What's true of every software application is also true of RegioGraph: Only those who know how to use the program can obtain the maximum benefit. We asked Doris Steffen, head of GfK GeoMarketing's raining and consulting division, about the key learning objectives in a RegioGraph course.

Which topics are covered in a training course?

Most user questions revolve around abstract strategic issues such as how to improve an inefficient external sales structure. Less commonly asked are operational questions such as which
sequence of buttons to push to carry out a particular task. Users thus typically want to know how to carry out the correct analysis and planning steps in RegioGraph. This involves preparing the required data, selecting a suitable method of analysis and then presenting the results. Even the best software interface can't guide the user through every required step of a sales territory planning - but a training course can.

What do RegioGraph training course participants gain, in concrete terms?

We have two equally weighted learning objectives. On the one hand, participants learn how to use RegioGraph's many features. At the same time, this knowledge is applied to concrete, practice-oriented examples. Our instructors place tremendous value on teaching participants to use the software to solve everyday company tasks. Participants work with authentic customer data and learn, for example, how to associate turnover figures with locations, postcodes and sales territories. In addition, participants learn about the benefits of a portfolio analysis and how to optimize sales territories according to user-defined criteria.optimieren.

Two days to learn how to use a software application? Is that too much or too little time?

The theme of geomarketing offers ample material for weeks of training! In this sense, two days is a relatively short span of time. Even so, the time invested already pays off after just the first sales territory restructuring or location evaluation performed upon completion of the course. The positive feedback we receive from course participants affirms this fact. "If only I could have taken this course sooner!" is an example of the type of comment we frequently hear.

Thanks to 15 years of fine-tuning, we've structured the RegioGraph training course to give participants the maximum knowledge possible within the two-day time frame. This knowledge then benefits the participants' respective companies.

Can you still put yourself in the shoes of a new RegioGraph user?

Yes - I too am often faced with learning a new software of some sort. And if the topic is complex and important, I also take advantage of any software training offered, as this allows me to make the most efficient use of my time.

For more information and to book a place, contact GfK GeoMarketing at +49 (0)7251 9295170 or www.gfk-geomarketing.com/training.