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Learning Paths and What to Expect

Judi Zietsman avatar
Written by Judi Zietsman
Updated over a week ago

Quick Summary: Learn how training is structured, how to choose between Inventory Essentials and CoffeeChat, how role-based collections work, and what progress and success look like.

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Your Learning Framework

The Learn step is divided into four structured pillars that progressively build your understanding of inventory management concepts and how they apply in the app:

  1. Introduction

    Covers the basics: Netstock overview, Inventory Essentials vs. CoffeeChat, and the pre-assessment.

  2. Pillar I: Classification and Forecasting

    Learn how items are grouped and how forecasts are generated.

  3. Pillar II: Supplier, Lead Time, Risk, and Setting Policies

    Dive into supplier management, lead times, risk assessment, and setting stocking policies.

  4. Pillar III: Replenishment and Critical Review

    Understand replenishment and how to perform critical review.


How Each Pillar Works

Pillars I, II, and III each include the same three learning components designed to build skills through instruction, application, and reflection.

  1. Training Course (Inventory Essentials or CoffeeChat)

    • CoffeeChat Series: Step-by-step learning designed for novice users.

    • Inventory Essentials Series: Aimed at experienced users familiar with basic concepts.

    Both follow the same structure, so you can switch between them as needed for clarity.

  2. Learn Task
    This guided discovery assignment allows you to apply the concepts learned during training using your company’s data in the app. Completing this task reinforces understanding and builds confidence in real-world application.


Choosing Your Learning Path

Both Inventory Essentials and CoffeeChat cover the same topics and follow the same three-pillar structure.

Inventory Essentials

Designed for users with prior inventory management experience.

  • Structured and professional tone

  • Faster-paced learning

  • Focus on core concepts and system application


How to Access Inventory Essentials

  1. Open your Learning Library (SIMON).

  2. Navigate to the Content Library tab.

  3. Search “Inventory Essentials”.


CoffeeChat

Designed for new or less experienced users.

  • Conversational tone

  • Simplified explanations

  • Lower barrier to entry

You may switch between both series at any time for additional clarity.


How to Access CoffeeChat

  1. Open your Learning Library (SIMON).

  2. Navigate to the Content Library tab.

  3. Search “CoffeeChat”


Role-Based Learning Collections

Not all users require the same level of training. Role-based collections prioritize content based on job responsibilities.

Available role collections include:

  • Buyer or Planner

    Focus on ordering, replenishment cycles, and reviewing stock statuses.

  • Custodian

    Learn configuration, policy settings, and how to support other users.

  • Executive Sponsor

    Concentrate on dashboards, projections, and high-level reporting.

  • Finance or Strategy

    Focus on metrics, cost analysis, and forecasting performance.

  • Sales & Forecasting

    Emphasize demand planning, forecast adjustments, and interpreting forecast history.


How to Access Role-Based Learning Collections

  1. Open your Learning Library (SIMON).

  2. Navigate to the Content Library tab.

  3. Filter by Collections in the left panel.

  4. Select the Collection that matches your role.

This will display all the curated training content relevant to your position.


Certification

The Inventory Management Concepts Certification validates foundational knowledge and establishes a learning baseline.

Key Details

  • Covers five inventory management areas

  • Requires 80 percent minimum score in each area

  • Assigned automatically to your account

  • Seven-day waiting period between attempts

  • Correct answers are not provided

When to Take It

You may attempt certification at any time.

Taking it early helps identify knowledge gaps. Taking it after training confirms readiness.


⚠️ Watchouts

  • Incomplete Learning: Skipping Learn Tasks limits your ability to connect theory to practical use. For best results, ensure each pillar’s full cycle, including training, Learn Task, and review, is completed.


💡 Tips

  • Mix and Match: Alternate between the CoffeeChat and Inventory Essentials series if you need a simpler or more advanced perspective on a concept. Both were designed to complement each other.

  • Build Confidence Through Application: Use the Learn Tasks to explore your company’s data while you learn. Applying each concept immediately is the fastest way to master the fundamentals.


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