Hi, I am aware that both Captivate and Epiplex can be used as screen capturing tools and to create simulations - show me, try me and therefore can also be utilised for assessment purposes. On the face of it both seem quite similar:
Can anyone recommend which of the two is better from the perspective of ease of use and effectiveness?
also I know that captivate simulations can be embedded in Articulate. Can an Epiplex simulation also be embedded in Articulate?
Q: Hi, I am aware that both Captivate and Epiplex can be used as screen capturing tools and to create simulations - show me, try me and therefore can also be utilized for assessment purposes. On the face of it both seem quite similar:
Can anyone recommend which of the two is better from the perspective of ease of use and effectiveness?
Answer: Epiplex differs from Captivate in many ways as Epiplex is deployed across an Organization, across processes and applications impacting the performance of the end-user base and profiting the management on a large scale. This can be vouched with a fool-proof ROI docs and case studies.
1.To begin with, Epiplex500 captures on a wider spectrum of applications such as Green Screen, CAD, Citrix & .NET applications, apart from ERP solutions and Custom applications that Captivate can capture.
2.Epiplex500 with its comprehensive width & depth of capture reduces the time required to capture a business process by 70-200%.
3.Epiplex500 capture is an enterprise tool whereas Captive is unstable in bigger processes. The time taken to capture a process in Captivate is also much higher since many tasks are manual.
4.Epiplex500 converts Third-party/legacy content and integrates to Epiplex files prior to Output. This option is not available in Captivate.
5.Learning Epiplex500 is simple and easy. Captivate is more cumbersome and takes longer to learn. Thus the time to competency with Captivate is more.
6.Epiplex500 development is a rapid process, as most of the steps are automated, and outputs can be generated with a click of a button.
7.Epiplex500 supports outputs in 24 languages. Using Epiplex500, the output language can be changed with a button, and traversing through different modes is also done with click of a button. However the time and effort involved in creating content is much higher in Captivate especially if multiple language outputs are required. Individual effort is required to convert for every individual mode such as Show, Guide, etc
8.Epiplex500 can conceal both images and text with the ‘Mask’ feature of Epiplex500, where passwords or sensitive information can be prevented from misuse. The Masking feature is not available in Captivate.
9.Epiplex500 offers enterprise repository capabilities with module - ERMS. This includes workflow, storing standard setting across the organization, version management, secure storage and transfer of files. Captivate does not provide the comprehensive content management system which Epiplex500’s ERMS does. Captivate has a very basic learner collaboration Twitter widget which lets learners ask questions, get answers and access discussions.
10.Epiplex500 offers EpiTracker which can store assessment results and ensure performance of end users across the organization. It produces rich reports containing performance metrics and indicators which can be used to evaluate, analyze & improve user competency to achieve the benchmarked levels. It can also be used to certify end users. However Captivate sends reports/scores to 3rd party Learning Management System.
Additionally, Epiplex500 differs from Captivate by offering 2 more modules:
Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS 500)delivers a combination of just in time support, performance support and process improvement capabilities. It provides context-sensitive Epiplex500 generated content – Cue cards, Simulations & Documentation – live in the application to all end-users across the organization. Information relevant to the pertinent application opens up to aid the user in the business process. It also displays a task list, which automatically ticks off once the user performs them.
Epiplex500 Analyzeroffers advanced process capture, measurement of productivity, identification of process bottlenecks, setting best practice methods and setting process benchmarks that result in continuous process improvement and optimization.
Q: Also I know that captivate simulations can be embedded in Articulate. Can an Epiplex simulation also be embedded in Articulate?
Answer: Yes, Epiplex simulation can be embedded in Articulate.
I have not used Epiplex500, but from what I have seen it is a more efficient tool for large scale systems training. This is because it has much easier recording and editing functions. All you need to do is perform the process once and it will be published to many different output formates (more outputs than Captivate offers). Users are able to access the outputs directly from the system instead of logging into an LMS or opening a website. Also, if any updates are needed, you do not need to perform and record the entire process over again. Simply change the step and Epiplex500 automatically updates each type of output.
