What is the Most Cost-Effective Way to Train Users in an IT Project?

When you’re deep in the trenches of an IT project, it feels like there’s never enough time to get everything done—especially when it comes to training. Deadlines are looming, the pressure is on, and the few people who actually know what’s going on are stretched thin.

So, how can you train your users efficiently without burning through your budget?

Fundamentals of Effective IT Training

First off, let’s get real: you can’t just dump a ton of information on people and expect it to stick. That old-school “sheep dip” training—where you throw everyone into a one-size-fits-all session—just doesn’t cut it. The human brain isn’t wired to absorb a flood of information in one sitting, especially when it’s complex or constantly changing.

The Reality of Agile: In agile environments, change is the only constant. Take Salesforce, for example—what the system looks like today could be entirely different in a few months. Project leaders are often so focused on delivering the project that they overlook the ongoing training needs. But skipping this step can lead to bigger headaches down the line.

Balancing Training and Future Knowledge Needs

In a perfect world, you’d have a dedicated expert sit down with each user, guiding them through every new feature and update. But that’s not realistic. So, what’s the next best thing?

Train the Trainer: This is a popular method, but let’s be honest—it’s a bit like playing a game of Chinese whispers. The more times information is passed down the line, the more it gets watered down, and by the time it reaches the end-user, critical details may be lost.

Classroom Training: Sure, it has its uses, but it’s costly and often not very effective. It’s another version of the “sheep dip” method—everyone gets the same content, regardless of their specific needs.

Smarter Alternatives to Traditional Training

Context-Sensitive Help

CSH tools are great in theory—they provide “just-in-time” help when users need it most. But in practice, they’re expensive, require constant maintenance, and can take so long to implement that they’re outdated before they even get off the ground.

Video Training

Videos are a fantastic tool for initial training sessions, but they’re not without their drawbacks. They’re costly to produce, tricky to update, and while they look good, they’re not the most flexible option for ongoing support.

Knowledge Base

Knowledge bases are a staple of IT training, but they’re only as good as the information they contain. They’re often text-heavy, hard to navigate, and can quickly become outdated. Plus, they’re not the most engaging way to learn.

The Runthru Edge: Making Training Easier and More Efficient

Here’s where Runthru Instruction really shines. With Runthru, you can create your training content once and then automatically generate AI-powered instructional videos and support materials. This approach isn’t just cost-effective—it’s also future-proof. As your software evolves, you can easily update and regenerate your training materials, keeping everything current without the extra hassle.

Some interesting Stats:

• Companies with strong learning cultures see a 218% higher income per employee and 24% higher profit margins, according to the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
• Gartner reports that companies using AI-driven training solutions experience a 30% boost in knowledge retention and a 40% cut in training costs.

Practical Tips for Implementing Cost-Effective Training

• Leverage Existing Content: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Use your existing documentation, tutorials, and even FAQs as the foundation for your training materials.
• Modular Learning: Break down your training into bite-sized modules that are easy to digest. This not only makes it easier for users to learn but also simplifies updates.
• User-Centric Design: Think about the user experience. Make sure your training materials are easy to access, understand, and apply in real-world scenarios.
• Feedback Loops: Regularly gather feedback from users to improve your training materials. This ensures that your content stays relevant and effective.

Final Thoughts

When you’re juggling a million things in an IT project, training can often feel like an afterthought. But the most cost-effective training solution is one that adapts to your needs, scales easily, and stays up-to-date. Runthru gives you all that and more—making IT training not just manageable, but also a key driver of project success.

Ready to streamline your IT training? Let’s chat and see how Runthru can help.