eLearning as the solution

Companies want value from the software they buy. When considering a software purchase, this question always comes up — “Will I ever figure this software out and realize the value that I am hoping for?” Online learning, or eLearning, is the path to answering both of these questions with a “Yes”. Increasingly, universities and colleges are offering degree, diploma and certificate programs completely online via onscreen tutorials. Convenience is a big reason for this. Students simply log into their computer and can study from their office or home. Courses can be completed on their own schedule. Let’s explore some real-life advantages of eLearning.

With complex R&D software for a business, often a bigger question is, “Is it user-friendly?”

Client satisfaction & Staff Turnover

eLearning should exist for virtually all software, including plant breeding software. Support and client satisfaction should be priority to every software company. Online tutorials is the new standard in software support. Tutorials are the answer to a variety of ROI-related issues, including staff turnover.

New staff have to learn the system and be productive yet it is not always convenient or possible for them to learn from existing staff. This is where online learning comes in. They simply create an online account and start learning at their own pace. It’s of huge value to the company.

In my work, I get to help provide this learning experience to breeders through our online tutorials for plant breeding software. Certainly, online tutorials has proven to be the most effective way to ensure clients and prospects can access the learning tools they need conveniently, quickly and all the time.

Cost effectiveness for increased ROI

Finally, there’s a cost benefit. Instead of sending staff to training courses — which means course fees plus travel and lodging — online tutorials provide an affordable alternative.

Of course, in-person training courses are still hugely valuable. However, when breeders use online tutorials to learn the basic functionalities, they have more focused questions and experience less information overload. After the in-person teaching, these tutorials help to reinforce and expand on what they learned.

Software is an investment, and online learning is the tool to get you the best ROI.

Originally published in Seed World Insiders December 2016. Edited & re-released November 2021.

Christopher Leonard has been President of Agronomix Software since 2017.

Agronomix is the leading plant breeding software company with hundreds of clients across 40 countries. Their current product, Genovix®, is used by companies, government and non-profit organisations as well as universities.