User:Conversar/IMC Process Guide

IMC Process Guide is the name of an electronic performance support system (EPSS). The software is developed by E-learning company IMC AG, Saarbrücken. Process Guide provides context-sensitive help for software users in case of difficulties with applications and leads them across applications by processes in the company.

Differences between EPSS and E-learning
In contrast to conventional formal learning, the user is not uniquely trained before using software, but receives hints, tips and help as soon as a problem occurs when applying a software in everyday work.

The didactic concept takes into account the so called forgetting curve, or also known as "Ebbinghaus curve" named after the psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus.

The curve describes the high degree of forgetfulness in conventional, formal learning, where only a small part of information is actually moved and therefore saved into the long-term memory of the participants.

The concept is based on the technique of micro learning, where information is divided into small units and the informal learning, which takes place on a day-to-day basis outside the formal educational systems.

Application areas
Authors use the so called "designer component" to create help texts for applications and functions and define process steps. On user side, the contents are automatically retrieved via a "Process Guide", as soon as a function is used with a help text archived. The "Process Guide" can also be opened selectively to lead through an application or process. This context sensitive help through texts, links and videos is intended to reduce the number of errors in everyday work, especially rarely running processes. In particular, this applies for complex processes or software updates.

The software was used in 2013 by the Ministry of Finances and Europe of the Saarland in part of IT restructuring of all Saarland ministries.

In addition to the usage in software training, the area of compliance is referred to as exemplary area of application. The need for exact compliance with processes and communication channels, specific information requirements as well as specific data protection requirements and legal obligations coincide here and are of particularly serious consequences. Using the "Process Guide" allows for warnings to be displayed during the execution of compliance related processes. The acknowledgment of these notices must be confirmed by the users. This is necessary to ensure that users are not only aware of the rules of compliance but also apply them.

Design and user interface
The user interface is based on the Programme Office 2013 by Microsoft. A so-called "Social Help Desk" allows the simplified description of the problem and support by help desk personnel at acute software problems. In addition to the traditional "On-Premise model", the Process Guide is also available via software as a Service, a part of Cloud Computing.