Predictions indicate that the worldwide Learning Management System (LMS) market will experience a growth rate of 14.2%, increasing from $16.19 billion in 2022 to an impressive $40.95 billion by the end of 2029.
So, you've decided to invest in a new learning management system.
Maybe your current one isn't working well for you, or you're implementing an LMS for the first time.
Either way, you want a platform that can help you scale your training efforts and support your learning goals.
Choosing the right LMS is crucial to the success of your online training strategy. With so many options out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
Many people find it hard to choose an LMS due to the range of options available.
Don't worry! we've got the steps that will help you choose an LMS that will take your learning to the next level.
What Is an LMS From Beginners Perspective?
For a vast majority (79%) of LMS users, the ability to incorporate user-generated content is a critical feature.
An LMS (Learning Management System) is a software application or online platform that facilitates the creation, delivery, and management of educational and training content.
It serves as a central hub for organizing and administering various learning activities, such as online courses, training programs, assessments, and documentation.
Benefits of an LMS to Corporates and Organizations
Centralized Learning
Participating in training via an LMS enhances collaborative skills, with 70% of workers acknowledging a boost in team dynamics.
An LMS provides a centralized location for all learning materials and courses. This makes it easy for employees or learners to access relevant content without the need to search through various sources.
Flexibility and Convenience
In an era marked by global operations and varied time zones, the need for flexibility in corporate training is paramount.
An LMS addresses this by providing learners the autonomy to access training materials as per their schedules, be it during business hours or after.
With the ability to access from anywhere, be it the office, home, or even a coffee shop, learning becomes a continuous, uninterrupted process.
This geographical freedom, coupled with self-paced learning, caters to different learning styles and paces, ensuring each individual can absorb the content in the manner most effective for them.
Cost-Effective
Transitioning to digital learning via an LMS can lead to substantial savings for organizations.
Traditional training methods come with a plethora of associated costs – from securing a training venue and compensating instructors to bearing travel and accommodation expenses for attendees. Not to mention the recurring costs of updating and reprinting materials.
An LMS, on the other hand, centralizes and digitizes content, making updates seamless and instantaneous and eliminating the overheads related to physical logistics.
The initial investment in an LMS is often quickly offset by these savings, especially when training is frequent, or the audience is vast.
Tracking and Reporting
The true value of any training program lies in its outcomes.
With the analytical capabilities of modern LMS platforms, corporates can move beyond just delivering training to understanding its impact.
These systems provide granular data on each learner – from the time spent on modules and quiz scores to areas frequently revisited.
This data, often presented in intuitive dashboards, offers insights into both individual and group performance.
By identifying areas where learners excel or struggle, organizations can tailor subsequent training to address specific needs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and personalized learning paths.
Standardization of Training
A cohesive, standardized training approach is essential for any organization aiming to maintain quality and consistency.
With an LMS, companies can centralize their training materials, ensuring that whether an employee is in New York, London, or Tokyo, they receive the same caliber of training.
This uniformity eliminates discrepancies in knowledge or skills that might arise from localized or departmental training methods.
Additionally, when updates or changes are required, they can be implemented centrally in the LMS, instantly ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location or department, gets the most up-to-date information.
Such uniformity not only reinforces a cohesive company culture but also ensures that all employees are equally equipped to meet their roles' demands.
Employee Development and Retention
An organization's commitment to the continuous growth and development of its employees plays a significant role in shaping its internal culture and reputation.
By leveraging an LMS, companies can offer a range of training opportunities – from upskilling and reskilling courses to leadership programs.
This continual investment in an employee's professional journey can bolster their sense of value and belonging to the organization.
When employees feel that their growth and aspirations are aligned with organizational efforts, they are more likely to remain loyal, reducing turnover rates.
Beyond tangible skills, such an environment fosters motivation, engagement, and a sense of purpose, all critical to retaining top talent.
Compliance and Certification
In many sectors, adhering to regulatory guidelines isn't just best practice; it's mandatory. An LMS streamlines the often intricate process of compliance training.
With features that can be tailored to industry-specific requirements, organizations can ensure that employees are not only informed of these standards but are also assessed on their understanding.
The digital nature of LMS ensures accurate records of who has completed which training, removing the ambiguity and risk associated with manual tracking.
Furthermore, the system can automatically generate and issue certifications upon finishing certain courses or assessments.
This not only provides employees with tangible proof of their competence but also assists organizations in audits or inspections, as they have a systematic record of compliance training.
Performance Improvement
LMS-utilizing full-time professionals can conserve approximately 157.5 hours annually.
This substantial time conservation isn't just about speed, but also about the efficacy of training.
Integrated tools, such as assessments and quizzes within the LMS, enable organizations to pinpoint specific knowledge gaps and areas of concern.
By identifying these weak points, tailored training can be developed to address them directly.
This targeted approach ensures that employees are not only well-trained but are also focusing on areas that can drive the most impact.
