Find the Best Learning Management System

Who Needs an LMS Software?

The use of LMS systems has been on the rise lately. According to Sciexamlmsiner, the size of the global LMS market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24% year on year. The best thing about an online learning management system is that it can be deployed across multiple industries and for a variety of learning purposes. In layman’s term, anybody who is involved in providing online training or learning courses are suitable for using the LMS system. They could be educational institutions, private firms, government agencies, or corporations. So there are two sets of LMS users - the administrators and the learners.

1. Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining the training management software. They are assigned various tasks, including designing courses and training plans, scheduling classes, and tracking the learner’s progress.
2. Learners are the ones who receive the training. They have access to the system where they can easily view the courses catalog, complete their course, measure their own performance, and see evaluations if any.

Types of Learning Management System

• Cloud-based Vs. On-premise 

Cloud-based systems are replacing the traditional on-premise software packages in many industries. The on-premise software packages are installed on the company's devices, and you have to assign resources to install the system, maintain it, and troubleshoot whenever needed. Thus, your company should have an IT team for the same. On the other hand, the vendor manages the cloud-based learning management software and has lower setup and installation complications. Moreover, SaaS models are less expensive than traditional ones.

• Commercial Vs. Open-source 

There are several free, open-source LMS. It is possible to have high-end features and better UX if you choose the best learning management system, even if it is free. However, compliance features and security features become a concern. The commercial type is costlier but has better features and industry-specific customizations too.  

• Enterprise-grade Learning System vs. Individual LMS 

The best learning management software for a small company or an individual requires basic features, authorized content management, assessment tools, and more. Any general LMS software would satisfy this requirement.  On the other hand, large enterprises need an industry-specific enterprise-grade learning system with customizable end-to-end features. The enterprise-grade learning system is more costly, cumbersome, and more complicated than its counterpart. 

• LMS and LXP (Learning Experience Platform) 

In the case of LXP, the learners can share their content and knowledge. Usually, experienced developers upload curated courses and content to the system. The courseware developers will have complete access to the content management module.  Thus, it is possible to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment. On the other hand, LMS has strict content management features. Only administrators can upload the course and build content. Although dynamic content would be lacking, high control and customizable content management are possible.

Features of Learning Management System

You need to first define your requirements and prioritize them before you decide to make your final purchase. It should also be able to meet your growing future needs. Here are a few significant functionalities of an online LMS system that you might want to consider.

1. Integration with HR Software: 

This is one of the most significant functions of Learning Management System software. It should be able to easily connect to, or integrate with, other systems like HRMS, ERP system, or HRIS. When systems are integrated, a hiring manager can quickly enter the new hire’s information into the HR system. And the data will be automatically exported to the LMS system, signing them up for training tailored to their role. The integration makes it easy to export data in and out of LMS and other systems, streamlining the task of the employee management system.

2. Content Development: 

An effective LMS software should allow administrators to personalize content for training modules. It shouldn’t be about a ‘one size fits all concept anymore. Learners should be able to address their specific gaps and goals with their training materials. Corporate learners must be able to choose online training activities based on their performance gaps. Many systems allow you to create non-linear course maps.

3. Administration Tools: 

An LMS software needs to have a robust set of functionalities that enables the admin to handle all the administration tasks efficiently. Some of these include handling user profiles and registration, managing curriculum, billing and payments, and much more. It should have a centralized dashboard with an admin-based control system.

4. Reporting Capabilities: 

Administrators should have complete control over the system so that it can generate standard as well as customized reports as per the requirement. The LMS system should allow generating reports on an individual level as well as group performance. In short, it should be flexible and scalable enough to include the progress report of the entire workforce. An advanced Learning Management System also has the capability to analyze data and provide valuable insight. Based on these insights, the system can suggest which employees need a particular course and how it will fit in their career path.

5. User-Friendly Interface: 

The purpose of the LMS system is to help learners improve their skills. They shouldn’t be wasting time learning how to use the system. Otherwise, all the other LMS system features will become insignificant. The online learning management system should come with an easy-to-use and intuitive interface. And it’s equally important to be responsive too. For starters, there should be easy navigation from the dashboard to all training course sections. When taking a demo or free trial, don’t forget to check how interactive the panel is.

6. Content Integration: 

The LMS system should provide native support to a wide range of third-party courses. Some systems are only compatible with the vendor’s courseware. That’s why while selecting your system, you should be aware of whether it integrates with various other content packages or not. And at the same time, these third-party coursewares must be easily accessible from the main dashboard.

