The Trainer's Role in Computerisation

Before going into the further details, let us see following quotation : 

"Before a company spends any money on a sales automation system, it should consult the training department. After all, it's the trainer who will be responsible for getting sales people up to speed on the new software."  

                                                                                                              - Eric J. Christeson 

The above quotation tells us the importance of trainer and training department while deciding for the computerisation or automation. Thus, for the benefit of all, the training department or HR department should be involved in the selection of automation software. If trainers are going to take the heat for disappointing results, they may as well assert themselves during the decision making process. If no training department exists, a small training group should be created out of interested people whose responsibility shall be to 

ensure training. Otherwise good consultants may be taken for this purpose. 

Once the software is selected, purchased, and installed, trainers should provide training and retraining to all levels of staff and managers. The training department should know how to track and analyse the results of automation training and it should be prepared to redirect training, based on that analysis. 

Generally, three people are involved in the selection of materials management automation software, namely the top executives in materials, finance, and management information systems. In addition, at least one trainer should be designated as a specialist in sales automation software. The trainer's  role is to help them evaluate the software based on how easy it is to learn and how practical it is to use. 

Every materials person should receive training on new automation software as should every trainer in the organisation. Later, one can provide additional training to meet the specific needs of different groups.