Training large numbers of users is often a daunting and challenging process, especially as there are so many different techniques, tools and training methods at your disposal. Many companies still use traditional classroom-based training effectively, and the “human touch” and group interaction capabilities are often seen as advantageous.

There are disadvantages of this approach however, which include trying to get geographically dispersed workers together for training, or those that work shift patterns or part time hours. The lack of hands-on experience can also be a huge obstacle, and if there is a large gap between the training class and the introduction of the new system, skill or process, the training can often be forgotten.

Thanks to the constant introduction of new technologies we now have many options to consider when delivering learning.

npower, one of the UK’s leading energy companies faced a major training challenge when they migrated their mission-critical enterprise systems to SAP and had 4,500 people of differing abilities to train on the new system. Because Npower had no digital training capabilities and no functional learning management system in place, everyone had to be trained in classrooms using a training client.

Using this traditional approach, training costs were very high for the SAP deployment. The training client cost millions to build and maintain, and they had a team of more than 140 trainers at one point, which was also a major cost centre for the project. Although the SAP training project was eventually completed successfully, npower knew that for future projects they needed to find a new, more efficient, cost-effective way to deliver systems training on an ongoing basis, whilst also delivering a better training experience for new members of staff.

npower revolutionised their training approach by introducing cloning technology to the business. They created lifelike clones of their SAP application screens which behave and react exactly like the live system. This provides users with a highly interactive training environment and allows them to experience hands-on training, whilst reducing the reliance on classroom training events and the associated high cost system infrastructure.

Andy Hurren FLPI, Head of Learning at npower said “by cloning the core SAP applications and building training modules that guide end-users through key tasks and processes, the training modules look and feel exactly the same as the live SAP application, which means team members can learn by doing”.

By replacing traditional classroom training with immersive cloning technology, npower has dramatically reduced training costs and times, while also enhancing the learning experience for staff and providing internal development opportunities. 

They have benefited from:

• Cost savings of £3 million vs. traditional training client
• New starter on boarding reduced from 33 days to 18 days
• New training programmes delivered with 80% less staff
• Enhanced learning experience and accelerated system uptake using blended eLearning
• Training content updated quickly and easily to reflect changes in the live system
• Dramatically reduced support required for dyslexic users
• Being awarded the 5th most improved company in the UK for customer service.