Training Matrix Software
A training matrix for employees is a tool that maps the skills that employees have to the skills they need to succeed in their roles. The simplest form of a training matrix is a spreadsheet that lists employees on one axis and skills on the other. At each cell intersection, you can note whether employees have that skill and some indication of the level at which they have mastered the skill.
Then, you can start tying other information to the matrix: What training it would take to acquire the skill? When and where should that training be available? When should employees complete training? Organizations can also make the matrix available as an online training matrix with visibility, as needed, through the organization. It’s easy to imagine all sorts of functionality that could be stuffed into a training matrix spreadsheet. It should also be noted that an ordinary Excel spreadsheet can be overloaded by the amount of information and flexibility that’s demanded of it.
That’s why a company that’s serious about employee skill development needs to consider training matrix software. Rather than expend the time, money, and effort to maintain and coordinate multiple spreadsheets, they can use software to integrate training and skills information in one, accessible location. Vendors that provide training matrix software have invested the effort and gained experience in skills tracking. They have anticipated and resolved many of the issues you can expect to eventually face in a homegrown training matrix. This means that training matrix software provides not only the functionality you know you’ll need but also includes features that you may find important as you move forward.
Training Management Software
Training matrix software is a key element in any training management system (TMS). The best training management software provides a number of features to help organizations with maintaining training records in the workplace. For example:
- It provides training record software that tells everyone at a glance which employees have which skills and have received which training.
- It makes training and skills information readily available to everyone who needs it. It provides relevant views for managers, employees, training developers, and recruiters.
- It can be easily and centrally updated on an ongoing basis.
- It supports the development and tracking of new training related to new skills.
- It includes a learning management system that supports the development of employee training plans as well as the scheduling of employee training.
Employee training management software stores vital information that may have previously been scattered throughout the organization or in some cases may not have existed at all. Once training management software, including a training matrix, has been put in place, your company has taken a step forward in managing employee skills development. It becomes readily apparent who has what skills and what skills are either lacking or in abundant supply throughout the organization. For many companies, this will be the first time they’ve had a genuinely good overall look at employee competencies and opportunities for skills development. It’s the springboard for the development of a company-wide skills development effort.