I have used Captivate extensively in the past. It is a great tool for specific types of training, but there is a much bigger learning curve for developers and it can be more tedious to capture and edit modules for systems training.
You didn't ask this, but just so you know your options the new Articulate product, Storyline, includes screen capture/edit/simulation and testing capabilities. I haven't gotten to work with it myself yet but here are some demos (about half way down the screen). What appeals to me most about Storyline is how much it's capable of doing beyond just screen capture and simulations. I work with Articulate Studio and Captivate right now and whenever possible I find myself working more with screen shots and hyperlinks so I don't have to use Captivate. I'm not saying it isn't a good product. I just haven't had the time to get thru the learning curve to make it an effective resource.
I currently use Captivate with Articulate, too; and to build upon what Natalia said, I find that the combination can sometimes make navigation (and general use) unnecessarily confusing for learners. You end up with multiple navigation bars (one for the embedded Captivate, one for the Articulate player). Having slides automatically advance is highly problematic (if the user pauses or stops the embedded Captivate) and setting them to advance by user might end up having the user advance the slide prior to completion of the embedded Captivate. It isn't exactly a "marriage made in heaven". The end result, as Natalia mentioned, is that I often try to avoid embedding Captivate in favour of, potentially less effective, tools like screen shots or hyperlinks.
My limited experience playing with Storyline indicates that it helps to mitigate the navigation issues - plus, I didn't have to separately house and embed Captivate files (any time savings helps!).
In terms of use, creating a Storyline simulation is a lot like Captivate simulation.
Like Natalia says, Storyline is pretty darn good at screen capture/editing but it's real strength lies in all the other cool functionality at your disposal.
Another option is to do your captures in Camtasia > publish as FLV > embed into preferred tool (i.e. Storyline) as a real-time video. File size is greatly compressed and it looks very slick too. You can then add your Show Me, Try Me, Test Me on top ...
I want to know, HOW? I've tried, published simulations as Adobe Flash (single file), Adobe Flash and Dynamic HTML but it does not show on Storyline. Sorry it took me so long to ask this question :)
10 Replies
Q: Hi, I am aware that both Captivate and Epiplex can be used as screen capturing tools and to create simulations - show me, try me and therefore can also be utilized for assessment purposes. On the face of it both seem quite similar:
Can anyone recommend which of the two is better from the perspective of ease of use and effectiveness?
Answer: Epiplex differs from Captivate in many ways as Epiplex is deployed across an Organization, across processes and applications impacting the performance of the end-user base and profiting the management on a large scale. This can be vouched with a fool-proof ROI docs and case studies.
1. To begin with, Epiplex500 captures on a wider spectrum of applications such as Green Screen, CAD, Citrix & .NET applications, apart from ERP solutions and Custom applications that Captivate can capture.
2. Epiplex500 with its comprehensive width & depth of capture reduces the time required to capture a business process by 70-200%.
3. Epiplex500 capture is an enterprise tool whereas Captive is unstable in bigger processes. The time taken to capture a process in Captivate is also much higher since many tasks are manual.
4. Epiplex500 converts Third-party/legacy content and integrates to Epiplex files prior to Output. This option is not available in Captivate.
5. Learning Epiplex500 is simple and easy. Captivate is more cumbersome and takes longer to learn. Thus the time to competency with Captivate is more.
6. Epiplex500 development is a rapid process, as most of the steps are automated, and outputs can be generated with a click of a button.
7. Epiplex500 supports outputs in 24 languages. Using Epiplex500, the output language can be changed with a button, and traversing through different modes is also done with click of a button. However the time and effort involved in creating content is much higher in Captivate especially if multiple language outputs are required. Individual effort is required to convert for every individual mode such as Show, Guide, etc
8. Epiplex500 can conceal both images and text with the ‘Mask’ feature of Epiplex500, where passwords or sensitive information can be prevented from misuse. The Masking feature is not available in Captivate.
9. Epiplex500 offers enterprise repository capabilities with module - ERMS. This includes workflow, storing standard setting across the organization, version management, secure storage and transfer of files. Captivate does not provide the comprehensive content management system which Epiplex500’s ERMS does. Captivate has a very basic learner collaboration Twitter widget which lets learners ask questions, get answers and access discussions.
