Top LMS features that increase employee productivityBY OLIVIA D -
E-LEARNINGThe purpose of every company is to get a profit. In order for the company to get a profit, its employees need to have great results on their work. There are plenty of discussions around us on what makes productivity fly through the roof within a company, starting with financial incentives, going on to the physical work space, with its chromatic choices, state-of-the-art office furniture, maybe a relaxation room, and finishing of course with the technology that is being used by employees.
Technology is more than a pawn on a business chess board; it can really impact how fast and accurate employees perform their tasks. From a super-fast computer, the latest gadget, or a new smartphone, to a powerful business learning management system, technology can be used successfully and with outstanding results across all industries.
The employees with the best results are those who are properly trained for the job they are doing. The instruction process usually means a lot of compliance training, bureaucracy, standardized tests, cost with trainers/venues/travel for employees and hardly ever a way to measure the effectiveness of training. But with the right LMS, things can change, and offer companies a real competitive edge.
The e-learning industry is enormous. So choosing the right training program and the right platform for it is not as easy of a task as it might seem. Sometimes companies actually end up with these questions:
Still in doubt? Here’s what an LMS can do to spike up results:
Top 4 Learning Management System features for better employee productivityThe best LMS provides the right piece of information to the right employee at the right time. That’s the only way all employees can reach their full potential every day at work and deliver great results. A learning management system that comes with a comprehensive set of features has better chances of achieving this. While some features are incredibly useful for trainers and L&D managers, others are created with the learner’s need in mind.
So here are a few LMS features that can improve employee productivity:
Feature no.1 : Personalized learning pathsNo two employees are identical, the same as no two snowflakes are. And the individual learning needs for each and every one of them follow this idea.
New employees have to absorb an incredible amount of information in the first few months on the job, while seasoned employees need to keep up with the inevitable changes in the industry. They all have different learning styles and they need different periods of time to adjust the new knowledge and apply it in their day-to-day tasks.
Setting a personalized learning path for each employee is one of the most important things a learning management system can do so the company delivers personalized learning. Instructional designers can set learning goals for each employee, based on their current knowledge and what they need to achieve. Once a goal is reached, another related one gets in the picture, and then another one, and another one, until the learners reach them all. Instructors can set these related goals to guide the employee through their individual learning journey.
Feature no.2 : Progress trackingThere’s no better way to be counter-productive than going in the wrong direction for a long period of time, with no one to show you the right track. Training programs are meant to increase productivity, and the only way to achieve this is to be adjusted for the specific needs of company departments, and even for those of certain individuals.
In order to be able to spot when the learning process has taken a wrong turn, employees have to be able to see the bigger picture and track their progress at all times. The numbers in their analytics can boost motivation to finish a course or to seek help if necessary.
Feature no.3 : Collaboration toolsWhen I first accessed a learning platform it was just a gray page with one link for the course and… that was it. Even though this was just some years ago, I feel like it’s been ages since then.
Now, plenty of LMS vendors offer learning platforms with nice graphics, are user friendly, and come with plenty of useful tools. The collaboration tools within an LMS make employees’ lives so much easier, as they don’t have to leave the platform to get an answer to a burning question. They can ask an instructor, or join a group of interest. When they get stuck with something they only have to do a few clicks to open a thread on a forum, and everyone in that class can help them.
The social media features, the chatrooms, the wikis, being able to hold a conference without leaving the platform… these are pure proof of how far the LMSs have come, from the insipid gray page they once were.
Feature no.4 : Branded mobile appsMobile devices can be really powerful. People use their devices to do all sorts of things during the day, from the most trivial, to the most important. Since work covers the greatest part of the day for employees, it’s no wonder they want to bring this power in the workplace as well. Including workplace learning.
Modern workers are more eager than ever to improve their knowledge professionally, and they seem to be always on the go. A mobile app of the business LMS allows them to access learning materials anytime, anywhere. When the right piece of information is available at the fingertips of any employee, he/she doesn’t have to lose time looking for it, and can use it immediately.
Just-in-time learning is probably one of the most effective solutions that improve employee productivity, and a mobile app of an LMS supports just that.
Obviously, MATRIX LMS has all of these features, and even more. You don’t have to take my word for granted; just check out the designated page where each and every one of the MATRIX features are showcased.
Did you notice the same with the LMS you are using? What other features would you recommend for a better general productivity? I’d love to hear your ideas, so please leave them in the comments section below.
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Olivia DOlivia is a Marketing Analyst and part-time blog writer for CYPHER LEARNING, a company with two LMS products, NEO and MATRIX.
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Learning Management System Basics: Functions And Features eLearning Pros Must KnowThe term "Learning Management System" (LMS) makes an appearance quite frequently in eLearning articles, tip sheets, and beginner’s guides. As such, it’s important to get a good grasp on what a Learning Management System entails and the benefits it brings. Is a Learning Management System really worth the resources? Or will a more manual approach suffice? What are the advantages of investing in an LMS, and which features should you look for? Are there different hosting and pricing plans you need to keep in mind? This article will address all these questions and give you the insider scoop on Learning Management Systems so that you can decide whether a new LMS is right for your online training program or not.
What Is The Primary Function Of An LMS?The role of a Learning Management System varies depending on the organization’s objectives, online training strategy, and desired outcomes. However, the most common use for LMS software is to deploy and track online training initiatives. Typically, assets are uploaded to the Learning Management System, which makes them easily accessible for remote learners. In some cases, the LMS may even have built-in eLearning authoring tools that allow you to develop online training materials without additional third-party software.
Think of a Learning Management System as a vast repository where you can store and track information. Anyone with a login and password can access these online training resources whenever and wherever. For self-hosted Learning Management Systems, users must also have the LMS software installed on their hard drive or access to the company’s server. Whatever the installation option, the thing to bear in mind is that LMS users fall into two categories: First, online learners who use the Learning Management System to participate in online training courses; second, your eLearning team who relies on the LMS platform to disburse information and update the online training content.
Who Can Benefit From An LMS?Learning Management Systems are beneficial for educational institutions and corporations alike. Extended enterprise online training is yet another application for Learning Management Systems. For example, companies are able to deploy online training resources to external sales channels, franchisees, and even customers. It’s vital to identify your organizational and training objectives before you start the LMS selection process, as LMS vendors typically cater to different consumer groups. Some specialize in eCommerce, while others are known for their sales online training features. For instance, the power to integrate CRM software.
