The DAP: A One-Stop Solution for Training and Coaching Employees

A digital adoption platform (DAP) is an automated, digital solution that is ideal training and coaching employees.

Today, employee training is not an option for the modern enterprise.

Faced with a daunting array of digital technology, today’s employees must continually learn new software and workflows.

Unfortunately, many training programs simply can’t keep up.

Traditional training techniques, such as classroom training – or even online training – are practically obsolete when it comes to software training.

To avoid this plateau of endless, inefficient training, it is necessary to adopt innovative training solutions, such as the digital adoption platform (DAP).

The DAP – What It Is and Why It Outperforms Other Training Methods

DAPs are specifically designed to fuel employee training efforts, as well as other user onboarding and training scenarios.

Below, we’ll learn how DAPs work and why they are superior to other training methods.

Key Features and Functions

DAPs are unique digital training solutions, originally pioneered by WalkMe.

These UX layers sit atop their target platform, allowing users to learn directly inside their application.

Core features of DAPs include:

• Contextualized guidance. Contextualized learning refers to learning that takes place within the same context that the information will be applied. In digital software training, contextualized learning means teaching users directly inside their application. This training method performs significantly better than other training approaches.
• In-app walkthroughs. In-app walkthroughs take users one step at a time through a series of tasks. This allows them to learn new workflows without ever consulting a human trainer or watching a video. Even brand new users can learn a task and perform it simultaneously, then get on with their workday.
• Interactive product tours. Product tours are ideal ways to introduce new users to a product. Tours are similar to walkthroughs, but they are designed to simply introduce a product’s feature set to its users. This can help streamline the onboarding process and minimize confusion.
• Software analytics. Naturally, trainers can only improve their training efforts if they can understand them. Analytics offer that insight, by tracking user behavior, exposing errors, and revealing learning opportunities.

When combined, these functions form a powerful training solution that delivers better results that other training approaches … in less time.

Advantages of the DAP Over Other Training Approaches

There are a wide range of benefits to using DAPs for in-house digital training efforts.

Among other things, DAPs help increase employee:

• Engagement
• Confidence
• Self-reliance
• Productivity
• Proficiency
• Loyalty

Of course, the benefits of using DAPs are not limited to employee performance gains. They also generate benefits for the organization itself.

DAPs:

• Are scalable. Most training solutions become more costly and logistically difficult as training needs scale. More trainers, more comprehensive content, and the need to update that content will only add to the difficulty and complexity of scaling a training program.
• Deliver interactive, personalized training. Interactivity and personalization are crucial, because they increase engagement, motivation, and knowledge retention, among other things.
• Operate automatically. Automation allows DAPs to scale easily and efficiently. And users can revisit the same training topics time after time, without ever needing to call on technical support or human trainers.

Ultimately, training and coaching is not just “nice to have” – it is becoming a necessity in the modern organization.

Why Training Matters

Improved employee productivity should be reason enough to invest in DAPs.

However, there are other reasons to invest in robust training programs, such as:

• Improved organizational performance. Organizational performance depends to a large degree on the performance of its employees. Training programs provide employees with the skills they need to stay proficient and productive.
• A seamless and efficient digital workplace. Digital workplace efficiency depends on closing the digital skills gap. Training and coaching employees, of course, is one of the best ways to close that gap and increase efficiency.
• A greater return on software investments. A software’s value is not inherent in the product itself … that value depends on employees’ ability to use it. If employees can use a software application proficiently, and if they are engaged, then they will use software to its fullest extent and deliver a greater ROI.
• An ability to compete and stay relevant in the digital economy. The digital world is continually evolving, which puts pressure on organizations. To stay relevant and competitive, businesses and their workers must continue to adapt, learn, and adopt new technology.

In short, training and coaching employees should not be viewed as a luxury, but as a mission-critical investment that is necessary for survival in the digital economy.

Companies that can train their employees effectively and cost-efficiently will have a workforce that is proficient, productive, and profitable.