7. Security: 

Security should be your top priority, given that all the confidential information about your employees, including their job roles and designations, performance level, etc. is stored there. An LMS system should offer a high level of security to ensure the complete safety of data. Security measures generally involve a two-way authentication system, password encryption, and more.

8. Compatibility with Various Devices: 

Cloud service has brought the entire world closer. People are always on-the-go, and the trend of remote workers' guides is increasing. In such scenarios, it’s extremely crucial that the learning management system you choose can be used on various devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Thus, learners can make use of the system anytime, anywhere.

9. Support Service: 

After you have purchased the software, you will always need customer support from the vendor. So before buying, always make sure that the particular vendor has an active service team in place that readily offers assistance during any technical crisis. Check out how they provide service via phone, messages, or email. They should be quick with their responses.

Benefits of Using Learning Management System

The learning management system is there to help employees enhance their skills. It provides an online platform whereby instructors and learners can exchange communications, which enables trainers to give equal personal attention to all. The biggest advantage of using online employee training management software is that it can help companies groom their staff for the future. Instead of looking for experts outside the company, enroll them in programs that can help them learn skills and fill up the competency gap.

Let’s have a look at some other advantages of using a training management system.

1. Saves Time and Cost: 

Learning management software makes it easy to handle the training program for all employees. Not every company has the time and resources to build an end-to-end training module. By using the learning management software platform, companies can easily handle the task of training their workforce. It reduces the time taken to train different groups of staff members, which directly has an impact on cost-cutting. The software allows companies to engage their trainees without actually involving an educator. Once the programs are installed online, it can be used over and over again. Of course, if required, HR can always make changes and modifications to the training course line. Besides, you can purchase relevant training courses from Learning Management System vendors.

2. Improved User Experience:

Employees can learn about upcoming training sessions, enroll in optional ones, and even request a specific type of training. Online eLearning delivery allows for more creative, engaging, and interactive multimedia training content as opposed to bland text documents. Various repetitive, mundane manual tasks related to training and development become automated. All training and development initiatives can be managed on a single platform. The training and development team, as well as the managers, can obtain real-time, detailed information and track the progress made on training KPIs.

3. Flexibility:

Learning Management System solutions make it possible to train people across locations and time zones, without any added travel costs. It can bring together virtual teams so that they can increase their knowledge, engage with each other, and grow together.

4. Organized Training Material and Resources:

An LMS solution acts as a single repository for all training material and resources. It allows you to create a library of training material for various versions and formats. It can also allow you to create a standard design template for all your training material.

5. Increase Employee Retention: 

It has been seen that when employees have professional development at work, they are less likely to change their jobs. A survey was conducted by Better Buys that revealed that 92 percent of employees consider professional development as important or very important. Giving employees access to development opportunities can have a positive impact on them. The same survey also found that workers with access to professional learning opportunities have a 34 percent higher five-year retention rate as compared to those who don’t. Besides increasing the value and skills of your workforce, investing in their professional growth also acts as an incentive for them to stick around longer.

6. Improves Overall Productivity: 

Whether you are using a learning management system for schools or corporates, it helps improve overall results. It increases productivity at work and school by making learning more exciting and enhancing learners’ skills. It streamlines the entire training process, which makes it quite easy and quick for admins/trainers to conduct the training sessions. Besides, HR can use the system to identify skill gaps and accordingly enroll employees into programs to improve their abilities. This can also contribute to your company’s growth by fostering skills that will help your employees with just that. In short, LMS System creates an interactive learning environment for both students and employees.

7. Keeps Everyone Up-To-Date With Compliance: 

LMS systems can be an invaluable tool when you want your organization to stay updated with compliance regulations. Specialized Learning Management System vendors provide the right courseware that ensures that standards are maintained across roles. Using the system, employees can earn certifications in specialized areas that meet state and federal regulations. LMS system also ensures that all the employees are on the same page when it comes to company policies. Furthermore, staying aware of the latest compliance helps avoid costly penalties and reduces liability risks.

8. Optimizes The Learning Process: 

The best part is that all your learning material is stored at one location, instead of having it spread out on different drives and devices. One, it reduces the risk of losing your data, and two, every member can have access to the information. The software gives you the ability to educate multiple employees at once. And thus, the LMS system ensures that all the employees are on the same page and have clear goals and expectations from the beginning.

9. Substantial ROI:

Reporting and analytics features help you keep your learning and development budgets in check. The historical data in the system regarding various training programs can optimize training and development strategies for maximum effectiveness. A highly skilled workforce increases the quality of your products and services. LMS systems can help you provide a superior customer experience and gain a competitive edge.

