Learning Management Software, Online Learning

3 Things You Need to Know About Learning Management Software

by Debbie Williams

From 2016 to 2017, the top learning priority for organizations was exploring new learning technologies, according to the Brandon Hall Group.¹ Clearly, company leaders understand that organizations need the right technology to power L&D initiatives.

For some organizations, learning management software (LMS) is an unexplored technology. Since LMS systems can enhance employee training programs, increase performance and reduce training costs, it is well worth researching as a potential investment.²

“Companies that utilize a learning management system (LMS) help businesses grow, cut costs and promote productivity and quality training.” -- TOPYX LMS

What You Should Know About Learning Management Software

Googling “learning management software” will yield thousands of results filled with mixed reviews of this eLearning technology. The truth is that LMS software can be highly effective and even transformative for a company if it meets the organization’s needs and if company leaders are aware of the following:  

  1. LMS software needs a solid learning technology strategy -- Learning management software isn’t something you implement and then hope succeeds. It isn’t a magic fix for a poor training program. It needs to be coupled with a learning technology strategy to get the results organizational leaders want.

In a study by the Brandon Hall Group, just one-fifth of companies had a mature learning technology strategy in place that governed the implementation of their learning solutions. “In essence, these organizations are simply acquiring technology, rolling it out, and hoping for the best,” wrote a contributor to Brandon Hall.³Learning Management Software

Company decision makers need to know that learning management software has the potential to be very successful in helping an organization reach its training goals, but only if there is a clear learning technology strategy guiding it. An LMS shouldn’t be put in place haphazardly, but after in-depth LMS implementation planning. This will ensure LMS software is effective and a company’s training investment doesn’t go to waste.

  1. Not all LMS software cuts training costs -- Many sources will tell you that an LMS can improve your bottom line by helping your company cut training costs. This is true, but not of just any eLearning system. Only an LMS that meets your company’s training needs and has no hidden fees will fit this bill.

To find LMS software that will benefit your company financially, identify the training needs of your organization before researching systems. With this information, request an LMS demo from every system that has the features your organization needs.

Also, keep in mind that many eLearning system providers charge hidden fees. Once you exceed a user cap, you may be charged per extra user. A flat-fee LMS without user caps is often most effective at keeping training costs to a minimum.

  1. Learning management software must integrate with other systems -- Imagine how frustrating it would be to find the perfect LMS for your company and then have trouble integrating it with other important systems. This can happen when consumers aren’t aware that LMS software must be integrated with a company’s pre-existing platforms and systems. 

Most likely, your LMS software users will need to work on various platforms simultaneously. That’s why it is helpful when learning management systems have integrative features such as Tin Can API and Single Sign-on (SSO). These features make user records compatible with other systems and allow employees to switch seamlessly between various platforms with just one sign-on procedure.

Don’t Purchase LMS Software Just to Keep Up with Learning Technology Trends - Look for Business Value

Today’s company leaders value learning technologies and are constantly seeking more effective training solutions that help employees gain new skills. Learning technologies such as learning management software are great options because they can cut costs and drive training and productivity, but they need to be researched beyond a superficial level.  

Do your due diligence before even considering what LMS system you want. Research the software, its benefits, and then the features of individual platforms, tying all that information back to your business goals. If you understand exactly what you’re buying and how learning management software will help your company, you’re more likely to get the results you need.

Learn all about the Learning Management System solution for implementing eLearning by clicking the link below.

What is an LMS?


References:

1, 3. Brandon Hall Group. Corporations embrace new learning technologies, but most aren’t ready. https://trainingmag.com/corporations-embrace-new-learning-technologies-most-aren’t-ready/.

  1. Adobe. 6 Benefits of learning management system for corporate training. https://elearning.adobe.com/2017/10/6-benefits-of-learning-management-system-for-corporate-training/.

Debbie Williams

Debbie Williams

Director, Marketing