5 Key Points to Finding the Right Learning Management System

Over the past couple of years having been a Customer Success Manager, Implementations Manager and now a Solutions Engineer, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful clients and prospects who have taken on the task of finding and implementing a learning management system (LMS) for their businesses. The process of selecting and implementing the right learning management system (LMS) for your organization can be a daunting task—but it doesn't have to be. While every organization is different, using these 5 key points for finding the right LMS as your compass will ensure it meets both your current and future needs. The 5 key points are:

• Plan for implementation
• Define your desired outcome
• Align your goals and vision
• Understand what you're getting
• Evaluate the product

Let's break them down and analyze how each of these can help you on this journey.

Plan for Implementation

Before going on a journey, a little planning goes a long way. Asking the following questions will give you a better understanding of what you need, your goals and the problems you are trying to solve with an LMS.

Questions to ask:

1. What's your current LMS? What features does your current LMS have?
2. What features would you like to see in your LMS?
3. What are your Goals and Vision?
4. What Problems are you trying to solve?

Whether you have a current LMS or new to LMS, these questions are important to help gain some perspective on what problems you are wanting to solve and what features to look out for when shopping for an LMS.

Define your desired outcome

You now have insights on what you want, what you are looking for. Now let's break it down and define this further.

Questions to ask:

1. Who are you training?
2. Who will access the system, what roles/access will they have?
3. How will you import the data into the LMS?
4. What types of content will you be using to train them?
5. Identify your timelines, will there be any constraints?

There are 3 different types of learners:

1. Audio - Learners who engage better when information is presented through audio. Perhaps a classroom or virtual classroom settings.
2. Visual - Learners who are more engage by visual aids, images and interactive content.
3. Kinesthetic - These are tactile learners who best learn doing physical "hands-on" experiences.

Understanding who you're training, the types of learners you are presenting too will allow you to narrow down your learners, the roles they will play and how you will deliver the content you are creating for them.

You should also think of your timelines, what resources are needed to launch this project. Will you be able to save time by having the ability to automatically import users into the LMS? If you have a current LMS does your new LMS have the ability to import Historical Data?

Align your goals and vision

Now you have an idea of your goals and vision, the learners, the types of content you have and or are creating. It's time to align some of the key features that your LMS has to offer.

Questions to ask:

1. What features are a must? What are good to have?
2. Can the LMS solve your current Problems?
3. Can the LMS help you scale and grow into the future?

There are a lot of LMS out there and writing down a list of features will help you narrow down to ensure your current and future needs are met. Ensure you align for future goals as well, selecting an LMS that will grow with you and your business can save you time and effort.

Understand what you're getting

At this point you have now a clear understanding of your current needs and future goals and the LMS features that will support your business.

It's time now to understand a bit more about the LMS providers and what they have to offer, as well as their buying process and a few key points that will help you determine the next steps.

Questions to ask your LMS provider:

1. What does the buying process look like?
2. What does onboarding/implementation involve? What are the time frames?
3. What support and training do we receive to Implement this LMS?
4. What resources will we need to executive this LMS Projects?

Questions you should ask internally:

1. Does your Budget align with the LMS Provider?
2. Will your Budget impact the features you need/want?
3. Who will be involved in this project?

Gaining insight on your vendors buying process, their onboarding/implementation, support and training, this will allow you to create a timeline for your project and making sure that the features they offer are in line with your budget and needs.

Evaluate the product

You may have already seen a demonstration of the product, if not request for a demonstration. Allow your LMS Provider to get to know you and your business; a clear open communication between yourself and the LMS Provider will ensure that your requirements are met both current and into the future.

Questions to ask your LMS provider:

1. Ask to evaluate their product.
2. Ask for a trial portal.
3. Ask if you can workshop through your use case to so both parties have a clear understanding of needs.

Summary

These 5 Key points will hopefully get you started on your journey, asking the right questions, sharing the right information into understanding what would best work for you and your team as you navigate and search for your new LMS.

Feel free to reach out and connect. Would love to help you on this journey.