Custom PLM Training Development Part 1: Initiation / Proposal / Kickoff

This blog is the first in a 6-part blog series on “Custom PLM Training Development”. The series of blogs steps you through the process of how we work with our clients who are interested in a customized PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) training program. Goals for customized PLM training programs typically include tailoring the material to a company’s environment, best practices, and processes. Being trained using the company’s environment on concepts that end-users need to know versus those that are nice to know helps make users more productive after training. We have applied the same development process for projects regardless of the PLM/PDM software, such as PTC’s Windchill products, Dassault Systèmes’ ENOVIA V6 and 3DEXPERIENCE platforms, Bentley’s ProjectWise software, and Autodesk’s Vault Professional and Fusion 360 Manage products.

Each blog in the series addresses a stage of the training development as shown in the diagram below. As each blog is released, they will be available here:

1. Initiation/Proposal/Kickoff
2. Planning
3. Storyboard Development and Review
4. Module (or Chapter) Development
5. Review, Publish and Delivery of Final Deliverables
6. Follow-up Activities

The Initiation/Proposal/Kickoff stage addresses how to begin the process of developing a custom PLM training program.

Below are topics we discuss with a client during the initial call for estimating the scope and cost of the project for proposal purposes. We also typically share samples of generic projects.

• Project objectives and scope of training program (e.g., CAD and/or non-CAD Document Management, Project Management, PLM software/apps and Engineering Change Management processes to be covered, etc.)
• Target audience (e.g., CAD users, non-CAD users, PLM experience).
• Roles (e.g., Design Engineer, Approver, Casual User, Project Manager, etc.).
• Deliverables (e.g., printed manual, ebook, eLearning modules, videos, interactive simulations, knowledge checks/quizzes, curriculum plan, etc.)
• Delivery methods (e.g., instructor-led, self-paced eLearning using in-house Learning Management System (LMS) or hosted LMS, blended learning, etc.).
• Translation requirements.

Once the information is received, the costs are estimated, and the Statement of Work (SOW) created. Once the Statement of Work is approved the Kickoff meeting is scheduled. An example Agenda for the Kickoff meeting is shown in the image below.

I hope that gives you an idea what takes place in the first stage of a Custom PLM Training development project. In my next blog, I will discuss the Planning stage.

Interested in having a discussion about your PLM Documentation needs? Please reach out: info@rand.com.

About the Author

Product Lead – Learning Content Development<br><br>Barb's primary responsibilities include the design, development, and project management of courseware for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) products such as Autodesk Vault, Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle, ENOVIA V6, and PTC Windchill. Her work also involves the development of custom training that is designed and configured to an organization’s specific environment, processes, and roles. Barb is a Professional Engineer and holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and trained in Instructional Design.

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