Home > Articles > Getting to know ACCPAC Advantage Series

Getting to know ACCPAC Advantage Series (Jul 30, 2001) 
new ways to learn the basics

Multimedia Training and Computer Based Training (CBT) are terms that many organizations are already know well. Basically, these terms refer to training delivered via CD’s or other media that offer self-paced and often interactive learning on your computer.

Some industries have developed their own multimedia or CBT programs to help cope with high staff turnover, the specialty aspects of their industries, and the requirement to get their people trained and job-ready in minimum time. Using this technology is an excellent way to learn new software and is a wonderful tool to use when learning ACCPAC.

In the summer of 2000, ACCPAC International released the first of its suite of multimedia training programs. Multimedia training is now available for ACCPAC Advantage series System Manager, General Ledger, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Inventory, Order Entry, and Purchase Orders. Each CD walks you through the basic ACCPAC functions. You can repeat any lesson at any time. At the end of each lesson, you can take an evaluation test to determine your comprehension level regarding the subjects covered.

What are the advantages of these CD’s?  

1.They give you a good overview of the basic functions of ACCPAC allowing you to proceed through each lesson at your own pace and repeat as many times as necessary.

2. They deliver a consistent and professional level of training on basic functions rather than allowing your own employees to “show the others” how the program works where some features may be omitted or interpreted incorrectly.

3. If you are considering classroom training, these CD’s can provide an excellent overview of concepts that may be covered in class. You can also revisit the CD’s to review a function that you do no often use or are thinking of implementing.

4. If you are considering implementing a new ACCPAC system in your company, these CD’s can provide a basic understanding of the key concepts, so time spent with your consultant can be dedicated to more advanced and custom issues.  

5. If you are the type of person who likes to learn on your own, these CD’s give you the opportunity to learn wherever and whenever. If you wake up Sunday morning with your laptop staring at you, you can slip the CD in and learn in your pajamas.

What are the disadvantages?

1. Some people learn best from a one-on-one or classroom environment and there is just no getting around that fact. If you purchase these CD's for someone, make sure they are capable of getting something out of them.

2. The CD's can only be installed on one computer. If you install the CD's on your laptop but your intent is that anyone will be able to access training, they will have to use your laptop to do so. So be sure to install the training CD's on a machine that will be available to the community of people you want to allow access. 

Will these CD’s replace your consultant or trainer? No. They won’t be able to discuss your needs with you or offer the best procedure to follow on the more advanced issues. They won’t get you out of a jam or provide the advice and support of a good consultant. You can’t ask questions to a CD. But they will help you spend your dollars with consultants more wisely and keep costs down on the basics.

These CD's currently retail for $395 (Cdn) per module but can be purchased in bundles for additional savings. For more information or to purchase the training CD's, please contact us.

written by Brenda Zinck, Vice-President at Zinck Computer Group

Back to Articles Index