If you’ve ever tried to roll out new software to your team, you know it can go one of two ways:
✅ Smooth sailing with high-fives all around.
❌ A full-on protest by Wednesday.
We’re guessing you’re aiming for the first option – and we’re here to help you get there.
Training your team to use takeoff software like Square Takeoff doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right game plan, it can be (dare we say?) kind of fun– and way more efficient than relying on old-school manual takeoffs that eat up time and leave room for costly errors.
Here’s how to introduce takeoff software to your crew, keep headaches to a minimum and get everyone up to speed like pros.
1. Start with the “why”
Before you even open Square Takeoff, make sure your team understands why you’re switching things up. People are far more likely to embrace new tools when they see the benefit.
- Are you saving hours of time per project?
- Improving accuracy and reducing rework?
- Winning more bids?
Whatever your motivation, make it clear: this software is here to help them, not hassle them.
Pro tip: Share real stats or examples – like how Square Takeoff can reduce takeoff time by 33% – to drive the point home.
2. Appoint a takeoff champion
Every crew needs a leader, especially when tackling new tech. Identify someone on your team who’s curious, tech-savvy (or at least not tech-averse) and willing to learn Square Takeoff inside and out.
This “takeoff champion” can:
- Be the first to complete training
- Serve as a go-to resource for questions
- Keep morale high when the learning curve kicks in
Pro tip: If you make it a fun competition, you might even get a few volunteers.
3. Break training into bite-sized chunks
The key to painless training? Don’t overload your team with everything at once.
Square Takeoff is packed with powerful features, but you don’t need to master them all on day one. Break the training down into manageable steps:
- Uploading and scaling plans
- Creating measurements
- Applying assemblies
- Exporting quantities
Square Takeoff’s intuitive interface makes it easy to learn piece by piece – and our support resources are available anytime someone gets stuck.
4. Make it hands on
You know what’s not effective? A three-hour PowerPoint presentation.
You know what is? Letting your team get in there and do it.
Encourage them to experiment with a real project in the platform. Let them create takeoffs, test different tools and build confidence as they go. The more time they spend inside Square Takeoff, the faster they’ll become pros.
Pro tip: Create a “practice” project that they can safely explore without pressure.
5. Lean on built-in support (we’ve got your back)
Good news – you’re not in this alone. Square Takeoff comes with helpful resources to support your training efforts:
- Video tutorials
- Step-by-step guides
- Live chat support
- one-on-one onboarding help
So, if someone on your team hits a snag or needs a quick walkthrough, we’re just a click away.
6. Celebrate the wins (even the small ones)
Learning a new tool takes effort – so celebrate milestones! Whether it’s the first successful takeoff, a faster turnaround time, or a rookie who mastered assemblies, give your team a shoutout.
Not only does it boost morale, but it reinforces the value of using Square Takeoff in the first place.
7. Keep feedback flowing
After the rollout, don’t disappear into the jobsite sunset. Check in regularly with your team:
- What’s working well?
- Where are they still struggling?
- Are there features they wish they knew more about?
Continuous feedback helps you improve the process – and lets you tailor future training, so everyone stays sharp.
Training doesn’t have to be a chore
With the right approach, training your team on Square Takeoff can be efficient, empowering and maybe even enjoyable.
Start small, build confidence, celebrate success and rely on the tools and support already baked into the platform. Before long, you’ll have a crew that’s not just trained – but thriving.
Ready to see how simple it can be?
Schedule your free 14-day trial of Square Takeoff today and take the first step toward faster, smarter takeoffs – without the headaches.