LMS Deployment Optionsa. Cloud-Based (SaaS)These LMS platforms are hosted on the cloud. The LMS vendor maintains the system and carries out any tech upgrades or updates. Online learners and collaborators login to the Learning Management System with a user name and password. There’s no need to install any software, which makes it a great option for organizations who want to get started as soon as possible. The downside is that some cloud-based Learning Management Systems cannot be customized. For example, there are fewer opportunities to incorporate branding or personalize the dashboard.
b. Self-HostedLearning Management Systems that require software downloads. The LMS vendor may offer direct download from their site, or you must request physical software discs. However, the former is more common these days. Self-hosted LMS platforms allow for greater creative control and customization. The disadvantage is that you usually have to pay for updates, and the system may require IT know-how.
c. Desktop ApplicationThe LMS app is installed on the desktop. Some desktop apps are even accessible on multiple devices, making it easy for your entire eLearning team to collaborate.
d. Mobile ApplicationLearning Management Systems that are accessible whenever, wherever via mobile devices. You can upload online training content so that online learners can track online training initiatives on the go.
LMS Customer Typesa. Large EnterprisesLarger organizations can use these Learning Management Systems to track hundreds or thousands of employees. Not to mention, deploy global online training initiatives. In some cases, they may even feature extended enterprise features so that you can keep franchisees and sales channels in the loop.
b. Small & Medium Businesses (SMBs)Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) benefit from this type of Learning Management Systems as they can utilize fewer human resources. These tools also scale along with your business to adapt to your ever-changing training needs.
c. FreelancersLMS platforms designed for eLearning freelancers who work with multiple clients and need to deliver a diverse range of deliverables. These Learning Management Systems may feature built-in collaboration tools, which allow you to fly solo or work with a remote eLearning team.
LMS Licensing Typesa. Open SourceOpen Source Learning Management Systems are generally free and based online. You’re able to modify the source code in order to suit your needs. In addition, many open source options have active online communities, which means that you can get tips and troubleshooting assistance if you do encounter a problem. The drawback is that you typically need some degree of programming experience.
b. Free LicenseThere are a number of free LMS options, usually open source systems. However, the money that you save on licensing or monthly fees may be spent on IT staff, especially if you don’t have any programming experience. In addition, you may have to deal with a steep learning curve to get the most from the Learning Management System.
c. Paid LicensePaid Learning Management Systems require a monthly or yearly fee. Some even allow you to purchase the software outright. They typically offer more advanced support options and user-friendly features.
6. LMS Pricing Modelsa. LicensingInstead of paying per user, this LMS pricing plan involves a licensing fee. Typically, an annual fee that you must renew on a yearly basis, or an outright upfront fee that grants unlimited lifetime access. However, as technology advances you’ll probably still have to purchase replacement software in the near future.
b. SubscriptionA subscription fee usually grants you access to all LMS features, or relies on a pay-per-user model. This pricing model involves a fee for each user, or active user. In some cases, the LMS vendor offers different price brackets. For example, the fee covers up to 25 active learners. This is a great solution for smaller organizations who want to minimize online training costs, but still want to be able to scale the Learning Management System as their company expands.
c. FreemiumThese LMS platforms are free for basic features but a fee is charged for more advanced functionalities, such as add-ons or upgrades. For instance, a more comprehensive eLearning assessment engine or advanced reports.
LMS Specification Support Typesa. SCORM 2004This set of standards helps eLearning authoring tools and eLearning content communicate with the Learning Management System. SCORM 2004 enables tools to format eLearning content in such a way that’s shareable across the board.
b. Tin Can APIAlso known as Experience API, Tin Can spec support is often viewed as the follow-up to SCORM. It allows for external learning activities and tracking, and gives eLearning pros the ability to develop and deploy native mobile apps.
c. AICCAviation Industry CBT Committee support allows the LMS and eLearning content to communicate via HAC protocols. In essence, the system relies on an HTML form to transmit the information, then the LMS relays the information back via text.
d. IMS LTILearning Tools Interoperability (LTI) was introduced by the IMS Global Learning Consortium. It specializes in apps that are hosted remotely, as well as web-based eLearning content.
Learning Management System Benefits1. Organizes And Safely Stores Big DataLearning Management Systems allow you to gather all Big Data in one location. This also makes it easier to maintain and update your learning materials. In addition, most LMSs feature advanced encryption so that you don’t have to worry about data falling into the wrong hands.
2. Monitors Learner Progress And PerformanceVirtually all LMS platforms feature built-in reporting and analytics. Thus, you’re able to track various aspects of your online training program. If the Learning Management System lacks sufficient reporting capabilities, you can typically purchase add-ons or plug-ins to boost its functionality. You can track everything from learner engagement to eLearning assessment results. This means that you can identify patterns and trends, especially since many LMSs provide data visualizations, such as graphs and charts.
3. Improves Resource AllocationThere are a number of ways that LMS platforms can help you allocate online training resources more effectively. First and foremost, you can identify aspects of your online training program that aren’t meeting expectations. Low learner engagement is usually an indicator that you need to reevaluate an online training module or activity. Secondly, Learning Management Systems help your eLearning team update online training assets more rapidly. Then there’s the matter of deploying online training resources on a global scale. Thus, you have the power to keep corporate learners up to date using a single tool.
4. Personalizes The Online Training ExperienceYou can assign different learning paths or online training resources for individual corporate learners with the help of an LMS. Therefore, everyone gets the individualized online training they need based on their learning goals, job duties, and various other criteria. There’s even the option to unlock the navigation so that corporate learners can choose their own online training activities and coursework. All this translates into more effective online training experiences and increased learner satisfaction. Not to mention, improved memory retention and engagement.
5. Improves eLearning AccessibilityModern learners expect online training resources on demand. After all, we live in the digital age, where information is always at our fingertips, thanks to smartphones and wearable tech. Learning Management Systems allow you to deploy and track online training courses without geographical limitations. So long as they can login to the system, corporate learners have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and hone skills.
Top Features To Look For In Your New LMS1. Reports And AnalyticsYou must be able to monitor your online training initiatives to determine if they are on target or require minor adjustments. The same rule also applies to individual learner performance. Are corporate learners engaging with the online training content? Is it giving them all the information they need to achieve their learning objectives? These are questions that can be answered with a robust reporting system built into your new LMS. Learning Management Systems also feature analytics that allow you to monitor online training on individual and group level. For example, determine whether a certain percentage of your audience has completed the online training course requirements or not, or how long they take to complete each online training activity on average. Most will even deliver the analytics right to your inbox via automated email reports.
