When implementing SAP, choosing the right training strategy is crucial. Should you opt for generic, system-wide training or role-based, tailored learning? The answer depends on your goals but the impact on both users and the business is significant.
Understanding Generic SAP Training
Generic SAP training introduces users to the system’s layout, tools, and standard functions. It’s often used at the beginning of a rollout or during onboarding. This kind of training ensures a consistent understanding of SAP basics across departments.
However, this training lacks business-specific context. Users learn how the system works in theory, but they often struggle to apply that knowledge to their actual responsibilities. It may result in a limited understanding, but rarely provide broad horizon thoughts and performance gains. Your goal, afterall, is to create a SAP vision for your organisation
As noted in the SAP Community, “Insufficient training resources, such as generic training methods, can lead to higher error rates, increased support requests, and lower productivity.”
Impact on Users: Confidence and Competence
The user experience is one of the most overlooked aspects of training. Generic training often leaves users feeling overwhelmed or disengaged. They are shown tools they may never use and left to figure out the rest on their own. Confidence drops, and so does efficiency.
In contrast, role-based training empowers users. They recognize the training applies directly to their responsibilities. They gain hands-on experience with real-life scenarios. This boosts their confidence and encourages faster adoption of the new system.
When users feel supported, they contribute more actively during go-live and beyond. They become confident system users, not just passive participants.
The Power of Role-Based SAP Training
Role-based training focuses on teaching employees how to use SAP in the context of their daily work. Rather than covering the entire system, it zooms in on the functions and processes that matter most to each role.
At iTrain, we help people learn SAP through the lens of their actual job. This means a finance manager learns how to manage budgets and run reports. A warehouse operator learns how to receive goods and manage stock. Training becomes practical, relevant, and immediately useful.
SAP emphasizes the importance of role-based guidance, stating that “SAP Enable Now gives each of your team members the role-based guidance, information and e-learning they need to adopt and adapt to any new technology.”
Business Benefits: Efficiency and ROI
The type of training delivered during an SAP rollout can affect the business on many levels. With generic training, companies often see delayed adoption, lower productivity, and an increase in support requests. This slows down the return on investment and creates resistance to change.
Role-based training reduces these risks. Teams become proficient more quickly. Errors decrease. Productivity improves. Departments collaborate more effectively. The system is used correctly, which ensures better data quality and more reliable business insights.
In short, tailored training helps the business get the full value from its SAP investment, faster.
iTrain’s Approach to Role-Based Learning
At iTrain, we don’t create SAP generalists. We build business specialists who understand how to use SAP to do their job better. We work with companies to understand their processes, structure, and goals. Then we design training that fits each role, department, and location.
This approach also helps change management. Employees see that the business is investing in them, not just in the system. Engagement increases. Trust grows. And the rollout becomes a collaborative success, not just a technical implementation.
Combining Both Training Types for Optimal Results
While role-based training offers greater business value, generic training still plays a part. It provides foundational knowledge that supports the more tailored sessions to follow. A smart training strategy includes both, starting with a system overview, then transitioning into detailed, role-specific learning.
This blended approach keeps users engaged and ensures they have both context and capability.
Effective SAP Training Requires the Right Partner
Training comes with its challenges. But with the right partner, these can be overcome. Whether it’s keeping learners engaged, strengthening client collaboration, or ensuring the right people are in the right sessions, small adjustments can create powerful results.
By planning ahead, communicating clearly, and staying flexible, your training team can deliver high-quality, effective learning experiences that make a lasting difference.
Contact iTrain today to discover how role-based training can transform your SAP rollout and deliver measurable business value.