Software training has become a non-negotiable part of today’s workplace, whether you work in finance and accounting or sit firmly on the “tech” side of the business. The fast-paced technology landscape has intensified the pressure on professionals to master new tools and complex system configurations in shorter timeframes. As a result, many business leaders turn to on-demand training for its flexibility, cost efficiency, and self-paced approach.
Read more: 4 Most Effective Training & Development Methods for Finance Professionals
However, an often-unexpected challenge remains. Many employees still struggle to use software confidently, even after spending 20 minutes or more watching an instructor navigate a complex system configuration. This underscores a critical gap between learning and real-world application.
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What is on-demand training?
For learning to translate into performance, training materials must:
- Reflect real-world business scenarios
- Be delivered through engaging interfaces
- And offer hands-on practice
Without these factors, software training remains ineffective and eventually becomes a waste of money.
On-demand training is a strategy that emphasizes active, interactive, and problem-solving learning. Just as it is referred to as just-in-time or asynchronous learning, it enables learners to take greater ownership of their development by accessing training courses whenever and wherever it is convenient.
Why do businesses choose on-demand training for software training?
Such a flexible approach is well-suited to software training. As modern business software evolves at a breakneck speed, employees are expected to keep up with new features and configuration changes. On-demand training supports this by giving learners immediate access to relevant guidance exactly when challenges arise.
In addition, on-demand training programs are commonly delivered through a microlearning model, which breaks content into small, repeatable modules. This allows learners to focus on specific functions or workflows and revisit content as needed. Therefore, they don’t have to spend time on topics they already know, which helps them avoid information overload.
From an organizational perspective, on-demand training also supports more efficient use of training budgets. It eliminates costs associated with traditional instructor-led programs, such as travel, accommodations, facilities, and human resources, while ensuring employees still get the adequate training they need.
Key challenges of software training
1. Mismatch between training videos and real workplace systems
One of the key reasons software training often falls short is the “ideal scenario” problem. Many training videos only demonstrate perfect workflows without errors. However, real-world conditions are far more complex. Unexpected data issues, system delays, and warning messages frequently disrupt even familiar tasks.
When training fails to reflect these realities, employees are left unsure how to respond, turning minor issues into major blockers and slowing overall productivity.
Read more:The 4-Step Guide on How To Measure Corporate Training Effectiveness
2. Lacking a safe practice space
Learning must go hand in hand with practice, as real understanding only develops through hands-on use. Yet, this is where the fear of making mistakes emerges. Practicing directly in live systems can feel risky, as a single wrong action may lead to real consequences. Therefore, many hesitate to explore or test different features. Instead, they choose the safest option by strictly following instructions or watching without practicing. Over time, this behaviour prevents employees from building real confidence in using the software.
3. Passive consumption
Software training can be dry and repetitive for many learners. Beyond hands-on practice, training that lacks interactive elements to stimulate engagement, such as quizzes, checkpoints, or scenario-based challenges, quickly loses its impact. Learners slip into a “watching mode” instead of active learning. This one-sided, passive knowledge consumption can make even well-structured content fail to stick, limiting knowledge retention and practical software skills.
4. Lacking customised learning paths
Another explanation for ineffective software training is the choice of training platform. Many take a “one-size-fits-all” approach, offering the same course bundles to every employee regardless of their role. Learners may end up overwhelmed by irrelevant information to their position, while missing key functions or skills they need to perform their work well.
The challenge of keeping up with the rapid technological change
This is perhaps the most challenging puzzle for business leaders when choosing on-demand software training programs. Technology moves fast, and software rolls out updates and features regularly. However, many on-demand training libraries are static and struggle to keep pace. Employees may find it harder to apply what they have learned, which reduces adoption and limits the value of new software features.
How TRG Academy can help businesses mitigate these challenges
Built on over 30 years of experience in solution deployment, maintenance, and user training for customers, TRG Academy delivers specialized end-user training for market-leading solutions, including Infor SunSystems, Infor OS, Infor EPM, and more.
Our approach addresses the core challenges of software training through:
- Hands-on practice: Learners build fundamental skills through intuitive exercises in simulated environments, allowing them to practice confidently without risking live systems.
- Interactive learning: Quizzes, completion badges, certifications, and practical handouts keep learners engaged while reinforcing key knowledge and providing quick-reference resources.
- Curated learning paths: We eliminate the “one-size-fits-all approach” by providing role-based learning paths for specific roles, ensuring learners access only the courses most relevant to their day-to-day responsibilities.
- Expert-led, up-to-date content: Our courses are crafted by consultants who implement these systems globally. We constantly update the library to keep up with new software releases, so your team’s skills never become obsolete.
Read more:Streamline Training for End-Users of Infor Solutions with TRG Academy
Check out our library of courses and drafted learning paths for different end-user profiles by downloading the TRG Academy brochure today!
In short, on-demand training holds clear promise for software learning, but flexibility alone is not enough. To turn training into a real return on investment, learners not only need well-crafted training content but also hands-on practice, interactive learning experiences, and access to training that reflects real business scenarios. By addressing these gaps, businesses can turn on-demand training from a cost-saving option into a practical way to build confidence, encourage adoption, and develop real, long-term software skills.
