“The most effective, successful professionals are constantly learning, they take the time to apply what they have learned, and they continually work to improve themselves.” – Joel Gardner
What makes a good Training Provider effective, efficient and most importantly profitable? Is it just using only the best Facilitators, is only using the best training material, is it only ensuring the administrative processes is refined and functioning optimally?
We know the answer is that is the combination of all of the above, and therein also lies the answer to the question of what you should look for in your search for the perfect LMS Solution. How does a LMS solution benefit and improve all aspects during the Training Lifecycle?
- Learner Recruitment: Does the LMS Solution offer a solution to allow for direct recruitment of Learners?
- Client Recruitment and Communication: Does the LMS Solution allow for direct client interaction and communication? Automated feedback on Learner Attendance and Progress? Direct communication 2-way communication between the Client and the Training Provider?
- Scalability and Reliability: Does the LMS Solution provide the ability to easily scale and grow with your company, whilst providing at least a 99.5% uptime?
- Features: Don’t be baffled by the sales pitch selling you all the nice to have’s without providing you with a solid basic foundation on requirements. Identify your core requirements, based on your users needs, thus asking the following question: What does my professional and support staff need to compliment and enhance their job function?
- Take your time: Do you really need the system to be provided and available, if you were able to cope without it for so long? If a system is setup incorrectly from the start go, then everything after that will most probably also fall apart as you scale and grow your business. It’s always nice to get new “toys”, but without understanding the LMS Solution, and it’s features may soon become a nuisance, rather than an enhancement to your environment.
- Stick to your budget: You have already identified the actual core features you need, stick with that first, and within your budget before adding, and usually paying for features you don’t need and barely ever will use. Calculate the ROI based on the core features you will constantly use. Once proven and adopted it’s always easier just to learn and add something new, as well as the ability to justify the expenditure of something new.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Ensure that you have either opted for, or is provided with an acceptable hand-holding period, allowing you access to ask the tedious and “stupid” questions without receiving that awkward bill for support at the end of the month.
I trust this small list will assist you in making the best decision on finding the best suited LMS Solution to fit your needs and your budget, whilst maximizing your Return On Investment. Always remember that a system’s perceived value is only as good as the people’s attitude towards adopting and using the system.
If you want your LMS Solution implementation to be a success, you will need to ensure that the solution actually provides what it’s name states: Being a Learning Management Solution!