Providing a solution to Boots Opticians training challenge

November, 2000

In seeking to upgrade their UNIX based store system with a new Windows NT package, Boots Opticians is currently facing a number of challenges, one of which is the sheer scale of the training involved in familiarising over 4000 staff, at 298 sites across the UK, with the new system. Equally important is to build a solid level of staff confidence prior to roll out, more especially as there will be an overnight system change in each store.

BYG Systems are providing a solution to both challenges, with an interactive multimedia system that has been generating excellent feedback during the initial training.

The training solution uses graphics, video and simulation to make the experience memorable and entertaining. There are five basic processes involved in using the new store system, with which staff must familiarise themselves prior to use in the store environment. Staff can practice these in simulated exercises or view animated screens that take them through the processes step by step. On-screen help is at hand for trainees through the assistance of an animated pair of glasses which guides new users around the system.

A challenge during development of the system was identifying the correct pitch for training. This was overcome with a simplistic, user friendly design which caters for all levels of PC literacy. Trials have been completed on staff who had never used a mouse before, yet who are now competent and confident enough to train their peers.

"This CBT package has provided us with an excellent vehicle to introduce a new system quickly and effectively. Our staff have really risen to the challenge and enjoyed the fact that the training is interactive, allowing them to learn at a pace they can control themselves ", commented John Kenney, Senior Management Development Manager at Boots Opticians.

The development of a learning culture, in which individuals are encouraged to help themselves, is core to Boots Opticians' philosophy. BYG Systems designed the training both to maximise efficient learning and to capture real life situations, in order to build early confidence amongst store staff users.

BYG also designed in-built assessment into the system, to enable staff to monitor their progress. This data capture provides not only the basis for future improvements to the system, but also the capability for solving any individual problems, prior to in-store use.

A major benefit of the training is that the new store operating system can be rolled out quickly across the store chain. Boots Opticians anticipate a smooth transition from the old to the new system, as their staff will have had plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the change.

Catherine Morris, Marketing Executive at BYG Systems explains further: "Multimedia is an ideal training medium for retailers who wish to update systems without disruption to their staff and customers. By simulating the new EPOS system, multimedia will enable Boots Opticians staff to become fully competent users of the system prior to roll out."

For further information please contact
BYG Systems Limited
Telephone: 0115 9252221
email: info@bygsystems.com

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