Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations are notoriously complex, often requiring months—or even years—of planning, configuration, and integration. But amid all the talk of data migration, system customization, and deployment strategies, one critical element is too often overlooked: the end user. Fudgelearn, a UK-based training consultancy founded in 2017, is on a mission to change that.
Fudgelearn’s co-founder Tony Cook has been a fixture at Oracle conferences since the mid-1990s. Over the years, he noticed a trend. “Discussions at these events always focused on technology—integrations, configurations, implementations. But almost never on the people who actually have to use the system,” he says.
That observation became the driving force behind Fudgelearn. The company fills a critical gap in the ERP space, offering tailored training solutions that empower users to understand, adopt, and excel with their new systems. “When companies invest millions in complex ERP or HCM solutions, ensuring a return on that investment depends on user adoption,” Cook explains. “And that starts with training.”
Moving Beyond “Train-the-Trainer”
Historically, training during ERP rollouts has relied on the “train-the-trainer” model, where knowledge is passed from system integrators to internal program teams, who then attempt to cascade it to the wider organization. Fudgelearn saw the limitations of this model early on.
“It’s like a game of telephone—the original message becomes less clear with every retelling,” Cook says. Instead, Fudgelearn provides direct-to-user training strategies, supported by modern tools and a team of seasoned professionals who understand both the technology and the user experience.
This people-first philosophy underpins every client engagement, from on-site sessions to blended learning programs as Oracle Guided Learning implementation partners that combine virtual training, customized documentation, and real-time in-app guidance.
The Fudgelearn Academy: Free Learning for All
In response to increasing demand for flexible, accessible learning, Fudgelearn launched the Fudgelearn Academy—a free educational platform that serves both business leaders and everyday users. The Academy offers webinars, e-learning snippets, downloadable guides, and product demonstrations, all designed to drive community engagement and foster a culture of continuous learning.
“We created it as a resource hub for the Oracle user community,” Cook says. “It’s not about selling—it’s about sharing knowledge, building connections, and helping users get the most out of their systems.”
Embracing AI and Automation in Training
One of the most significant advancements in enterprise training has come in the form of artificial intelligence. Fudgelearn has embraced this shift through a strategic partnership with ClickLearn, a software vendor whose platform enables rapid content creation, simulation-based learning environments, and multilingual support through AI-powered features like voice-to-text, auto-translation, and automatic video recording.
“This kind of AI integration changes the game,” Cook says. “We can now create, update, and deploy training content faster and more cost-effectively. If a process changes, we can simply edit the text and regenerate the training materials using AI-driven voiceovers. It removes complexity and ensures consistency.”
This approach not only accelerates project timelines but also enhances the learner experience, offering tailored, real-time assistance that supports users beyond initial go-live—especially important in today’s rapidly evolving cloud environments.
A Real-Time Solution for Real-World Users
A standout example of Fudgelearn’s work is their engagement with Travis Perkins, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of building materials. The company needed training support during a major Oracle implementation. Fudgelearn provided a blended model—virtual and in-person sessions—along with custom documentation and the integration of Oracle Guided Learning, which delivers step-by-step assistance directly within the application.
“It’s about providing support where and when users need it most—while they’re actually doing the work,” Cook explains.
The results? Reduced reliance on Help Desk resources and greater user confidence, which translates into more efficient operations and lower support costs.
Proving the ROI of Training
Too often, training is seen as a “nice to have” rather than a mission-critical component of digital transformation. Fudgelearn challenges that mindset by delivering tangible return on investment.
“When users don’t know how to use the system, they call the Help Desk,” Cook says. “Each service ticket can cost £12-13 to process. Multiply that by thousands of users, and you’re looking at an enormous expense that could have been avoided through effective training.”
Fudgelearn helps organizations avoid these downstream costs while also improving user satisfaction and adoption rates. Their track record includes global programs with Ricoh, public sector projects, financial services work with Schroders, and multilingual training rollouts across Europe.
Training for the Long Haul: Supporting Continuous Learning
ERP systems in the cloud are updated frequently, often several times a year. This constant evolution makes a one-and-done training approach obsolete. “The days of big-bang training before go-live are over,” says Cook. “You need a strategy for supporting users in business-as-usual operations, long after deployment.”
That’s why Fudgelearn encourages the use of digital adoption platforms that guide users through workflows and deliver continuous learning opportunities. “It’s not just about launch day—it’s about long-term adoption and operational success,” says Cook.
Future-Ready: Expanding Beyond Oracle
While Oracle remains a core focus, Fudgelearn is actively expanding its services across other major platforms like Microsoft, SAP, and Workday. “What we do is translatable,” Cook says. “An ERP is an ERP. What matters is understanding the user and creating the right training for their needs.”
The company is already engaged in early-stage projects outside of Oracle and is eager to broaden its horizons. “We’re opening our doors to everyone,” Cook adds. “Our goal is to support digital transformation across the enterprise ecosystem.”
What Sets Fudgelearn Apart?
In a crowded market of training consultancies and e-learning vendors, Fudgelearn distinguishes itself through its holistic approach. “We lead with people, not technology,” Cook says. “We work closely with clients and system integrators, bringing together deep experience, flexible delivery models, and a vast content library that accelerates training timelines.”
Unlike competitors who may offer slices of the solution, Fudgelearn offers the full package—strategy, content, technology, and delivery—all tailored to the unique needs of each organization.
And it’s working. “One of our trainers recently received a standing ovation at the end of a session,” Cook recalls. “That’s almost unheard of. But the biggest compliment is when customers come back and ask us to support their next project.”
A Unique Name with Staying Power
Of course, no profile of Fudgelearn would be complete without asking about the name. “Every training-related brand name was taken,” Cook laughs. “We liked the word ‘fudge’ because it represents blending. It also gave us a bit of cheeky irony—we’re the company that doesn’t fudge your training.”
And it turns out, that memorable name has become an asset in a market full of generic alternatives.
The People Behind the Platform
While technology plays a key role in Fudgelearn’s offering, Cook credits the company’s success to its team. “We have a fantastic mix of experienced professionals and rising talent,” he says. “They’re the ones who win the hearts and minds of our clients. Their dedication, creativity, and innovation are what make us who we are.”
As digital transformation continues to reshape the enterprise landscape, one thing is clear: Fudgelearn’s people-first, tech-enabled approach to ERP training is a model worth emulating.
