Learning Management Systems, or LMS, enable us to train employees across and organization; specifically reaching each role and responsibility while providing a centralized and integrated process for training. Say goodbye to the days of complaining about your employees' work quality and struggling to provide the right training.
Chances are, your competitors are already using an LMS, so it's time that your company implements this technology! More and more companies are putting an LMS in place, in fact approximately 50% of Fortune 500 companies are using this technology.
Here are 9 easy steps for successfully implementing an LMS in your organization:
Know what an LMS is and how it works
An LMS is a software or web application plan, implement, and assess organizational learning. They help efficiently deliver training where and when it is needed to ensure constant growth of employees!
How can an LMS benefit your organization?
A good LMS takes into account all the challenges you face as an HR manager or training manager in your organization. Some crucial benefits may include:
- a centralized form of learning with standard practices
- training modules and evaluation schemes for testing the staff members
- simplified learning processes comprising of new learning technologies and
- The ability to create a virtual classroom setting for all the attendees
Know your team first
Before getting started with the new system, it's important to organize your team and prepare them for the switch to an LMS. Most companies choose to organize the team of learners into internal and external groups.
The internal team usually comprises of sales, customer service, HR and manufacturing professionals while the external team comprises of the suppliers, vendors and providers. In short, developing a structured approach for learning in the organization is of utmost importance.
You probably already have records of past training and performance over time, so don't forget that you will need to put this data into your LMS so that learners can pick up where they left off. And get ready for this tracking process to become easier than ever before!
Perform a content inventory audit
Chances are that you already have produced some great learning content. Make an inventory of all the material you have before you decide on an LMS. Most will accommodate a number of different course formats and file types, and you definitely want to make sure that your LMS works with all of the material that you have already invested time and money in.
Also consider the type of material that you are planning to use in the future. Your LMS should be able to grow with you for years to come.
Design effective learning schemes with a wow factor
The importance of virtual classroom training cannot be denied. An LMS needs to include a variety of modules, including lectures, classes, exams and evaluations. While you can hire e-learning development suppliers to create courses for you, it is becoming easier than ever to produce your own courses in-house. For some current best practices on speeding up your design process, check out this new e-book from Synapse.
Testing tools for learning effectiveness
LMS products taken from different training providers can often include a built-in evaluation and assessment tool which, when used, facilitates grading and itemized analysis of key learning scores. New insights from testing and assessments can provide a starting ground for communicating success and areas for improvement with learners.
Match the costs of the implementation with your expectations
There are many LMS providers across North America that offer LMS implementation systems for companies. Some of the top rated LMS suppliers include:
- 360training.com
- Gyrus Systems
- Totara Learning
- Valamis - Learning Experience Platform
- Absorb
- Docebo
- Brainier
- Convergence Training
- PeopleFluent
- ConduentLearning
- IntrepidLearning
The costs are somewhat standard for the industry and differ based on the packages ordered and the duration of use. An average LMS costs approximately $25,000 for 500 users and grows to $193,500 per year for unlimited access. For three-year deals, these numbers amount to $59,000 for 500 users and $435,000 for unlimited use.
The Golden Rule for LMS success: Motivate your employees
The benefits of a successful LMS implementation are greatly diminished if learner participation is low. For this reason, HR managers need to communicate the benefits of training to learners and help them understand the company's assessment and evaluation practices that are attached to the LMS implementation.
In the age of the internet, e-learning is at the center of professional development and corporate culture. Don't be left out - consider an LMS to improve learning and job performance in your organization.