2. Responsive DesignMultiplatform-friendly online training resources give everyone the chance to benefit from your online training course. Even those who prefer to use their smartphones or tablets to access the learning materials. Thus, your LMS should be responsive, enabling you to create a master layout that features distinct breakpoints. The Learning Management System automatically displays the most suitable version of the online training course based on the user’s device. For example, shrinks images down to size so that they don’t occupy the entire smartphone screen. Ideally, you should be able to preview each version and make necessary modifications before launch. It’s also wise to look for a tool that allows corporate learners to download the learning materials and view them offline. Especially when Internet accessibility isn’t an option.
3. Intuitive User InterfaceFeature-rich systems aren’t of much use if your eLearning team is unable to use the user interface and navigate the LMS platform. The same goes for your corporate learners. Does the tool make it easy for them to access the coursework, or does it present its own set of challenges? The LMS you choose should have an intuitive user interface that aligns with your eLearning team’s skill sets and abilities. For this reason, it’s essential to get their input before deciding on a platform. In addition, take advantage of free trials and demos to ensure it’s user-friendly.
4. Support ServicesLMS vendors offer different support services. As such, you need to determine the level of assistance you need based on your eLearning team’s experience level and the complexity of the tool. For example, novice eLearning teams might need more extensive support in order to utilize the system effectively. Many LMS vendors also host online discussions that allow you to connect with other users, in addition to online training tutorials, guides, and tip sheets. You may be able to pay for additional support services if you require more advanced options, such as a toll-free number that gives you direct access to a trained tech.
5. eLearning Assessment ToolsYou need to assess your corporate learners periodically to identify gaps and intervene when necessary. Therefore, the LMS must be able to support a broad range of eLearning assessment methods. Many even offer built-in eLearning assessment tools, such as eLearning templates. Lastly, there must be LMS reports dedicated to eLearning assessment tracking.
6. Gamification FeaturesSome employees require extra incentive to actively engage in your online training course. Game mechanics give them the motivation they need in the form of badges, points, and leaderboards. The key is finding an LMS that has built-in gamification features so that you can easily incorporate these rewards.
7. Compliance And Certification SupportThis is an essential feature for organizations who provide company policy and compliance online training, as well as those who require more advanced certification features, such as the ability to track individual skill and performance gaps. You can also refer to the LMS records in the event of an audit, which helps prevent violations and fines.
8. Social Learning SupportSocial learning gives corporate learners the chance to interact with peers and share their experiences. Many Learning Management Systems now feature integrated social media tools. For example, the ability to track online discussion participation, or incorporate a news feed into your eLearning course design.
9. LocalizationMultilingual support is crucial for organizations who plan to deliver worldwide online training resources. Every member of your team should have the same opportunity to develop their professional skills. Some LMSs even feature geolocation features that automatically display the appropriate version of the online training course.
These are just the basic LMS components and considerations. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all LMS. Every organization has unique training needs and budgetary constraints. Thus, you need to do your homework to find the LMS that meets your requirements and benefits both your corporate learners and bottom line.
Are you interested in learning more about LMS pricing plans? Read the article The Insider's Guide To Learning Management Systems' Pricing Models to explore the most common Learning Management System pricing models to consider, from perpetual licensing to pay-per-use. This way you can determine which option is best for your budget and training needs.
Also, don’t forget to check out our free LMS directory, which allows you to filter your search results based on deployment, customer type, licensing, and pricing models.
Top LMS Use Case Scenarios To Leverage The Benefits Of eLearningImplementing an LMS to enhance your training needs is vital for any organization. The same goes for educational institutions that need to start eLearning training or want to use it to complement classroom learning.
In the time we live in, every aspect of our communication has been taken over by technology. As the years advance, your L&D department will come to realize that you need a training solution. Such a solution not only will help organize your programs, but it will also assist in keeping your learners’ engagement high. Keeping track and reporting each stakeholder’s development is equally crucial.
An LMS can help accomplish your training needs, so the best thing you can do is to make the right LMS purchase to fit or even exceed your expectations. If you are working for a large enterprise or an SMB, one thing is certain: an LMS can be a great tool to boost your business growth.
Employee TrainingEmployee training done right is a burden for plenty of L&D managers and HR managers. As a manager, you need to have clear objectives and take into consideration several factors that will help define if you need an LMS or not. What’s more, a corporation might invest a strong cash flow in training new hires or in developing existing workforce skills, but if your LMS solution is not ideal for your needs, the result might not be that satisfying. Don’t worry about that, though. I’m going to analyze this thoroughly in the following lines. Delivering employee training and development by using an LMS will make your training process fast and easy.
Employee training and development can bring immense advantages to your corporation. By enabling your employees to take on new responsibilities and tasks, you can keep employee engagement high. If your LMS has gamification features, things can become even more exciting. By maintaining your employees engaged, you increase their willingness to learn more and expand their skills. In the long run, this will lead to higher retention rates. It will also help talented staff get promotions as you cultivate leaders and experts within your teams.
An LMS can help your employees learn new skills and gain problem-solving abilities. An LMS can also boost the creativity and innovation of your workforce. An LMS can help you create immersive learning experiences that will leave your learners in awe. A great way to accomplish that is by designing eLearning courses based on AR/VR or even creating AI training.
Compliance Training And OnboardingCompliance training is essential in the fast-paced, modern workspace. Most corporations expect their employees to be able to adapt to their work environment rapidly. What happens though when someone is a new hire or when things change within your procedures, services, or products? Information technology might play a vital role in these changes, especially now that we have the chance to use limitless information.
By using an LMS, you can help your staff feel more empowered. Taking up courses on compliance training can also increase their confidence, especially when it comes to onboarding and safety training. When an employee gets responsibility for new tasks, you allow them to deliver better results.
How Implementing Compliance Training Can Add To Your Business GrowthOnboarding and compliance training will undoubtedly help your staff learn from past mistakes. Developing critical thinking skills is a great way to make things work for the better. Your team will be able to resolve issues that come up with flexibility. When employees and training managers both have a knowledge-sharing mentality, you’ll notice an improvement in your organization’s internal procedures.
Your training program will offer insight into each employee’s role within your organization. Such a strategy will also create an environment that has a constant learning and evolving base. All these add up to creating a safer working status by minimizing the risk of having employees who stay behind when it comes to business growth and transformation.
When opting for an LMS to implement compliance training, you’ll need robust reporting and assessment features.
Sales Training & Employee Skills DevelopmentMost companies need to boost their revenue. Upping your sales game by using an LMS for sales training is the key to this. If you are looking to train your sales reps for success, there is no better way.
If you’re starting your sales training efforts or if you need to improve your current sales training techniques, an LMS is a great tool. Such an LMS solution can help design and implement courses that will bring results. By choosing the right LMS tool for sales training, you can set up a sales training program pretty quickly. Make sure that you have a goal-oriented mindset from the very beginning.
