The Benefits of a Symitar Episys ELearning Training Program by Dr. Linda Eagle
in Finance / Banking (submitted 2010-12-22)
The Symitar Episys system is by far the most popular and widely used electronic transactions processing systems used by credit unions around the world today. To date, over 500 credit unions have utilized the benefits of the Episys system and the number of clients is still growing. As Episys continues to gain momentum in the credit union industry, it has become increasingly important for credit union staff to be trained on how to use this system.
The success of the teller line depends upon knowledgeable tellers who are able to quickly and accurately process transactions. Therefore, credit unions using Episys must ensure that both new and existing tellers are adequately trained on how to use the system so that they can concentrate on providing great service to their members. In order to accomplish this, credit unions must implement interactive training programs that both simulate the Episys system and accommodate the individual learning needs of their tellers. The key to ensuring that each credit union employee is adequately trained on Episys is through the implementation of an eLearning training program.
What Is Episys?
Episys, a core processing software application, is classified as a fully integrated and intuitive system platform that can be used by a credit union to manage its member base and process transactions. The system features access to industry business intelligence information and profitability, retail delivery, electronic funds transfers, Internet banking, risk management and security, and item and document imaging solutions. Episys is Internet-integrated, deploying browser-based technology, "drag and drop" transaction functionality, user-friendly toolbars and wizard-based assistance to its users.
Recent studies show that Episys is automating more credit unions with assets exceeding $25 million, making it one of the largest credit union systems providers. In order for tellers to become knowledgeable experts in the Symitar Episys system, they must participate in comprehensive training programs. Due to the important role that tellers play in credit unions, this training should be considered the main priority for credit unions that are currently using, or are thinking about implementing the Episys system.
Streamlining Productivity with eLearning Training
With proper training, Episys is extremely easy for credit union tellers to navigate and use to accomplish their daily job responsibilities, ultimately streamlining productivity at the credit union. The most effective method of Episys training is through a simulations-based eLearning training program. ELearning provides students with an efficient format that is not only easy to understand, but easy to access, as it can be delivered anytime, anywhere and on almost any computer. Employees can participate in training at the institution, on their work computers, or at home on a personal computer. ELearning training is also portable, meaning the student can begin their Episys training at work and then finish it at home, if needed. Additionally, students have the option of beginning a program in the morning and coming back to it in the afternoon or even the next day.
ELearning Promotes Knowledge Retention
When training for Episys, an effective eLearning program should introduce the system's information to tellers in a methodical and efficient manner by using a process which aids in knowledge retention. The Observe, Practice, Demonstrate Model, for example, provides three separate learning stages to instruct and then test understanding of the procedures and system:
• Observe. Observing the information through overviews of the system will help familiarize tellers with the screens, fields, buttons and other information that they will need to complete a transaction at the credit union.
• Practice. Giving tellers a chance to practice the transactions they have just observed is a great way to reinforce key learning points. This stage of the learning process is helpful when guiding tellers through all steps of a transaction.
• Demonstrate. Tellers should then be presented with a scenario of a typical customer transaction. This opportunity will give tellers a chance to demonstrate what they have learned, by attempting to complete the transaction on their own.
When skills and concepts are practiced and reviewed, they become an integrated part of the learner's developing skill set and increase the comfort level and confidence in using tools, processes and knowledge in the workplace. Tellers that are trained according to this model will build a sense of familiarity with the programs they will be using daily, and will be able to assist members quickly and process their transactions accurately. The end result is more knowledgeable tellers and more satisfied credit union members.
Benefits of Using Symitar Episys eLearning Training
Through training, credit union tellers will learn the Symitar Episys system and familiarize themselves with the common transactions they will encounter each day on the job. Credit unions that provide eLearning training for their tellers will experience the following benefits:
• Standardization. One of the greatest benefits of offering compliance training in an eLearning format is the standardization and control that it provides. With eLearning, the financial institution can ensure that the content covered in the training is the same each time the student takes the program. Most eLearning programs offer a tangible element that learners can use as a reference guide, or learners can use the program itself as a resource after they complete the training.
• Customization. The specific material contained in custom compliance training includes information about the institution, as well as the compliance knowledge that is required by each individual employee's role. For example, eLearning training can be customized to include logos and colors to reflect the branding of the credit union, as well as their nomenclature, policies and procedures.
• Auditability. ELearning training is often accompanied by a Learning Management System (LMS). LMSs are designed for the administration, distribution, documentation, tracking and reporting of educational programs. While the LMS carries out various functions, the most important is its ability to audit the training on an individual and organization-wide basis.
• Low cost. The Return on Investment (ROI) associated with eLearning is much higher than classroom training. When employees receive appropriate and adequate training they will increase their productivity and in turn, increase overall profit for the institution. Time and money spent on providing a customized and engaging eLearning Episys training program is money well-spent, and will result in a higher rate of return for the institution in the long-term.
Final Word
Symitar Episys is quickly becoming the standard in credit union transaction processing software. In order for both new and existing tellers to be prepared for Episys use and conversion, proper training programs must be implemented. It is vital for credit unions to understand that effective Episys training programs begin with eLearning training. By taking advantage of such technological innovations to continually improve productivity and operating efficiencies, credit unions will remain leaders in the financial industry and satisfy customers. Symitar Episys is a dependable technology, and through training, will ultimately boost teller productivity and streamline production.
