Episode Description:
How well do you or your team really understand your building automation system? More importantly, how much of that knowledge actually sticks? In this episode, we focus on you, the building automation professional, and the real-world impact that training can have on system performance, efficiency, and career growth.
Effective training isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about making sure it’s understood, retained, and applied in the field. Whether you're training your internal team or your customers, the right approach can mean the difference between frustration and success.
In this episode, we explore:
- The surprising truth about learning retention and how to make training stick
- Why different generations and learning styles require different training approaches
- The hidden ROI of a well-trained workforce: fewer support calls, better system performance, and stronger client relationships
- How to engage technicians and end users with hands-on learning, real-world scenarios, and interactive training
- The biggest mistakes that lead to information overload and how to avoid them
If you’ve ever struggled with training effectiveness or wondered how to build a smarter, more capable team, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover practical insights you can apply right away to enhance your training programs and improve BAS adoption.
Click here to download or listen to this episode now.Podcast Video
Empowering Users: Effective Training for Building Automation Systems
Training in building automation systems is not just about delivering information. It is about ensuring that knowledge is understood, retained, and applied in real-world scenarios. Whether you are training an internal team or helping customers navigate their systems, the right approach makes all the difference. In this blog post, we will explore the key elements of effective training and how they can impact performance, efficiency, and user confidence.
Understanding Learning Retention and Styles
Not all training methods are equally effective. Studies show that people retain only a small percentage of what they hear in lectures, while hands-on practice and teaching others lead to much higher retention rates. Successful training programs incorporate a mix of methods to ensure that learners remember and apply the material.
Different people also learn in different ways. Some learners absorb information best through visual aids like diagrams and videos, while others benefit more from discussions or hands-on experience. Recognizing and adapting to these different learning styles can make training sessions more effective.
The Importance of Training in Building Automation
Building automation systems are becoming more complex, integrating HVAC, lighting, security, energy management, and even AI technologies. Without proper training, users may struggle to fully utilize their systems, leading to inefficiencies, unnecessary maintenance calls, and frustration.
Effective training provides several benefits, including:
- Improved system performance by ensuring that users can leverage all features correctly
- Fewer maintenance issues as trained users can handle minor troubleshooting on their own
- Higher user satisfaction and confidence, leading to better system adoption
- Maximized return on investment as users can operate their systems efficiently and prevent costly mistakes
Customer Training vs Internal Training
Training customers on their building automation systems is different from training internal teams. Customers need to understand basic operations such as adjusting setpoints, managing schedules, and responding to alarms. They benefit from hands-on training that allows them to practice using their system in real-world scenarios. Training sessions should be concise, focused, and free from excessive technical jargon.
Internal training for technicians should go deeper into advanced technical skills such as programming logic, network configurations, and troubleshooting. This training should incorporate real-world problem-solving exercises, safety protocols, and cybersecurity awareness. Encouraging peer-to-peer learning and providing ongoing training opportunities helps technicians stay up to date with system updates and industry changes.
Effective Training Methods for Better Retention
There are several proven techniques for making training more effective:
- Hands-on learning through interactive labs and role-playing exercises helps reinforce knowledge
- A blended learning approach that combines online courses with in-person sessions allows for flexibility
- Gamification, such as quizzes and challenges, makes learning more engaging and interactive
- Providing ongoing support through refresher courses, webinars, and knowledge-sharing communities ensures continuous learning
Overcoming Common Training Challenges
Some of the biggest challenges in training include information overload, diverse skill levels, and resistance to change. To address these issues:
- Break complex topics into small, digestible lessons
- Offer different learning tracks for beginners and advanced users
- Show the benefits of new technologies and provide real-world success stories
- Reinforce learning through spaced repetition and interactive exercises
Conclusion
Training in building automation is not just about teaching technical skills. It is about empowering users to confidently operate, troubleshoot, and optimize their systems. Whether you are a technician looking to enhance your expertise or a company aiming to improve customer satisfaction, investing in effective training strategies will lead to better results.
For more insights into training methods and best practices, listen to the full episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast.