Tips to Choose the Best Learning Management System

LMS system is not just important to select a good LMS solution but also one that is the best fit for your organization. Here are some factors you must consider:

1. What are Your Business Objectives?

Outline your business objectives and obtain information on how various LMS solutions in the market have helped businesses such as yours achieve them.

2. What is the Nature of Your Training and Development Program?

Evaluate the nature of your training and development program and what kind of technology you will need. What type of training content (audiobooks, videos, documents, presentations) do you want to provide on the LMS? Do you want to carry out more virtual training sessions than classroom ones? 

3. What are the Features You Need?

It is futile paying for features you will never use. Also, if you don't have all the features you need, your LMS software will become redundant. Create a list of features you need from an LMS system and prioritize them so that you can pick the best fit for your business. 

4. What are Your Training and Development Plans for The Future?

While a Learning Management System software might feel like the best fit for your business for that time, assess whether it will support your business's training needs as it grows over the next couple of years. 

5. Have You Tried the LMS Solution?

Request a product demo or a free trial of the LMS solutions you have shortlisted, to rule out any teething issues or unexpected challenges with the product.

Latest Trends in Learning Management System

The learning management system market is only going to grow. Here are a few new trends in the LMS market that will impact the future learning space.

1. Mobile Learning and Gamification: 

New advances in technology are revolutionizing the learning space. Employees are now increasingly using mobile devices at work. A new LMS system is designed to meet advanced needs such as mobility. Besides, LMS systems are now able to provide better data collection activities such as gamification to achieve higher engagement. It boosts productivity and offers continuous learning. This goes without saying - gamification and mobile learning go parallel. Developers are now incorporating social learning features into the platform and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI).

2. SCORM Certified: 

The US government has developed some standards for creating content that can be used in learning management software. Systems that are Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) certified can share the same lesson content. LMS system helps avoid the effort of duplicating and recording for a new system. Remember that not all vendors are SCORM certified.

Top Learning Management System for 2022

Finding the top learning management systems for your company can be a tedious task. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best LMS tools. Let’s have a look.

1. Docebo: 

Docebo is one of the top leading learning management system software that is endorsed by big brands such as Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, and Sharp. It offers a user-friendly interface that enables designers to easily handle content for certification testing and retraining. Furthermore, it can seamlessly integrate third-party solutions into the system.

2. LearnUpon LMS: 

LearnUpon LMS is another popular training management software that enables you to easily manage, track, and achieve learning goals. LMS system acts as a robust platform that takes you one step closer to achieving your business objective. Besides, it is highly scalable, and they offer a free trial for every plan - Basic, Essential, Premium, and Enterprise.

3. SAP Litmos: 

SAP Litmos is a robust learning platform that is full of rich content and a course catalog. Thousands of global companies are using the software. It makes the whole process of system implementation and integration to ongoing administration easy and smooth. Besides, they have an active support team in place, delivering the best customer experience possible.

4. TalentLMS: 

TalentLMS is an award-winning learning management platform that is best suited for both experts as well as inexperienced aspiring trainers. LMS system supports multiple file formats and multimedia, including SCORM, videos, iFrame, and more. Besides, it can be used on any device be it smartphones, tablets, or desktops. And not to forget, they have a reliable and active support group.

5. Looop: 

Looop is one of the best employee training management software that offers a robust set of functionality. You can use the system to train new employees or ensure that the organization absorbs the new policy. You can make your online management training easily accessible to any member, and it can be accessed from any device. What makes it apart is its ability to generate detailed reports about each individual’s performance.

6. Moodle: 

Moodle is the best open-source learning management system that is best suited for small businesses. It comes with a detailed tutorial guide on installation, teacher and administrator quick guides, course setup, mobile application guide, and activity setup. It is completely free and also has a mobile application of its own. Open edX Open edX is another open-source learning management system that has a lot to offer. Its various LMS tools enable you to create structure and build your online training courses, schedule and manage course teams, set grading policies, and much more. In fact, it also has an active forum where you can interact with experienced members. They constantly organize webinars and actively upload blog posts.

7. Canvas: 

Canvas is a free learning management system platform that makes teaching and learning fun and easy. LMS system offers a customizable solution that can easily adapt to your requirements and has a reliable customer support team. Its easy-to-use and intuitive interface make it more worthwhile. Plus, it has a big community of 300,000 Canvas users who are actively involved in sharing and collaborating.

8. Absorb LMS: 

Absorb LMS is a quite simple yet powerful learning management system software, which is an ideal choice for medium- to large-sized industries and disruptors. It has dedicated plans to train both internal employees and external customers. Plus, it supports localization in more than two dozen languages. You can also access it on your mobile phone.

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