TRAINING


We at Software Techniques, Inc. believe in training for the end-users as the best way to provide a seamless transition for the office from the old system to the new. We teach in four basic modes: classroom, workshops, on-the job, and web demos. Both CUSTOMCAMA and CAMATOOLS incorporate a highly effective and successful training program that ensures a full understanding of our application. However, the training plan differs slightly depending on whether you have decided upon CUSTOMCAMA or CAMATOOLS.

The CUSTOMCAMA solution includes a fully customized training schedule accompanied with training materials. We tailor the schedule and materials on the customization done during the conversion process. It incorporates a combination of all training delivery methods and focuses on all areas of CUSTOMCAMA.

CAMATOOLS supplies a turnkey system that includes an effective training program designed and delivered by Software Techniques, Inc. The training is standardized as part of our off-the-shelf product. You may also incorporate additional training on an "a-la-carte" basis.

Classroom Based Training
STI uses a classroom setting to present Introductory material to the most number of people at one time. This training includes how to navigate through windows, how to log in, how to select your database, and common core features. This training may also include an overview of all application features including other interfaces, such as the web interface, the property record interface, personal property, audit trail, real estate, etc. Classroom training is designed to expose you to concepts and provide demonstrations thus building a foundation for other types of training.

Use-Case Training/Workshops
Use-case Training requires that we first learn how specific sets of users expect to use the system to perform their jobs and then develop targeted training for those tasks. We use a workshop setting for this training so we can bring work directly off the users' desks and perform it on the new system. This training method has proven most beneficial in helping users overcome their fear of a new system much faster. These workshops also help STI understanding how to improve the system and speed up specific tasks. For example, we redesigned our Split a Parcel action after one of these workshops.

On the Job Training
Our most effective training has proven to be our “on-the-job training.” Even with formal classroom training and workshops, users are often stressed as new systems go into production and they attempt to balance learning a new system with remaining productive. To ease this transition, our instructors and technical personnel will work with you at your desks and help you get your job done. During this time, you learn shortcuts as well as how to deal with special cases. We recommend data entry be phased in during the first weeks to enable issues to be worked out, one group at a time. Usually this training requires a few trainers to remain on-site for a couple of weeks, moving from department to department.

WebCasts
Webcasts provide a cost effective way to conduct additional training. We provide fully interactive training classes over the Internet. We can transfer control of the demonstration from our office to you. This ensures that all your questions are answered and that all users see the same information. This unique way of providing training can considerably cut costs. In addition, classes can be recorded and replayed at a later time. STI also provides standardized training via this method.

Off-Site Training
For advanced users or technical personnel, we offer training in our facility in Orlando, FL. This gives you better access to development staff and technical resources, which may not be available at a client site. We can crash a database and restore it, create errors in the system and explore diagnostic procedures, work with developers on writing and deploying new reports, etc. We provide this type of training for staff who may be called on to provide the first level of support. The prices we quote for this type of training does not include room/tax/food/flight rates for the individuals attending training in Orlando.

Third Party Tools Training
For third party tools, such as Crystal Reports, IQ Query, and Microsoft Access, we conduct workshops and some classroom instruction. For example, while we can teach topics that range from the basics of SQL through advanced query functions, to become an expert requires training beyond the scope of what we can effectively offer. We recommend classes taught at local colleges and other training companies to teach advanced functions and database design. Our training goal for third party products is to help users become proficient in using the tools to get their jobs done.

Refresher Courses
Because many people forget some of the training they first received; we anticipate some refresher courses to remind them of some of the advanced functions. Typically, we include this training with support and it takes place only after you have become comfortable and fluent with the basic system features. Once again, we also use refresher courses as an opportunity to learn about new features desired by our clients.

Training Classes by Title
The following list itemizes some of the training classes offered by Software Techniques. Again, for a customized project, STI may develop additional classes specifically for your users and some of the classes listed below may not be required. We develop our training based on the enhancements you request as well as all the features common to all systems.

Typical Training Classes:

• Basics
• Audit Trail
• Buildings Workflow
• Condominiums· Exemptions
• Real Estate Inquiry Class (To include: Valuing Improvements, sales and deeds)
• Tangible Inquiry Class
• Permits
• Sales Ratio
• Splits and Joins
• Workflow Processing
• Report Processing
• Commercial Properties
• Income approach workshop
• Multiple Regression Modeling