Work instruction software can make your training operations more efficient and increase productivity, but only if you choose the right software for your employees. While there are several options available on the market, they may not all have the features and capabilities that you need.
To ensure you choose the best digital work instruction software for your business, you need to know exactly what to look for. This article will go over what steps to take and what criteria to consider when looking for work instruction software that works for your company.
1. Understand Your Team's Needs and Workflow
When you search for digital work instruction software, begin by identifying the specific needs of your company. Think about the types of tasks and processes that the software will support. For example, you might need work instructions for field service technicians completing installations. Or your focus might be work instruction software for manufacturing because you’re creating a training program for workers assembling machinery.
If you plan to use the software for training, consider whether it will create a positive learning experience for your team. More specifically, look for work instructions software that prioritizes safety, competency, and efficiency so that your trainees can quickly gain a deep understanding of the material and develop their skills in a hazard-free environment.
To provide quality training for every employee, you’ll also want software that recognizes visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. By using 3D work instructions that allow trainees to see, hear, and interact with the content, you’ll create a more inclusive training program that accommodates each individual’s strengths and needs.
2. Evaluate Feedback Loops for Continuous Improvement
Training programs and work instructions are constantly changing to keep up with advances in your industry and new processes and standards within your organization. They should also reflect the opinions of your stakeholders and trainees. To make sure that happens, choose a software option that tracks user feedback and allows you to respond to it quickly.
Work instructions software that allows you to make real-time or near-real-time updates to your materials is ideal. It allows you to avoid having a lag between receiving comments and implementing changes that address them. This shows your team that you value their views and are committed to providing them with effective digital work instructions.
3. Assess Software Compatibility with Other Systems
One easily overlooked factor to remember about work instruction software is whether you can connect it to your organization’s other applications and systems. This is especially important if your business uses a learning management system (LMS)—a software tool that allows you to create, deliver, track, and report on training courses and programs.
Integrating your digital work instructions into an LMS simplifies the transfer of information and data. This reduces the risk of inconsistencies that could complicate your training, confuse your trainees, or slow down employee ramp time. Outside of training, integrated systems result in a smooth workflow that’s straightforward for your team and more efficient for your business.
4. Embrace Scalability and New Technologies
Imagine where your organization will be in the next decade. It’s likely to look a lot different from today, and you want work instruction software that’s adaptable to the changes your business experiences as it grows.
With that in mind, look for software that has these characteristics:
- Scales easily: Over time, your organization might take on new functions or employ a larger team. Effective software is flexible enough to allow you to offer instructions for additional tasks and expand your deployment to as many employees as necessary.
- Incorporates advanced technologies: Technology is evolving at a lightning-fast pace, so look for work instructions software that can leverage the latest developments. That includes 3D animations, interactive touch screens, and mixed reality, as well as technologies that are just beginning to emerge.
- Includes thorough explanations: To help your employees and contractors follow proper procedures and prevent costly errors, your software needs to offer a nuanced look at the tasks they complete. Find an option that includes detailed diagrams, realistic models, and written and audio instructions.
- Offers mobile access: To allow employees to access their learning materials on the go, seek out software with mobile app support. Mobile access means that employees can use work instructions regardless of whether they’re on the floor of a manufacturing facility or in the field—without having to carry bulky devices or paper instructions.
With these features, the best work instruction software will help you meet your organizational goals. It can also aid in recruiting and retaining younger or more tech-savvy workers.
According to recent research, more than 80% of HR managers believe that high-quality training helps attract and retain top talent, and nearly half of employees say that training opportunities played a part in choosing their current company. Job candidates are more likely to consider working for your company if your work instruction software is versatile, interactive, and based on cutting-edge technologies.
Improve Your Work Instruction Software With BILT
Choosing digital work instruction software can be challenging, especially if your business is used to paper manuals and standard work instructions. At BILT, we aim to make the choice as easy as possible by offering engaging work instruction solutions that offer a streamlined and personalized user experience. BILT focuses on 3D interactive work instructions for mobile devices and 3D immersive instructions geared toward training on Apple Vision Pro.
Our award-winning platform is available in 12 languages and enables user feedback, so your organization can continue to enhance your instructions and training. It’s also an excellent option for off-site learning because it allows employees to download instructions for times when they don’t have WiFi.
Request a demo to see how BILT’s 3D intelligent instructions can transform your work instructions and training program.
