How long should a quick reference guide be?

As short as the task allows — typically one or two pages, or one screen. A longer draft is usually covering two tasks, carrying background that belongs in the manual, or hiding an exception that deserves its own guide.

Who should write the guides?

Whoever understands the task best, working with someone who performs it daily, then tested with representative users — authors cannot see their own assumptions.

How do guides relate to training and the full manual?

Training builds understanding, the manual documents the process completely, and the guide supports one task at the moment of performance. Each links to the others; none substitutes for the others.

When should guides be written?

During build and testing, while realistic environments and data exist to test against — not in the final week before go-live. Guides tested during user acceptance are ready when training starts.

Quick Reference Guides People Actually Use

What makes a quick reference guide people actually use in an HCM rollout: one task per guide, tested with real users, and placed at the point of need.

Train-the-Trainer Programs That Scale
Training Needs Analysis for HCM Rollouts
HCM Implementation Cost
HCM Readiness Assessment

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Karim Chaouki — AML and ADP Workforce Now Implementation Consultant

Senior Implementation Consultant. AML compliance, ADP Workforce Now HCM, payroll systems. PMP Certified. Bilingual EN/FR. Toronto, Canada.

About Karim Chaouki
Blog — AML & HCM Implementation Insights
AML Compliance Consulting
ADP Workforce Now Implementation US/CAN
Payroll Systems PM
Bilingual Implementation Manager