Custom PLM Training Development Part 2: Planning

This blog is Part 2 in our 6-part “Custom PLM Training Development” blog series and addresses what takes place in the Planning stage of a custom PLM training development project. If you didn't get a chance to read Part 1 (or you want to review it again), you can access via the link 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 list below details the planning activities with the client that are typically performed at this stage of the project.

• If applicable, gather existing client training content, standards, and best practices.
• Gather client requirements and preferences on layout and template elements.
• Obtain access to the client’s PLM system (e.g., VPN, remote desktop, etc.).
• Establish a schedule to work with any on-going PLM software customization, implementation, migration, and go-live plans.
• Establish a communication plan (e.g., meeting times and how to store, share, and review materials).
• Create a preliminary curriculum plan.

For example, if eLearning modules are deliverables for the custom training, we would receive client input regarding preferences on the following elements to create the template:

• Screen layout
• Navigation controls
• Background imagery
• Text-to-Speech (TTS) voices
• Software simulation configuration

Depending on the client’s needs, a preliminary curriculum plan is created as an outcome of this Planning stage. An example template of the “Curriculum by Role Matrix” is shown below. The modules and roles are listed with # representing the training time for each module (or chapter/topic) and different colors representing the software or app used for the module.

The Storyboard Development and Review stage can begin in parallel to the template planning and development.  Part 3 of this blog series will cover the Storyboard Development and Review stage of the project.

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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