A technology stack audit is a process of evaluating the software and hardware systems used by an organization. It involves examining the existing technology infrastructure to identify any potential risks or inefficiencies. The goal of a technology stack audit is to ensure that the technology used by an organization is effective and efficient. The success of any business depends heavily on its ability to keep its employees trained and up-to-date with the latest technology. A technology stack audit is a crucial step in ensuring that the technology infrastructure used for employee training remains effective and efficient. It is a comprehensive assessment of the software, hardware, and platforms used by the business to deliver training to its frontline employees.

Why is a technology stack audit important for frontline employee training?

Frontline employees are the backbone of any business. They are the ones who are in direct contact with customers, and their performance can have a significant impact on the success of the business. To ensure that frontline employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge, it is essential to provide them with adequate training. A technology stack audit can help identify any gaps in the existing technology infrastructure that may hinder the effectiveness of frontline employee training.

The importance of a technology stack audit cannot be overstated. It helps businesses to identify areas where their technology infrastructure may be lacking and where it needs improvement. This, in turn, enables the business to provide better training to its frontline employees, which can improve their productivity and overall job satisfaction.

Here are the steps involved in performing a technology stack audit for frontline employee training:

  1. Identify Training Needs: The first step in performing a technology stack audit is to identify the training needs of your frontline employees. This may involve reviewing your current training programs, conducting surveys, and speaking with your employees to determine what they need to know to perform their jobs more effectively.
  2. Evaluate the Existing Technology Infrastructure: Once you have identified the training needs, the next step is to evaluate the existing technology infrastructure used for employee training. This may include identifying the software, hardware, and platforms used, as well as the current training methods and delivery mechanisms.
  3. Identify Gaps: After evaluating the existing technology infrastructure, the next step is to identify any gaps that exist between the current technology infrastructure and the training needs of your employees. This may involve identifying areas where the technology is outdated, where new technology is needed, or where the current technology is not being used to its full potential.
  4. Develop a Plan: Based on the identified gaps, the next step is to develop a plan to address them. This may involve upgrading existing technology, introducing new technology, or reevaluating current training methods and delivery mechanisms.
  5. Implement the Plan: Finally, it's time to implement the plan. This may involve purchasing and installing new hardware and software, updating existing systems, or providing additional training to your employees.

Remember to consider each use case for frontline employee training when conducting a tech stack audit

What training use cases should you consider when conducting a frontline employee training audit?

When conducting a technology stack audit for employee training, it is important to consider various use cases that may impact the effectiveness of the training program. One such use case is Just In Time (JIT) training for Limited Time Offers (LTOs). This includes evaluating the existing training methods and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Another use case is corrective action training where employees workshop issues as part of their training. This requires assessing if the current technology infrastructure allows for effective communication and collaboration between employees during these workshops.

Language barriers can also pose a challenge during Back of House (BOH) training. It is important to identify any gaps in the technology infrastructure that may prevent effective language translation or communication.

Food safety and compliance is another important use case that requires auditing what needs to be improved. This involves assessing the existing technology infrastructure to ensure that employees have access to the necessary training and resources to maintain compliance with food safety standards.

Cross training is another important use case that should be considered during a technology stack audit. This involves assessing if the current technology infrastructure supports cross-functional training and if employees have access to the necessary resources to develop new skills.

Brand and culture training is also an important use case that should be evaluated during a technology stack audit. This involves assessing if the current technology infrastructure allows for effective delivery of brand and culture training, and if employees have access to the necessary resources to understand and embrace the company's values.

New Store Openings (NSOs) is another use case that requires evaluating if the current technology infrastructure supports effective training for new locations, and if employees have access to the necessary resources to successfully open and run a new restaurant.

Train the Trainer programs, also known as Ambassador programs, require a technology infrastructure that allows for effective communication and collaboration between trainers and trainees. This includes assessing if the current technology infrastructure supports remote training and if trainers have access to the necessary resources to deliver effective training.

Finally, leadership training is an important use case that requires evaluating the existing technology infrastructure to ensure that leaders have access to the necessary training and resources to effectively lead their teams. Overall, a technology stack audit should consider all of these use cases to ensure that the technology infrastructure is effective and efficient for employee training.

All of those printouts come from somewhere, right? Be sure to include your knowledge base and any drives and file storage technology you are currently using for training content in your tech stack audit.

Examples of technology that may be included in a technology stack audit for frontline employee training include:

  1. Learning Management Systems (LMS): An LMS is a software application used to deliver, manage, and track employee training programs. It can include features such as course creation, content delivery, tracking and reporting, and certification management.
  2. Mobile Devices: Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets can be used to deliver training content to employees on-the-go. This can be particularly useful for frontline employees who may not have access to a computer or who are frequently on the move.
  3. Drives, Wikis, and Knowledge bases: Knowledge bases can be electronic or on paper. They are a repository of information about your organization. Like, employee handbook or recipe binders. Typically, employees don't have direct access to these, admins and managers do and must print this information for review.

Performing a tech stack audit for your frontline employee training is a critical step in ensuring that your employees are trained and up-to-date with the latest technology. By identifying training needs, evaluating the existing technology infrastructure, identifying gaps, developing a plan, and implementing the plan, businesses can provide better training to their frontline employees, which can lead to improved productivity, job satisfaction, and ultimately, business success. Regular technology stack audits are also important to ensure that the technology infrastructure remains effective and efficient over time.