The end result is a workforce that is more knowledgeable, skilled, and primed for improved performance, leading to heightened productivity.
Time Efficiency
Learning Management Systems are specifically designed to streamline the educational process, leading to noticeable improvements in time efficiency.
a) Educators
For educators, trainers, and organizational leaders, LMS platforms eliminate many of the cumbersome administrative tasks associated with traditional training methods.
Features like automatic enrollment, scheduling, and assignment distribution reduce the time spent on manual processes.
This automation ensures that courses are delivered promptly and consistently, allowing educators to allocate more time towards refining content, engaging with students, or developing new training modules.
b) Learners
For learners, LMS platforms offer the convenience of accessing educational content at any time and from anywhere.
This on-demand availability means that learners can progress at their own pace, diving into lessons when it best suits their schedules.
This flexibility reduces the downtime often associated with scheduled classroom sessions and allows for a more personalized learning journey.
Furthermore, with integrated assessments and quizzes, learners can instantly receive feedback, helping them understand their performance in real-time, rather than waiting for manual evaluations.
Scalability
One of the standout attributes of an LMS is its inherent scalability.
Whether catering to a startup's modest team or a multinational corporation's expansive workforce, an LMS remains agile, adaptable, and efficient.
For burgeoning organizations, this means that as they expand, either in terms of employee numbers or geographical locations, the LMS can effortlessly grow with them.
This eliminates the need for frequent platform changes or adaptations, ensuring continuity in training.
The digital infrastructure of an LMS also allows for quick updates or additions to the training material, accommodating evolving organizational needs or new industry standards.
This scalability ensures that regardless of size or growth rate, organizations can maintain consistent, high-quality training experiences for all employees.
6 Steps To Choose an LMS For Corporate Training
Wondering how to choose an LMS when you are surrounded by multiple options around you?
We have curated these steps to help you choose an LMS that’d eventually be the right fit for your organization.
Let’s get started.
1. Figuring Out Your Core Audience
Before you start looking for a new LMS for corporate training if you're new to LMS altogether, it's important to understand what you need from your LMS and who your learning content is aimed at.
The needs of your learners and the type of training you need to deliver will determine the right LMS for you.
a) Employee Training
If you're training your employees, you'll need an LMS that can formalize learning processes such as employee onboarding and improve employee retention.
b) Compliance Training
On the other hand, if compliance training is your focus, you'll need an LMS that simplifies achieving, maintaining, and tracking compliance.
c) Customer Training
For customer training, an LMS can optimize onboarding, increase retention, and even provide opportunities for upselling.
By completing training, customers will better understand your product or service. Once you have identified your training audience or audiences and analyzed what you need from your new LMS, it will become clear which specific elements you require within the platform.
Taking the time to understand your audience and their needs will ensure that you choose an LMS that meets your requirements and delivers effective training.
2. What Are Your LMS Requirements?
Once you have identified your learning goals, objectives, and the characteristics of your audience, it is time to shift your attention to your system's needs.
The more detailed your list of LMS requirements is, the simpler it becomes to find the perfect solution that aligns with your goals.
When defining your LMS requirements, it is crucial to approach it from a business perspective and consider three essential categories.
These categories will help you determine the specific features and capabilities you need.
a) Administrative Requirements
First and foremost, you should think about the administrative requirements. What tools do you need to manage and organize your learning content efficiently?
Consider aspects like user management, course creation, and content delivery.
b) Technical Requirements
Secondly, consider the technical requirements. This involves evaluating the compatibility of the LMS with your existing infrastructure. Will it integrate seamlessly with your current systems, such as HR software or authentication platforms? It is important to consider scalability and technical support as well.
c) Learner Requirements
Lastly, consider the learner requirements. What features will enhance the overall learning experience for your audience?
Think about features like multimedia support, personalized learning paths, and social learning capabilities.
By carefully considering these three categories and listing your specific requirements, you will be well-equipped to find an LMS that meets your needs and aids in achieving your learning goals.
3. Workflow, Workforce & Accessibility
Training staff in an organization can be tough, especially when they're scattered across different locations.
a) Centralization
Nowadays, companies have employees, teams, and customers all over the world.
So, it's crucial that everyone can access the same content whenever it's convenient for them. Having all the content centralized and tracked in one system is also important.
b) Accessibility
Moreover, the system should be accessible from any device, whether it's a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.
That's where an LMS for corporate training comes in handy. Not only can your employees easily access all the content, but your company can also launch new training programs, initiatives, and information globally anytime you need to.
c) Completion Monitoring
Having an LMS also allows administrators to monitor completion rates and performance in real time. This way, you can ensure that you're staying compliant with industry regulations.
The LMS becomes your ally in remote training, making it effortless to provide training to all your staff, regardless of their location. With an LMS, you have a powerful tool to keep everyone connected and updated.
4. Affordability and Financial Requirements
When considering an LMS, it's important to think about your financial situation. LMS prices can vary depending on the technology and functionality they offer.
