Selecting the most appropriate learning management system (LMS) for your organisation is no simple task.The choice should always be based on the company's specific training needs, as well as its budget and time limitations. Practical tips on how to choose the right LMS were published on elearningindustry.com.
1. Clarify your goals
First of all you must have an idea of what you want to achieve using the LMS. Only then may the selected system meet your company's objectives in the area of employee training and development as well as the needs of its users.
2. Be clear on the skills of your training and development managers
Even a simple and easy-to-use LMS is useless if it does not allow those who work with it to use their knowledge and experience.
3. Review your current employee training strategy
Focus on finding what works well and what does not. Then you can choose the LMS best equipped to take advantage of the already functioning principles and improve the dysfunctional ones. Discuss it not only with your training managers but also directly with the employees who themselves train and develop their subordinates.
4. Consider your technical possibilities
Your LMS must be compatible with the technologies and software already in use at your company. Think also about whether you want to use the LMS only on PCs or also on mobile devices.
5. Examine the necessary functions
Compile a list of the functions your LMS must have in order to return your investment in it. Stress that these functions are indispensable.
6. Examine the providers
Focus on experience and references of the LMS providers. Find out whether they provide their systems to other companies of your size and in your field.
7. Ask about technical support
The range of services individual LMS vendors provide in the field of technical support may be very different. You should want to know how and how quickly they are able to solve technical problems.
8. Ask about maintenance and upgrades
Think long term. Does the LMS you are considering offer regular updates? Is it sustainable? Make sure that you will not have to buy a completely new system in a few years' time.
9. Request a trial run
Ask the providers for live demonstrations of their system, ideally in companies which already use their systems. Ask also about the possibility of using a trial version directly in your company.
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