Spreadsheet errors in financial circles have caused billions in business losses. And other regulated areas are at risk for the same types of errors. 57% of spreadsheet users in a 2011 UK study had no formal training. As companies transition from spreadsheets and small databases to more complex, enterprise-wide systems, a lack of training is a liability.

Subject matter experts who will be “power users” and part of the internal support network must learn the general system capabilities, how to perform standardized business processes and perhaps how to configure certain software elements. System administrators must learn the software inside and out. And end-users must understand how to perform standardized business processes using the software. Casual users and management must learn to perform limited data entry, data visualization and reporting functions.

Training is critical to successful software user adoption and a key element of organizational change management. To get the most benefit, individuals must have several opportunities to interact with the software. They should not see it for the first time just before its roll-out. Training and the resulting knowledge transfer help to make organizations more capable.

“Everyone learns in different ways. A multimedia training approach works well, even with traditional instructor-led training"

Lexicon Systems offers services to support environment, health & safety (EHS) and EHS management information systems initiatives:

•	training life cycle support, from strategy and planning to curriculum development and course delivery
•	training delivery methods such as instructor-led train-the-trainer and end-user training to self-paced computer-based training
•	training deliverables such as training strategy, plans, curricula and content.

case study: EHS software training, specialty chemicals company

A specialty chemicals company needed to train over 125 operations, management, EHS and IT staff on a new software package. They wanted customized training materials with familiar company data. Lexicon developed an illustrated step-by-step user manual that featured the client's test data. We prepared a training plan, curriculum and training materials for instructor-led training classes. Lexicon led a series of half-day, hands-on training sessions. We added new material to the user manual and provided additional training in each subsequent implementation phase.

case study: air emissions software training, global chemical company

A world-scale chemical complex upgraded its air emissions management software to a newer version and needed to train environmental staff on its use. Lexicon prepared step-by-step quick reference guides for the most common user tasks. We led hands-on, instructor-led training sessions to familiarize software users with these common tasks.

case study: health & safety training, global chemical company

A chemical company deployed commercial health & safety software to replace a dozen legacy systems. They needed to train end-users in all U.S. facilities. Lexicon staff developed a training plan and training curriculum. We prepared computer-based training (CBT) modules to be used during instructor-led, hands-on training throughout the country. Our staff facilitated some of sessions.

case study: EHS training, commodity chemical company

A chemical company implemented enterprise-wide environmental software and needed to train power users and operations end-users at a large chemical complex. Lexicon staff developed the training plan, curriculum and computer-based training module. We led a series of instructor-led training sessions.