Developing your employees' skills is key to boosting their career goals as well as your revenue. Define if you need to focus more on your employees' skills training or their leadership development.
What Are Some Must-Have Features Of A Top-Notch Sales Training LMS?
By using an LMS for sales training, you can:
When it comes to customer education, you need a strategic partner. Selecting the technology that meets your expectations will get you up and running. Your training team will have an eLearning tool dedicated to assisting in the creation of great customer experiences. They will be able to define a strategy that suits your needs.
From developing coursework to scheduling and delivering effective programs, customer training LMS can be your ideal solution. Your board of ideas will have no limit if you create the right customer training strategy by choosing the most suitable LMS.
Of course, the steps you follow will define your customer training success. You need to design a strategy and build an all-star team to implement these ideas. Emphasize your efforts when developing your training content.
What you need is to resonate with your target audience and bring value to the table. Success never comes easy; this is why you need to measure and evaluate your efforts. All of the above might fail if you don't choose the right technology.
What Makes A Top-Class Customer Training LMS?When looking to create successful customer training programs, your LMS needs to be able to provide at least some of the following:
Whether your niche is into retail or information technology, being able to deliver employee training all around the world is vital. Professional training and coaching on a world-wide level need specific features to work.
An extended enterprise LMS could come in handy, especially when it comes to sales training. Implementing such an LMS can assist in keeping an aligned strategy throughout your sales force. No matter where your sales reps live.
With an extended enterprise LMS, you can train your employees on video-based scenarios to reduce customer complaints. In this way, your customer satisfaction will improve, as will your sales return. If your training needs analysis has shown that you need to improve product knowledge, an LMS is your solution.
Manufacturing and automotive, for example, are some other use cases where LMS implementation can bring training to another level.
What Are The Top Features Of An Extended Enterprise LMS?
Those of you who are in the educational field might have noticed that it can be challenging to use an LMS for blended learning. I assure you, it doesn't have to be this way. Blended learning might have a better application if you do it the easy way.
An LMS can be used to create personalized learning and social learning experiences for your students. As the world progresses its digital transformation every day, educators need to find smart ways to apply it in their courses. That said, you can use an LMS to make your teaching less stressful. You can keep information about your students and your courses in one place. Also, you can file grades and assignments without worrying where you’ve hidden that last day submission.
Furthermore, you’ll come out as more accessible to your students. What an LMS does best is giving immediate access and channels of communication to all stakeholders involved. Even if you can’t afford an a-class LMS, there are plenty of open-source LMS options out there.
The Importance OF LMS IntegrationsWhen choosing your ideal LMS solution, the ability it has to integrate with other software is crucial for your decision. Having several integrations can multiply your LMS's power as well as its utility. Integrations will help your L&D team get even more value, but it will also make this tool more efficient.
LMS integrations bring along several benefits. When your learners are already familiar with some software, having the ability to integrate them will increase user engagement. What’s more, it can help deliver better User Experience by saving time and reducing manual tasks.
For an LMS to enhance your training effectiveness, you might need to have a media library and eCommerce. A great LMS integrating with applications you already use, or maybe want to use in the future, will make things easier for your L&D.
Whether you’re working in human resources or are in the L&D of a telecommunications company, you will need to combine tools that are already in your training arsenal.
Tips On How To Choose The Best LMS For Your IndustryWhen you come to think about it, is there an industry that doesn’t need an LMS? Depending on your industry’s needs and expectations, you should opt for the ideal LMS that meets your business needs.
If you need to train your extended enterprise, you’ll have to focus on localization features. A key element for an extended enterprise LMS is that it offers online training anytime, anywhere. Maybe a cloud-based LMS would be the best solution for this case. Or definitely, an LMS that has a proper mobile application.
What if your company is in the hospitality industry? You'll surely need an LMS that is good for employee onboarding and compliance training. The reason for this is simple: you’ll have plenty of seasonal employees that you need to train.
Successful LMS Implementation For Different IndustrieseLearning training strategies can have a successful implementation in the banking sector, as well. Plenty of financial services do use an LMS to create courses for their employee training. To meet your training needs in this industry, you'll need an LMS ideal for compliance training. Sales training and soft skills training are also essential. You may also use your LMS to give certificates to your trainers. This will make employee training more interesting. Your employees will enjoy getting certifications of completion. In case your LMS has a competitive edge by including gamification features, even better.
Retail, of course, is no different. Such companies need extensive customer training capabilities. They are also looking for an LMS that is powerful and flexible when it comes to sales training. Keeping your sales force on constant training will enhance the way they interact with your customers. With such an LMS, you can train new hires in no time. The above is equally important to those looking for training solutions in the food & beverage industry.
A cloud-based LMS could be the solution you need. Being mobile-friendly and cost-effective makes it a good option. Extended enterprises could benefit from an all-in-one LMS that offers mobility. Simulation-based training and the use of customer scenarios can also increase your revenue in the long run.
Evaluating And Selecting Your Ideal LMS SolutionOf course, the best way to choose an LMS is to test it by yourself. So, I suggest that you ask for an LMS free trial to get your hands on it. If an LMS vendor doesn’t offer a free trial period, then at least ask for a demo. Do a training needs analysis before selecting which LMS vendors you’d like to put to the test.
Getting an LMS doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. You can find value for money LMS choices for SMBs as well. Selecting the best eLearning tool for your business depends highly on who is going to use it.
Evaluate at least 3-5 LMS tools before concluding. Take a look at the user set up, create a mock-up training course, make some assignments, and extract reports. Make sure to choose an intuitive and user-friendly LMS. Always have in mind that you need to choose an LMS that meets your specific business needs and objectives.
In conclusion, when selecting an LMS, you should follow these vital steps:
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E-LEARNINGThe purpose of every company is to get a profit. In order for the company to get a profit, its employees need to have great results on their work. There are plenty of discussions around us on what makes productivity fly through the roof within a company, starting with financial incentives, going on to the physical work space, with its chromatic choices, state-of-the-art office furniture, maybe a relaxation room, and finishing of course with the technology that is being used by employees.
Technology is more than a pawn on a business chess board; it can really impact how fast and accurate employees perform their tasks. From a super-fast computer, the latest gadget, or a new smartphone, to a powerful business learning management system, technology can be used successfully and with outstanding results across all industries.
The employees with the best results are those who are properly trained for the job they are doing. The instruction process usually means a lot of compliance training, bureaucracy, standardized tests, cost with trainers/venues/travel for employees and hardly ever a way to measure the effectiveness of training. But with the right LMS, things can change, and offer companies a real competitive edge.