10. Epiplex500 offers EpiTracker which can store assessment results and ensure performance of end users across the organization. It produces rich reports containing performance metrics and indicators which can be used to evaluate, analyze & improve user competency to achieve the benchmarked levels. It can also be used to certify end users. However Captivate sends reports/scores to 3rd party Learning Management System.
Additionally, Epiplex500 differs from Captivate by offering 2 more modules:
Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS 500) delivers a combination of just in time support, performance support and process improvement capabilities. It provides context-sensitive Epiplex500 generated content – Cue cards, Simulations & Documentation – live in the application to all end-users across the organization. Information relevant to the pertinent application opens up to aid the user in the business process. It also displays a task list, which automatically ticks off once the user performs them.
Epiplex500 Analyzer offers advanced process capture, measurement of productivity, identification of process bottlenecks, setting best practice methods and setting process benchmarks that result in continuous process improvement and optimization.
Q: Also I know that captivate simulations can be embedded in Articulate. Can an Epiplex simulation also be embedded in Articulate?
Answer: Yes, Epiplex simulation can be embedded in Articulate.
I am just curious. Are you working for Epiplex? If so, do you have any demo to share?
I'm not working for Epiplex but I'm using this product for over 3 years and it is great tool
You can go to their web site www.epiplex500.com and request online demo ..
the latest version has some cool features
Thanks Yan! That was helpful.
Gunjan,
I have not used Epiplex500, but from what I have seen it is a more efficient tool for large scale systems training. This is because it has much easier recording and editing functions. All you need to do is perform the process once and it will be published to many different output formates (more outputs than Captivate offers). Users are able to access the outputs directly from the system instead of logging into an LMS or opening a website. Also, if any updates are needed, you do not need to perform and record the entire process over again. Simply change the step and Epiplex500 automatically updates each type of output.
I have used Captivate extensively in the past. It is a great tool for specific types of training, but there is a much bigger learning curve for developers and it can be more tedious to capture and edit modules for systems training.
Hope this helps.
Thanks!
Gunjan,
You didn't ask this, but just so you know your options the new Articulate product, Storyline, includes screen capture/edit/simulation and testing capabilities. I haven't gotten to work with it myself yet but here are some demos (about half way down the screen). What appeals to me most about Storyline is how much it's capable of doing beyond just screen capture and simulations. I work with Articulate Studio and Captivate right now and whenever possible I find myself working more with screen shots and hyperlinks so I don't have to use Captivate. I'm not saying it isn't a good product. I just haven't had the time to get thru the learning curve to make it an effective resource.
I currently use Captivate with Articulate, too; and to build upon what Natalia said, I find that the combination can sometimes make navigation (and general use) unnecessarily confusing for learners. You end up with multiple navigation bars (one for the embedded Captivate, one for the Articulate player). Having slides automatically advance is highly problematic (if the user pauses or stops the embedded Captivate) and setting them to advance by user might end up having the user advance the slide prior to completion of the embedded Captivate. It isn't exactly a "marriage made in heaven". The end result, as Natalia mentioned, is that I often try to avoid embedding Captivate in favour of, potentially less effective, tools like screen shots or hyperlinks.
My limited experience playing with Storyline indicates that it helps to mitigate the navigation issues - plus, I didn't have to separately house and embed Captivate files (any time savings helps!).
In terms of use, creating a Storyline simulation is a lot like Captivate simulation.
Like Natalia says, Storyline is pretty darn good at screen capture/editing but it's real strength lies in all the other cool functionality at your disposal.
Another option is to do your captures in Camtasia > publish as FLV > embed into preferred tool (i.e. Storyline) as a real-time video. File size is greatly compressed and it looks very slick too. You can then add your Show Me, Try Me, Test Me on top ...
I want to know, HOW? I've tried, published simulations as Adobe Flash (single file), Adobe Flash and Dynamic HTML but it does not show on Storyline. Sorry it took me so long to ask this question :)
hello do we have any better option than epiplex & captivate
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