ERP) will publish their own ERP systems training, usually online, and provided in a variety of formats, as people learn at different paces and from different learning formats (videos, tutorials, Q&A, Quiz).  

Most ERP providers will also couple their training with certifications so that users can gain a badge or accolade when they have completed the appropriate training course. Courses can take weeks or days, but unlikely to be mere hours, as ERP systems are complex and comprehensive solutions.  Most ERP training that is available online will be available at minimum or no cost, but classroom training is likely to be charged and can cost upwards of a few £1,000 to complete with the technical qualification or certification gained on taking a test.  

Technical ERP training is likely a paid for resource as it will be a comprehensive program that will allow the individual to support the complete suite of modules and they will also be able to guide a business as to the use and optimisation of their ERP system.  

ERP system training is product specific, although there will be similarities (especially in such modules as “Introduction to ERP”). Programs are accessible for most leading ERP solutions and can be executed online and on-demand at your own pace. However, to gain the full technical certifications, these courses are likely to require a fee and commitment as the qualification gained is a stamp of honour and a saleable qualification. In summary, individuals who gain Technical certifications for ERP systems can help a business accelerate productivity, save costs and help the business leverage insight and analytics provided by the ERP.  

Here at ReInforce Technology we have the best of the best, who hold the full gambit of Infor ERP certifications ready to help with your systems needs or to elevate your team by knowledge transfer and training that can be customised to your business needs.

Find out more at reinforcetech.com/systemtraining