Case Study: Microsoft SharePoint Training
Retendo delivers SharePoint training to users across seven sites in four countries for Europe’s largest manufacturer of gluten-free food
Background
The Dr Schär Group is Europe’s largest manufacturer of gluten-free foods. With four major brands (Glutafin, Dietary Specials, Trufree and Schär) available in 27 countries, manufacturing sites in Germany, an administrative centre in Luxemburg and headquarters in Italy, the group is truly a global organisation.
Traditionally the disparate nature of the workforce had been a hindrance to the success of large, group-wide projects, such as new product development and packaging design. As a result Dr Schär chose to implement Microsoft SharePoint to improve collaboration and integration between the various business units.
The introduction of Microsoft SharePoint enabled the Dr Schär to re-model several inefficient business processes. With SharePoint becoming an integral part of day-to-day working practices, it was essential that each employee was comfortable with the new system. In addition to this end-user training requirement, there was also a need to train ‘power-users’, with design rights, within each function or business unit.
The training challenge
Dr Schär needed to train over 50 SharePoint end-users, and 15 power-users, across seven sites in four countries.
Dr Schär were insistent on consistently high quality training across all geographies and business functions. Classroom sessions seemed to be the most appropriate route but the impact of taking large numbers of the employees out of work to train was too significant. In addition the quality of the training available fluctuated from country to country and, in some places, was none-existent.
With limited spend available the travel costs and hotel bills alone would have taken the project over-budget.
Retendo’s solution
Retendo delivered a bespoke training solution which was designed using the GEAR methodology:
- (G)ATHER –live instructor-led classes, delivered online
- (E)XPAND: self-paced work using reference books
- (A)PPLY: practice what you have learnt at your own pace using virtual labs
- (R)ECEIVE FEEDBACK: student assessments, explanations and guidance
The training programme consisted of two courses (or two GEAR cycles):
- End-user training
- Power-user training
Each employee began by completing the end-user course. The designated power-users began the second course as soon as they had finished the end-user training.
The end-user training began with an instructor-led session. A Microsoft Certified Trainer, with vast real-world experience, delivered two-hour classes online.
Students then moved onto the self-paced elements of the training. Using reference books, they expanded upon the theoretical knowledge learnt in the online session. The theory was then put into action using a Retendo SharePoint training environment: a live dummy SharePoint site accessed through the web. This facility allowed students to practice activities such as creating a ‘team site’, checking documents in and out, or adding web parts to a SharePoint page without impacting the live Dr Schär site. Being able to practice on SharePoint without the fear of making irreparable mistakes was a key to success of this programme.
Each cycle of instructor lesson, reading and practice was followed by a short assessment which made sure that each employee understood the new SharePoint system. The results were relayed back to management for them to review the effectiveness of the training.
The training for power users was extended. They learnt to carry out site administrative tasks such as setting site permissions and page customisation. This programme followed the same methodology as that used for the end-user training, using a mix of instructor training, reference, practical exercises on the training site and assessments.
Retendo’s solution ensured that:
- Students learnt more – by combining theoretical lessons and practical application, GEAR training ensures that delegates gain more knowledge and skills. Brain overload and boredom were avoided by allowing students to move at their own pace.
- Business disruption minimised – because staff could learn in the workplace, and that sessions were delivered at convenient times (early in the morning, out of work hours and lunchtimes), there was minimal disruption to day-to-day business and zero downtime.
- Costs remained low – online delivery meant that Dr Schär didn’t incur any travel costs
- Disparate teams learnt together – employees from all over Europe could attend sessions simultaneously
The outcomes
SharePoint is now fully operational within Dr Schär. It has enabled the company to be more productive and collaborative. The launch went smoothly and staff continue to use the system with ease.
Retendo’s training programme enabled employees to gain skills that they required with minimal disruption to their working day. The cost of the training was significantly lower than traditional classroom methods, so the project was completed within budget.
What the customer says
“Retendo’s solution was the only one that could guarantee consistent high quality for all my staff” says Bob Trice, Glutafin Global Director. He went on to say “I liked the fact that members of Glutafin Italy and Glutafin UK attended the same classes. SharePoint is all about improving teamworking and collaboration and I felt that the training was an extension of this. The fact that the instructor was fluent in both Italian and English was a cherry on the cake!”