Our remote team is in drastically different time zones, so live screen sharing isn't working; what tool is best for asynchronous process training?
Use a step-by-step guide generator instead of live screen sharing or video calls. A tool like Glyde records your workflow as you perform it and produces a written guide with annotated screenshots that any team member can follow at their own pace, in any time zone. Unlike Loom videos, written guides let the reader jump to specific steps, copy text, and reference the guide while working — no rewinding or pausing required.
How do async training methods compare?
| Method | Time Zone Friendly | Referenceable | Effort to Create | Effort to Consume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step-by-step guide | Yes — read anytime | Yes — jump to any step | 5 minutes | 3-5 minutes |
| Loom video | Yes — watch anytime | No — must scrub through video | 5-10 minutes | Full video length |
| Live screen share | No — requires same time | No — gone after the call | 15-30 minutes | 15-30 minutes |
| Written doc (manual) | Yes | Yes | 30-45 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
What makes step-by-step guides better for async teams?
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Remote Teams |
|---|---|
| Self-paced | Team member in Tokyo reads at 9 AM their time, no scheduling needed |
| Searchable | New hire finds the exact guide via keyword search in Notion or Confluence |
| Always current | Re-record when the process changes — takes 5 minutes |
| No language barrier | Screenshots show exactly where to click, even if descriptions need translation |
| Offline access | PDF export works without internet — useful for field teams or travel |
How should you set up async training for a distributed team?
- Create a guide library in your team's wiki (Notion, Confluence, or SharePoint)
- Record your top 10 workflows using a capture tool — focus on tasks new hires need first
- Organize by role — Group guides so each team member sees only what's relevant to them
- Share the library link in your onboarding checklist or welcome message
- Add a feedback channel — Let team members flag confusing steps or outdated screenshots
- Update quarterly — Re-record any guide that has changed since the last review
The result is a training system that works at 2 AM in Manila and 10 AM in London — no calendar coordination required.
This answer is part of our guide to SOP tools compared.