So, before making a decision, take the time to establish your L&D expenditure. It's essential to select an LMS that is within your means.
Payment Alternatives for LMS
Luckily, there are various payment alternatives available for LMSs.
a) Pay-Per-Subscription Option
Some LMSs offer a pay-per-subscription option, where you only pay for the subscription you need.
b) Pay-Per-Active Model
Others have a pay-per-active user model, allowing you to pay based on the number of active users on the platform.
c) Pay-Per-Learner Option
Finally, there are LMSs that offer a pay-per-learner option, which allows you to pay for the number of learners using the system.
It's crucial to choose an LMS that supports your needs while also being affordable. You don't want to break the bank or go over your budget.
By considering your financial situation and the available payment alternatives, you can find an LMS that meets your needs without putting a strain on your finances.
Remember, the goal is to find an LMS that provides the essential features you require while being cost-effective.
So, do your research, compare prices, and select an LMS that aligns with your budget and learning objectives.
5. Offering Essential Features
When learning how to choose an LMS, it's important to focus on the features that are essential for your needs.
Different businesses may have different critical features.
a) Ease-Of-Use
One key feature to look for is ease of use.
You want an LMS that is user-friendly for both learners and admins so they don't need additional training. This will make the process of using the LMS a positive experience and increase engagement.
b) Reporting
Another important feature is reporting. An LMS with powerful reporting capabilities allows you to track learner progression, course status, completion rates, and exam results accurately. This data is invaluable for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of your training.
c) Integrations
Integrations are also crucial. By integrating your LMS with other applications used in your organization, you can maximize efficiency and improve the user experience. For example, integrating Single Sign-On (SSO) allows learners to access the LMS with just one click from your internal website or intranet.
d) SCORM and xAPI compliance
SCORM and xAPI compliance is another essential feature to consider. If an LMS doesn't support these standards, it may be too basic for your needs.
Additionally, learning portals offer a great user experience and allow you to manage multiple training audiences in one system. You can also share content across portals to avoid duplication of work.
While it's important to identify the features that will help you achieve your learning goals, it's equally important to consider the features you don't need.
A feature-rich solution can add unnecessary complexity and make your LMS more cumbersome than necessary. So, choose wisely and prioritize the features that truly matter to you.
6. Don’t Forget To Evaluate Different LMS
Now that you know who your training audience is and why you need certain features in your learning management system (LMS), it's time to evaluate your options.
Research
Start by doing some research to find systems that seem like they could meet your needs. This will give you a long list of potential LMS contenders.
Evaluation
Once you have your longlist, it's time to evaluate each one individually. The best way to do this is by scheduling a 15-minute call with a Business Development Representative for each system you're considering. This will save you time in the long run.
During these calls, you can ask questions and get more information about each LMS. This will help you determine which ones are the best fit for your needs.
List Creation
You can also organize your list based on the information you gather. The systems that meet your needs the best should stay at the top of your list, while the ones that don't meet your needs can be eliminated or moved down.
By taking the time to evaluate each LMS on your longlist, you can make an informed decision about which one to choose.
This will ensure that you're getting the right LMS for your training audience and that it has all the features you need.
Partner With Oreed- The Best LMS For Corporate Training
A significant 87% of companies that allocate resources to an LMS witness a favorable return on their investment in a span of just two years.
Selecting the perfect Learning Management System (LMS) is a task filled with numerous considerations. Yet, time and again,
Oreed emerges as a top LMS in the market. Oreed has established itself as the most adaptable and superior LMS available today.
Dive deeper into the five salient features that position Oreed as the go-to choice for your enterprise:
1. User-Centric Design
Oreed is designed with users in mind.
The platform's intuitive layout ensures even those unfamiliar with technology can swiftly become proficient.
2. Personalized Experience
Oreed understands that one size doesn't fit all.
It allows users to mold the platform according to their distinct requirements, ensuring each training session resonates and leaves an impact.
3. Engaging Gamification
To maintain user interest and involvement, Oreed incorporates gamification elements, ensuring sessions remain lively and engaging.
4. Unified Data Access
Standing apart from conventional LMSs, Oreed grants a unified view of user metrics and insights from a singular dashboard.
5. Synced Session Retrieval
Users can revisit recorded activities from past sessions, ensuring no learning opportunity is missed.
Given our commitment to mobile integration, users can effortlessly retrieve synchronized data on the go, ensuring learning never stops.
We, at Oreed advocate for transparent, data-driven insights. Hence, we've simplified the process of evaluating the efficacy of your training modules.
You can gauge employee development and discern potential growth areas through our in-depth analytics.
Ready to revolutionize your learning landscape? Choose Oreed and elevate your training paradigm.
So what are you waiting for?
Contact us today and promote lifelong learning through experiencing the most powerful all-in-one education intelligent platform that streamlines all your organization's learning, training, and development activities in one place.