The e-learning industry is enormous. So choosing the right training program and the right platform for it is not as easy of a task as it might seem. Sometimes companies actually end up with these questions:
- Will it really help to get an LMS?
- Will my employees be more efficient?
- Will it help raise the overall productivity?
- Maybe it would be better to hire a trainer and remodel the office?
Still in doubt? Here’s what an LMS can do to spike up results:
Top 4 Learning Management System features for better employee productivityThe best LMS provides the right piece of information to the right employee at the right time. That’s the only way all employees can reach their full potential every day at work and deliver great results. A learning management system that comes with a comprehensive set of features has better chances of achieving this. While some features are incredibly useful for trainers and L&D managers, others are created with the learner’s need in mind.
So here are a few LMS features that can improve employee productivity:
Feature no.1 : Personalized learning pathsNo two employees are identical, the same as no two snowflakes are. And the individual learning needs for each and every one of them follow this idea.
New employees have to absorb an incredible amount of information in the first few months on the job, while seasoned employees need to keep up with the inevitable changes in the industry. They all have different learning styles and they need different periods of time to adjust the new knowledge and apply it in their day-to-day tasks.
Setting a personalized learning path for each employee is one of the most important things a learning management system can do so the company delivers personalized learning. Instructional designers can set learning goals for each employee, based on their current knowledge and what they need to achieve. Once a goal is reached, another related one gets in the picture, and then another one, and another one, until the learners reach them all. Instructors can set these related goals to guide the employee through their individual learning journey.
Feature no.2 : Progress trackingThere’s no better way to be counter-productive than going in the wrong direction for a long period of time, with no one to show you the right track. Training programs are meant to increase productivity, and the only way to achieve this is to be adjusted for the specific needs of company departments, and even for those of certain individuals.
In order to be able to spot when the learning process has taken a wrong turn, employees have to be able to see the bigger picture and track their progress at all times. The numbers in their analytics can boost motivation to finish a course or to seek help if necessary.
Feature no.3 : Collaboration toolsWhen I first accessed a learning platform it was just a gray page with one link for the course and… that was it. Even though this was just some years ago, I feel like it’s been ages since then.
Now, plenty of LMS vendors offer learning platforms with nice graphics, are user friendly, and come with plenty of useful tools. The collaboration tools within an LMS make employees’ lives so much easier, as they don’t have to leave the platform to get an answer to a burning question. They can ask an instructor, or join a group of interest. When they get stuck with something they only have to do a few clicks to open a thread on a forum, and everyone in that class can help them.
The social media features, the chatrooms, the wikis, being able to hold a conference without leaving the platform… these are pure proof of how far the LMSs have come, from the insipid gray page they once were.
Feature no.4 : Branded mobile appsMobile devices can be really powerful. People use their devices to do all sorts of things during the day, from the most trivial, to the most important. Since work covers the greatest part of the day for employees, it’s no wonder they want to bring this power in the workplace as well. Including workplace learning.
Modern workers are more eager than ever to improve their knowledge professionally, and they seem to be always on the go. A mobile app of the business LMS allows them to access learning materials anytime, anywhere. When the right piece of information is available at the fingertips of any employee, he/she doesn’t have to lose time looking for it, and can use it immediately.
Just-in-time learning is probably one of the most effective solutions that improve employee productivity, and a mobile app of an LMS supports just that.
Obviously, MATRIX LMS has all of these features, and even more. You don’t have to take my word for granted; just check out the designated page where each and every one of the MATRIX features are showcased.
Did you notice the same with the LMS you are using? What other features would you recommend for a better general productivity? I’d love to hear your ideas, so please leave them in the comments section below.
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Olivia DOlivia is a Marketing Analyst and part-time blog writer for CYPHER LEARNING, a company with two LMS products, NEO and MATRIX.
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The positive impact of a corporate LMSJanuary 17, 2017
In "Instructional Designers"
How LMSs help companies ride the wave of knowledge transferJanuary 12, 2017
In "E-learning"
6 Ways of boosting employee performance with e-learningNovember 26, 2015
In "E-learning"
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Learning Management System Basics: Functions And Features eLearning Pros Must KnowThe term "Learning Management System" (LMS) makes an appearance quite frequently in eLearning articles, tip sheets, and beginner’s guides. As such, it’s important to get a good grasp on what a Learning Management System entails and the benefits it brings. Is a Learning Management System really worth the resources? Or will a more manual approach suffice? What are the advantages of investing in an LMS, and which features should you look for? Are there different hosting and pricing plans you need to keep in mind? This article will address all these questions and give you the insider scoop on Learning Management Systems so that you can decide whether a new LMS is right for your online training program or not.
What Is The Primary Function Of An LMS?The role of a Learning Management System varies depending on the organization’s objectives, online training strategy, and desired outcomes. However, the most common use for LMS software is to deploy and track online training initiatives. Typically, assets are uploaded to the Learning Management System, which makes them easily accessible for remote learners. In some cases, the LMS may even have built-in eLearning authoring tools that allow you to develop online training materials without additional third-party software.
Think of a Learning Management System as a vast repository where you can store and track information. Anyone with a login and password can access these online training resources whenever and wherever. For self-hosted Learning Management Systems, users must also have the LMS software installed on their hard drive or access to the company’s server. Whatever the installation option, the thing to bear in mind is that LMS users fall into two categories: First, online learners who use the Learning Management System to participate in online training courses; second, your eLearning team who relies on the LMS platform to disburse information and update the online training content.
Who Can Benefit From An LMS?Learning Management Systems are beneficial for educational institutions and corporations alike. Extended enterprise online training is yet another application for Learning Management Systems. For example, companies are able to deploy online training resources to external sales channels, franchisees, and even customers. It’s vital to identify your organizational and training objectives before you start the LMS selection process, as LMS vendors typically cater to different consumer groups. Some specialize in eCommerce, while others are known for their sales online training features. For instance, the power to integrate CRM software.
LMS Deployment Optionsa. Cloud-Based (SaaS)These LMS platforms are hosted on the cloud. The LMS vendor maintains the system and carries out any tech upgrades or updates. Online learners and collaborators login to the Learning Management System with a user name and password. There’s no need to install any software, which makes it a great option for organizations who want to get started as soon as possible. The downside is that some cloud-based Learning Management Systems cannot be customized. For example, there are fewer opportunities to incorporate branding or personalize the dashboard.
b. Self-HostedLearning Management Systems that require software downloads. The LMS vendor may offer direct download from their site, or you must request physical software discs. However, the former is more common these days. Self-hosted LMS platforms allow for greater creative control and customization. The disadvantage is that you usually have to pay for updates, and the system may require IT know-how.
c. Desktop ApplicationThe LMS app is installed on the desktop. Some desktop apps are even accessible on multiple devices, making it easy for your entire eLearning team to collaborate.
d. Mobile ApplicationLearning Management Systems that are accessible whenever, wherever via mobile devices. You can upload online training content so that online learners can track online training initiatives on the go.
