Today there is an overwhelming selection of Learning Management Systems (LMS) on the market. How do you find the one that suits your company’s needs perfectly? Get 4 tips to choose the right one.
But first - Need a break? Take a quiz on the topic and see what you already know. 👇 (All the answers can be found on this page)
1. Review your Current Learning Strategy & Assess Future Needs…FIRST!
To find your perfect digital learning platform, you need to start with where you're at today. What are your core learning and development objectives and aims? Which skills and information do you want your employees to gain from the training? Do you focus solely on onboarding new hires? Or do you also plan to develop more experienced staff?
Before you even begin to research the market, make sure to form a clear idea of your company’s learning needs: How have these needs been met in the framework of your current learning strategy?
And what needs do you expect later this year, next year, and beyond? Finally, last but not least: What are your reporting and data tracking needs? Answering these questions will allow you to select an LMS based on how well it meets your needs.
2. Involve your Learning & Development Team
Understanding the specific talents and skills of your Learning & Development Team will enable you to choose an LMS that has the functionality, creative options, and usability you want. If you choose an LMS that is simple and easy to use but doesn’t allow your team members to utilize their experience and know-how, then you’re missing out on invaluable potential.
So why not take this opportunity to show them that their ideas are being considered and valued? Ask them what features they would like to see in the new LMS? Are there any tools or features they would find beneficial in order to create better results?
Treat them like ambassadors and allow them to help you make the best choice. This will also make them feel responsible for the success of your chosen LMS in your organization.
3. Assess the Provider’s Background and Experience
Choosing an optimal LMS is not just about technology and features. Of course, there are some pretty basic things, that must be considered from the outset, such as integrations and the possible need for API.
But you also have to look in to the people ‘behind the machine’. What is the education level and experience of the provider’s staff? If you can find a provider with a proven track record within your field or industry, this can be a huge advantage.
You will likely benefit from the experience they have already gained while working with other customers.
4. Keep an Eye on Future Developments
Time moves fast. And so does your company’s learning needs. We are living in a time, where new technologies are being developed and introduced to the market faster than ever before.
So you want to find a provider that is not going to leave your company behind the curve. Talk to your provider about their future development plans.
What technologies are they investing in, and where do they see the market moving? What new features do they have in their pipeline?
Asking questions like this will give you a good indication of your provider’s capability to keep track of the development in the market and meet your company’s future needs.
We hope you will find these 4 steps helpful if you are in the process of selecting an LMS for your company. Follow us on LinkedIn for more insights and updates about Learning & Training, Onboarding and Gamification.