In this article, you will learn how to:
Skill Builds (Structured Training Modules)
Skill Builds are step-by-step training checklists or guides that support SOPs and new skill development. Coaches use them to onboard new associates (safety, picking, packing, receiving), cross-train associates across departments, and validate process mastery with sign-offs from the associate, coach, and/or leader. Because they standardize training, they help ensure consistency and visibility across shifts and sites.
Skill Build Reporting Tools
Sign-Off Tracking confirms coach or leader validation of training completion. The Skill Build Overview Report tracks which associates have finished required Skill Builds, and the Skills Matrix identifies associates who hold Skill Builds across multiple job functions (cross-trained).
Observations (Performance Checks)
Observations are on-floor evaluations where a leader or coach watches an associate perform a task. They provide immediate feedback on safety, quality, and process adherence; help leaders spot strengths and gaps in the moment ("coach in the moment"); and document performance trends for follow-up. This builds accountability and gives leaders concrete data points for improvement discussions.
Observation Reporting Tools
The Observation Compliance Report shows the percentage of observations completed versus scheduled. The Observation Results Report breaks down results by associate, observer, and observation time, and the Observation Prompts Report highlights repeated safety or quality issues.
Action Plans (Coaching Roadmaps)
Action Plans are sequences of tasks or learnings triggered by events, SOP updates, or performance gaps. General Action Plans push new SOP updates or standards across the network. Individual Action Plans assign targeted coaching steps to a specific associate, for example, completing a Skill Build, followed by a follow-up Observation and a coaching session. Triggered Action Plans launch automatically when performance or observation scores drop below a threshold. Together, these move coaching from reactive to proactive and keep accountability tied to deadlines.
Action Plan Reporting Tools
Action Plan Progress Reports track completion by associate or site, Trigger Reports show which plans were auto-launched and why, and Follow-Up Compliance Reports confirm that linked steps like Skill Builds and Observations were actually completed.
Navigator (Leader Standard Work & Coaching Oversight)
Navigator is a configurable dashboard for supervisors and managers. It tracks completion of Skill Builds and Observations by associate and shift, lets leaders capture coaching notes collaboratively, and supports weekly or daily progress snapshots. This keeps leaders aligned on who has been coached, what was covered, and what still needs attention.
Navigator Reporting Tools
Navigator Dashboards provide live snapshots by shift, site, or DC. Leader Compliance Reports show whether supervisors are completing their coaching tasks, and Cross-Site Comparison Reports identify gaps or best practices across regions. For a breakdown of what powers each metric on the panel, see Understanding the Leader Panel: Data Sources, Components & Troubleshooting.
Performance Data & Insights
Performance Data integrates operational KPIs (for example, from Blue Yonder) with Smart Access data. Leaders use it to identify underperforming associates or sites, trigger targeted coaching plans based on trends, and recognize high performers with transparent metrics.
Performance Reporting Tools
Performance Dashboards combine training and operational KPIs in a single view. Trend Reports show improvements or declines over time, and Recognition Reports flag associates who exceed standards.
Access Individual Performance Histories
Associate History Reports let leaders quickly view each associate's record of Skill Builds, Observations, Action Plans, and scores so coaching is based on facts rather than impressions. For the full associate view, see Navigating the Associate Profile.
Understand Job Function Breakdowns
Function-Based Dashboards show performance by function: picking, packing, receiving, safety, and more - helping leaders pinpoint strengths and weaknesses by role. See Tracking and Reporting Job Functions for how to filter and interpret these dashboards.
Review Historical Trends
Trend Analysis Reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly) track improvement or decline over time, surfacing patterns like skill fade or sustained underperformance.
Identify Training Gaps Through Performance Data
Gap Analysis Reports compare completed training against performance outcomes, connecting Skill Builds and Observations to operational results so training gaps are targeted rather than guessed at.
Use Historical Data in Coaching Conversations
Observation Reports pull data and examples into a printable summary, bringing real examples into coaching sessions so feedback stays objective, constructive, and trusted. See How to Document a High-Quality Observation for guidance on capturing notes that hold up in these conversations.
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