LMS Customer Typesa. Large EnterprisesLarger organizations can use these Learning Management Systems to track hundreds or thousands of employees. Not to mention, deploy global online training initiatives. In some cases, they may even feature extended enterprise features so that you can keep franchisees and sales channels in the loop.
b. Small & Medium Businesses (SMBs)Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) benefit from this type of Learning Management Systems as they can utilize fewer human resources. These tools also scale along with your business to adapt to your ever-changing training needs.
c. FreelancersLMS platforms designed for eLearning freelancers who work with multiple clients and need to deliver a diverse range of deliverables. These Learning Management Systems may feature built-in collaboration tools, which allow you to fly solo or work with a remote eLearning team.
LMS Licensing Typesa. Open SourceOpen Source Learning Management Systems are generally free and based online. You’re able to modify the source code in order to suit your needs. In addition, many open source options have active online communities, which means that you can get tips and troubleshooting assistance if you do encounter a problem. The drawback is that you typically need some degree of programming experience.
b. Free LicenseThere are a number of free LMS options, usually open source systems. However, the money that you save on licensing or monthly fees may be spent on IT staff, especially if you don’t have any programming experience. In addition, you may have to deal with a steep learning curve to get the most from the Learning Management System.
c. Paid LicensePaid Learning Management Systems require a monthly or yearly fee. Some even allow you to purchase the software outright. They typically offer more advanced support options and user-friendly features.
6. LMS Pricing Modelsa. LicensingInstead of paying per user, this LMS pricing plan involves a licensing fee. Typically, an annual fee that you must renew on a yearly basis, or an outright upfront fee that grants unlimited lifetime access. However, as technology advances you’ll probably still have to purchase replacement software in the near future.
b. SubscriptionA subscription fee usually grants you access to all LMS features, or relies on a pay-per-user model. This pricing model involves a fee for each user, or active user. In some cases, the LMS vendor offers different price brackets. For example, the fee covers up to 25 active learners. This is a great solution for smaller organizations who want to minimize online training costs, but still want to be able to scale the Learning Management System as their company expands.
c. FreemiumThese LMS platforms are free for basic features but a fee is charged for more advanced functionalities, such as add-ons or upgrades. For instance, a more comprehensive eLearning assessment engine or advanced reports.
LMS Specification Support Typesa. SCORM 2004This set of standards helps eLearning authoring tools and eLearning content communicate with the Learning Management System. SCORM 2004 enables tools to format eLearning content in such a way that’s shareable across the board.
b. Tin Can APIAlso known as Experience API, Tin Can spec support is often viewed as the follow-up to SCORM. It allows for external learning activities and tracking, and gives eLearning pros the ability to develop and deploy native mobile apps.
c. AICCAviation Industry CBT Committee support allows the LMS and eLearning content to communicate via HAC protocols. In essence, the system relies on an HTML form to transmit the information, then the LMS relays the information back via text.
d. IMS LTILearning Tools Interoperability (LTI) was introduced by the IMS Global Learning Consortium. It specializes in apps that are hosted remotely, as well as web-based eLearning content.
Learning Management System Benefits1. Organizes And Safely Stores Big DataLearning Management Systems allow you to gather all Big Data in one location. This also makes it easier to maintain and update your learning materials. In addition, most LMSs feature advanced encryption so that you don’t have to worry about data falling into the wrong hands.
2. Monitors Learner Progress And PerformanceVirtually all LMS platforms feature built-in reporting and analytics. Thus, you’re able to track various aspects of your online training program. If the Learning Management System lacks sufficient reporting capabilities, you can typically purchase add-ons or plug-ins to boost its functionality. You can track everything from learner engagement to eLearning assessment results. This means that you can identify patterns and trends, especially since many LMSs provide data visualizations, such as graphs and charts.
3. Improves Resource AllocationThere are a number of ways that LMS platforms can help you allocate online training resources more effectively. First and foremost, you can identify aspects of your online training program that aren’t meeting expectations. Low learner engagement is usually an indicator that you need to reevaluate an online training module or activity. Secondly, Learning Management Systems help your eLearning team update online training assets more rapidly. Then there’s the matter of deploying online training resources on a global scale. Thus, you have the power to keep corporate learners up to date using a single tool.
4. Personalizes The Online Training ExperienceYou can assign different learning paths or online training resources for individual corporate learners with the help of an LMS. Therefore, everyone gets the individualized online training they need based on their learning goals, job duties, and various other criteria. There’s even the option to unlock the navigation so that corporate learners can choose their own online training activities and coursework. All this translates into more effective online training experiences and increased learner satisfaction. Not to mention, improved memory retention and engagement.
5. Improves eLearning AccessibilityModern learners expect online training resources on demand. After all, we live in the digital age, where information is always at our fingertips, thanks to smartphones and wearable tech. Learning Management Systems allow you to deploy and track online training courses without geographical limitations. So long as they can login to the system, corporate learners have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and hone skills.
Top Features To Look For In Your New LMS1. Reports And AnalyticsYou must be able to monitor your online training initiatives to determine if they are on target or require minor adjustments. The same rule also applies to individual learner performance. Are corporate learners engaging with the online training content? Is it giving them all the information they need to achieve their learning objectives? These are questions that can be answered with a robust reporting system built into your new LMS. Learning Management Systems also feature analytics that allow you to monitor online training on individual and group level. For example, determine whether a certain percentage of your audience has completed the online training course requirements or not, or how long they take to complete each online training activity on average. Most will even deliver the analytics right to your inbox via automated email reports.
2. Responsive DesignMultiplatform-friendly online training resources give everyone the chance to benefit from your online training course. Even those who prefer to use their smartphones or tablets to access the learning materials. Thus, your LMS should be responsive, enabling you to create a master layout that features distinct breakpoints. The Learning Management System automatically displays the most suitable version of the online training course based on the user’s device. For example, shrinks images down to size so that they don’t occupy the entire smartphone screen. Ideally, you should be able to preview each version and make necessary modifications before launch. It’s also wise to look for a tool that allows corporate learners to download the learning materials and view them offline. Especially when Internet accessibility isn’t an option.
