Software Implementation for SAP (BDEx):

During my time at one of the UK’s “big six” energy suppliers, I was the training lead for the systems & process training for a major software implementation (known as BDEx) on our internal billing system (SAP). This project upgraded our SAP capability and performance across the business at a global scale, which in turn lead to significant customer service improvements,

What did I deliver?

A blended learning programme consisting of online and ILT (instructor led training) content, which was delivered to an audience of over 1300 staff over 80+ sessions across the Midlands and overseas. A first for the company in blended delivery and online assessment, this course set new standards in training design and delivery.

I produced a full range of training documentation, from the initial training needs analysis, to the classroom delivery outputs (trainers notes, session plan, workbooks, handouts etc). In addition I worked with an e-learning developer to build the online content in Articulate Storyline.

Click on the picture below to view a video sample of part of the online content. Please note this was originally designed to be accessed in the classroom environment on a desktop computer and as such will not work on a mobile device.

What job roles did I perform during this project?

• Training lead / project manager
• Senior Training Consultant (leading and designing the training solution)
• Instructional Designer (providing full storyboards to e-learning developer and working with them on alpha and beta versions directly)
• Trainer (delivering a series of train the trainer sessions)

What software did I use?

• Powerpoint (for storyboarding)
• Articulate Storyline
• Paint shop pro
• SAP (internal billing system)

 Who did I work with?

• My team of 8 trainers and 26 subject matter experts (SME’s) across several sites in the West Midlands
• Internal operational managers at various sites
• External business partners (project managers and software developers of the solution)
• External business partners (offshore partners in India)

How did I do it?

• Project-managed the entire training solution, (end to end) across the back-office sites at Stoke and Oldbury, overseeing the training of circa 1325 staff
• Influenced key stakeholders to change direction with their plan, successfully negotiated a more appropriate, mutually beneficial and achievable outcome
• Created and nurtured a project team, identifying key roles, delegating tasks and managing their implementation through all stages of the project
• Created an “SME project pack” to collate expertise from all 26 SME’s (subject matter experts) within BDEx. With a structured walkthrough and ongoing support, I equipped the SME’s to support my design, working directly with them to incorporate their input into an accurate, fit for purpose training solution. This new approach was pivotal to the success of the training
• Designed a unique blended training programme, leveraging the best of both online and in class learning. Many of the sessions combined these methods, with pre-course e-learning to complete, along with e-learning packages to practice with in the classroom supported by an experienced trainer

What was the outcome?

This resulted in productivity increases of 68%, and supported a reduction in staff resource of 132, for more details, see the below infographic:

What did I learn from the project?

This was a great project with lots of opportunity to work with a large variety of people from different parts of the business, different companies and different parts of the country, even other countries! This taught me a lot about project management on a large scale, and is a helpful example to refer back to for how to manage multiple stakeholders. I learned the importance of explaining and demonstrating the benefits your approach can bring, even when not all stakeholders are on board initially! Overall a great success, and this paved the way for further e-learning development and more modern, flexible approaches to learning within the company.

I would be happy to answer any questions you have on this project or any other featured on this site – just get in touch! Please take a look at the rest of my portfolio…

Cheers

Jon