3. Intuitive User InterfaceFeature-rich systems aren’t of much use if your eLearning team is unable to use the user interface and navigate the LMS platform. The same goes for your corporate learners. Does the tool make it easy for them to access the coursework, or does it present its own set of challenges? The LMS you choose should have an intuitive user interface that aligns with your eLearning team’s skill sets and abilities. For this reason, it’s essential to get their input before deciding on a platform. In addition, take advantage of free trials and demos to ensure it’s user-friendly.
4. Support ServicesLMS vendors offer different support services. As such, you need to determine the level of assistance you need based on your eLearning team’s experience level and the complexity of the tool. For example, novice eLearning teams might need more extensive support in order to utilize the system effectively. Many LMS vendors also host online discussions that allow you to connect with other users, in addition to online training tutorials, guides, and tip sheets. You may be able to pay for additional support services if you require more advanced options, such as a toll-free number that gives you direct access to a trained tech.
5. eLearning Assessment ToolsYou need to assess your corporate learners periodically to identify gaps and intervene when necessary. Therefore, the LMS must be able to support a broad range of eLearning assessment methods. Many even offer built-in eLearning assessment tools, such as eLearning templates. Lastly, there must be LMS reports dedicated to eLearning assessment tracking.
6. Gamification FeaturesSome employees require extra incentive to actively engage in your online training course. Game mechanics give them the motivation they need in the form of badges, points, and leaderboards. The key is finding an LMS that has built-in gamification features so that you can easily incorporate these rewards.
7. Compliance And Certification SupportThis is an essential feature for organizations who provide company policy and compliance online training, as well as those who require more advanced certification features, such as the ability to track individual skill and performance gaps. You can also refer to the LMS records in the event of an audit, which helps prevent violations and fines.
8. Social Learning SupportSocial learning gives corporate learners the chance to interact with peers and share their experiences. Many Learning Management Systems now feature integrated social media tools. For example, the ability to track online discussion participation, or incorporate a news feed into your eLearning course design.
9. LocalizationMultilingual support is crucial for organizations who plan to deliver worldwide online training resources. Every member of your team should have the same opportunity to develop their professional skills. Some LMSs even feature geolocation features that automatically display the appropriate version of the online training course.
These are just the basic LMS components and considerations. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all LMS. Every organization has unique training needs and budgetary constraints. Thus, you need to do your homework to find the LMS that meets your requirements and benefits both your corporate learners and bottom line.
Are you interested in learning more about LMS pricing plans? Read the article The Insider's Guide To Learning Management Systems' Pricing Models to explore the most common Learning Management System pricing models to consider, from perpetual licensing to pay-per-use. This way you can determine which option is best for your budget and training needs.
Also, don’t forget to check out our free LMS directory, which allows you to filter your search results based on deployment, customer type, licensing, and pricing models.
Top LMS Use Case Scenarios To Leverage The Benefits Of eLearningImplementing an LMS to enhance your training needs is vital for any organization. The same goes for educational institutions that need to start eLearning training or want to use it to complement classroom learning.
In the time we live in, every aspect of our communication has been taken over by technology. As the years advance, your L&D department will come to realize that you need a training solution. Such a solution not only will help organize your programs, but it will also assist in keeping your learners’ engagement high. Keeping track and reporting each stakeholder’s development is equally crucial.
An LMS can help accomplish your training needs, so the best thing you can do is to make the right LMS purchase to fit or even exceed your expectations. If you are working for a large enterprise or an SMB, one thing is certain: an LMS can be a great tool to boost your business growth.
Employee TrainingEmployee training done right is a burden for plenty of L&D managers and HR managers. As a manager, you need to have clear objectives and take into consideration several factors that will help define if you need an LMS or not. What’s more, a corporation might invest a strong cash flow in training new hires or in developing existing workforce skills, but if your LMS solution is not ideal for your needs, the result might not be that satisfying. Don’t worry about that, though. I’m going to analyze this thoroughly in the following lines. Delivering employee training and development by using an LMS will make your training process fast and easy.
Employee training and development can bring immense advantages to your corporation. By enabling your employees to take on new responsibilities and tasks, you can keep employee engagement high. If your LMS has gamification features, things can become even more exciting. By maintaining your employees engaged, you increase their willingness to learn more and expand their skills. In the long run, this will lead to higher retention rates. It will also help talented staff get promotions as you cultivate leaders and experts within your teams.
An LMS can help your employees learn new skills and gain problem-solving abilities. An LMS can also boost the creativity and innovation of your workforce. An LMS can help you create immersive learning experiences that will leave your learners in awe. A great way to accomplish that is by designing eLearning courses based on AR/VR or even creating AI training.
Compliance Training And OnboardingCompliance training is essential in the fast-paced, modern workspace. Most corporations expect their employees to be able to adapt to their work environment rapidly. What happens though when someone is a new hire or when things change within your procedures, services, or products? Information technology might play a vital role in these changes, especially now that we have the chance to use limitless information.
By using an LMS, you can help your staff feel more empowered. Taking up courses on compliance training can also increase their confidence, especially when it comes to onboarding and safety training. When an employee gets responsibility for new tasks, you allow them to deliver better results.
How Implementing Compliance Training Can Add To Your Business GrowthOnboarding and compliance training will undoubtedly help your staff learn from past mistakes. Developing critical thinking skills is a great way to make things work for the better. Your team will be able to resolve issues that come up with flexibility. When employees and training managers both have a knowledge-sharing mentality, you’ll notice an improvement in your organization’s internal procedures.
Your training program will offer insight into each employee’s role within your organization. Such a strategy will also create an environment that has a constant learning and evolving base. All these add up to creating a safer working status by minimizing the risk of having employees who stay behind when it comes to business growth and transformation.
When opting for an LMS to implement compliance training, you’ll need robust reporting and assessment features.
Sales Training & Employee Skills DevelopmentMost companies need to boost their revenue. Upping your sales game by using an LMS for sales training is the key to this. If you are looking to train your sales reps for success, there is no better way.
If you’re starting your sales training efforts or if you need to improve your current sales training techniques, an LMS is a great tool. Such an LMS solution can help design and implement courses that will bring results. By choosing the right LMS tool for sales training, you can set up a sales training program pretty quickly. Make sure that you have a goal-oriented mindset from the very beginning.
Developing your employees' skills is key to boosting their career goals as well as your revenue. Define if you need to focus more on your employees' skills training or their leadership development.
What Are Some Must-Have Features Of A Top-Notch Sales Training LMS?
- Collaborative learning
- Mobile-friendly learner portal
- Multiple tenants support
- Branding customization
- Multiple media support
- Assessments and enhanced reporting
- eCommerce integrations
- Flexibility when it comes to licensing management
- Gamification (badges and leaderboards)
By using an LMS for sales training, you can:
- Welcome recruits by hosting onboarding programs
- Create seminars on product knowledge
- Focus on customer interaction training
- Design case-study based learning from previous interactions with clients
When it comes to customer education, you need a strategic partner. Selecting the technology that meets your expectations will get you up and running. Your training team will have an eLearning tool dedicated to assisting in the creation of great customer experiences. They will be able to define a strategy that suits your needs.
From developing coursework to scheduling and delivering effective programs, customer training LMS can be your ideal solution. Your board of ideas will have no limit if you create the right customer training strategy by choosing the most suitable LMS.
Of course, the steps you follow will define your customer training success. You need to design a strategy and build an all-star team to implement these ideas. Emphasize your efforts when developing your training content.
What you need is to resonate with your target audience and bring value to the table. Success never comes easy; this is why you need to measure and evaluate your efforts. All of the above might fail if you don't choose the right technology.
What Makes A Top-Class Customer Training LMS?When looking to create successful customer training programs, your LMS needs to be able to provide at least some of the following:
- Friendly and easy to use interface
- Mobile learning compatibility
- Social learning capabilities
- SCORM and Tin Can API compliance
- Gamification elements for customer motivation and engagement
- LMS integrations with the tools you already use (e.g., CMS solutions, GSuite, eCommerce, Hubspot, Magento, etc.)
- Multi-tenancy support
- Localization/Multilanguage support
Whether your niche is into retail or information technology, being able to deliver employee training all around the world is vital. Professional training and coaching on a world-wide level need specific features to work.
An extended enterprise LMS could come in handy, especially when it comes to sales training. Implementing such an LMS can assist in keeping an aligned strategy throughout your sales force. No matter where your sales reps live.
With an extended enterprise LMS, you can train your employees on video-based scenarios to reduce customer complaints. In this way, your customer satisfaction will improve, as will your sales return. If your training needs analysis has shown that you need to improve product knowledge, an LMS is your solution.
Manufacturing and automotive, for example, are some other use cases where LMS implementation can bring training to another level.
What Are The Top Features Of An Extended Enterprise LMS?
- Must have an intuitive User Interface (UI)
- Should be mobile friendly
- Customization and personalization capabilities are necessary
- Should include good reporting and analytics tools
- Must have localization support
Those of you who are in the educational field might have noticed that it can be challenging to use an LMS for blended learning. I assure you, it doesn't have to be this way. Blended learning might have a better application if you do it the easy way.
An LMS can be used to create personalized learning and social learning experiences for your students. As the world progresses its digital transformation every day, educators need to find smart ways to apply it in their courses. That said, you can use an LMS to make your teaching less stressful. You can keep information about your students and your courses in one place. Also, you can file grades and assignments without worrying where you’ve hidden that last day submission.
Furthermore, you’ll come out as more accessible to your students. What an LMS does best is giving immediate access and channels of communication to all stakeholders involved. Even if you can’t afford an a-class LMS, there are plenty of open-source LMS options out there.
The Importance OF LMS IntegrationsWhen choosing your ideal LMS solution, the ability it has to integrate with other software is crucial for your decision. Having several integrations can multiply your LMS's power as well as its utility. Integrations will help your L&D team get even more value, but it will also make this tool more efficient.
LMS integrations bring along several benefits. When your learners are already familiar with some software, having the ability to integrate them will increase user engagement. What’s more, it can help deliver better User Experience by saving time and reducing manual tasks.
For an LMS to enhance your training effectiveness, you might need to have a media library and eCommerce. A great LMS integrating with applications you already use, or maybe want to use in the future, will make things easier for your L&D.
Whether you’re working in human resources or are in the L&D of a telecommunications company, you will need to combine tools that are already in your training arsenal.
Tips On How To Choose The Best LMS For Your IndustryWhen you come to think about it, is there an industry that doesn’t need an LMS? Depending on your industry’s needs and expectations, you should opt for the ideal LMS that meets your business needs.
If you need to train your extended enterprise, you’ll have to focus on localization features. A key element for an extended enterprise LMS is that it offers online training anytime, anywhere. Maybe a cloud-based LMS would be the best solution for this case. Or definitely, an LMS that has a proper mobile application.
What if your company is in the hospitality industry? You'll surely need an LMS that is good for employee onboarding and compliance training. The reason for this is simple: you’ll have plenty of seasonal employees that you need to train.
Successful LMS Implementation For Different IndustrieseLearning training strategies can have a successful implementation in the banking sector, as well. Plenty of financial services do use an LMS to create courses for their employee training. To meet your training needs in this industry, you'll need an LMS ideal for compliance training. Sales training and soft skills training are also essential. You may also use your LMS to give certificates to your trainers. This will make employee training more interesting. Your employees will enjoy getting certifications of completion. In case your LMS has a competitive edge by including gamification features, even better.
Retail, of course, is no different. Such companies need extensive customer training capabilities. They are also looking for an LMS that is powerful and flexible when it comes to sales training. Keeping your sales force on constant training will enhance the way they interact with your customers. With such an LMS, you can train new hires in no time. The above is equally important to those looking for training solutions in the food & beverage industry.
A cloud-based LMS could be the solution you need. Being mobile-friendly and cost-effective makes it a good option. Extended enterprises could benefit from an all-in-one LMS that offers mobility. Simulation-based training and the use of customer scenarios can also increase your revenue in the long run.
Evaluating And Selecting Your Ideal LMS SolutionOf course, the best way to choose an LMS is to test it by yourself. So, I suggest that you ask for an LMS free trial to get your hands on it. If an LMS vendor doesn’t offer a free trial period, then at least ask for a demo. Do a training needs analysis before selecting which LMS vendors you’d like to put to the test.
Getting an LMS doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. You can find value for money LMS choices for SMBs as well. Selecting the best eLearning tool for your business depends highly on who is going to use it.
Evaluate at least 3-5 LMS tools before concluding. Take a look at the user set up, create a mock-up training course, make some assignments, and extract reports. Make sure to choose an intuitive and user-friendly LMS. Always have in mind that you need to choose an LMS that meets your specific business needs and objectives.
In conclusion, when selecting an LMS, you should follow these vital steps:
- Define your objectives
- Do a training needs analysis
- Ask all stakeholders involved how they like to learn
- Does this LMS have the essential features you need?
- Can the LMS of your choice meet your future needs?
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