There is no one-size-fits-all LMS solution. Knowing why you need the software is important, because lacking that understanding means you won’t know how a solution will address the issues or gaps you have. For more content like this, check out the full Acorn Resources blog: https://acornlms.com/resources

1. Comparing LMS Systems
Doing it the right way

2. The eLearning industry
The eLearning industry is one that is forever growing. While this
means more innovation from competitive vendors and the credibility
of an in-demand market, it also creates a large pool of suppliers and
platforms in which to find the best system for your needs.

3. Learning management systems
A learning management system (LMS) is a central repository for the
delivery and monitoring of online training initiatives.
Face-to-face learning isn’t as viable as it once was. It’s near impossible
for remote workforces all to receive the same training while divided
across states or countries, and rarely financially sustainable to
maintain training costs in each location.

4. Interesting
LMS Benefits

5. Attract and retain the right people
External rewards are not what employees today are after; it’s the
opportunity to learn, develop and flex new knowledge. Employees want
an intrinsic motivation before anything else. It’s more profitable in the
long run to re-or upskill employees than it is to hire new ones.

6. Leverage capabilities
An LMS, using your data, can describe each job role and function in your
organisation and then map capabilities to the perfect candidate needs for
that role. If you don’t yet have that person, you can create a development
plan for an existing employee that is best primed for succession.

7. Better performance management
An LMS allows for a holistic and proactive approach to performance
management. The combination of an engaging employee training
program, personalised learning materials and a flexible learning platform
gives employees a greater sense of their place in the wider business.

8. The LMS
Purpose

9. Education vs Workplace
While the term ‘learning’ makes it sound like an LMS is best for
educational institutions, it’s more and more commonly used by
businesses, organisations, corporations and non-profits to deliver
training initiatives. Different suppliers will cater to different
organisational structures and training objectives.

10. The Importance of Needs
There is no one-size-fits-all LMS solution. Knowing why you need the
software is important, because lacking that understanding means you
won’t know how a solution will address the issues or gaps you’ve
highlighted.
Consider these 4 organisations and the different ways they might like
to use an LMS.

11. Non-Profits
A cost-effective way to train their global community of volunteers.
Consultancies
A central location for eCommerce and sales training.

12. Corporations
A space to provide workplace training initiatives that can be tracked and aligned with other
business metrics and processes like succession planning.
Consultancies
A cost-benefit solution of blended learning – mobile learning, online courses, instructor-led
and on-the-job.

13. Indispensable
LMS Features

14. Content Development & Library
Content can be built by you, pre-populated or pulled from third-party
providers. Without the right content in a centralised location, learners
will face an uninspiring catalogue of content. This impacts the quality of
learning analytics and can lead to subpar performance management.

15. Accessibility
Learners need to be able to access coursework in their own time, on
their device of choice, from wherever they are in the world. It isn’t a
choice for some but a need. This might include remote workers,
consultants, freelancers and people with disabilities.

16. Integrations
With a number of integrations, you can ensure that learners can
collaboratively master new skills (through communication tools like
Zoom, MS Teams and Slack) and the system itself can partake in a little
data sharing (by connecting to HRIS, payroll, CRM and third-party
content systems).

17. Compliance Management
The easiest way to streamline and automate your compliance
management is by integrating your LMS with your HRIS. Automating the
process ensures proper governance, minimises risks and prevents poor
or negligent conduct.

18. Learning Analytics
Learning analytics help you quickly and accurately create learning
pathways, and easily determine ROI of your LMS investment. A user-
friendly dashboard for tracking progress and reporting is a key feature to
look out for.

19. LMS
Trends

20. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Implementing AI in the form of chatbots and virtual assistants in an LMS
can supercharge efficiency of training programs. Using data from your
HCM or HR suite can reveal trends and patterns, enable AI to
recommend content for learners and spotlight learners for succession.

21. Multichannel Learning
This sees content delivered through more than one channel to educate
end users. It’s not just about where, but how. One learner might like to
read while another prefers to listen to a recording in the car. This level of
accessibility is vital for those with disabilities too.

22. Intelligent Delivery
The learning experience platform (LXP) is designed to focus on learning
experience rather than management. It pulls content from different
sources, like training companies and third-party providers, to
recommend and deliver tailored pathways for users.

23. Occasional
LMS Issues

24. System Downtime
Regardless of hosting, any software will need a little downtime
while software engineers introduce new fixes or enact some big
fixes. With a cloud-based system, you won’t have control over when
these are done.

25. Outdated Tech
Technology evolves fast. Sometimes what is purchased now could
easily be superseded in three years. Be wary of signing a contract if
you’re not sure about what’s on the vendor’s roadmap – you could end
up with a clunky system that isn’t being updated.

26. No Mobile or Tablet App
Strangely enough, mobile and tablet applications for LMSs aren’t high
on the to-do list for many vendors. While yes, they will likely have
responsively designed websites that can be used on mobile, this is
very different to a dedicated mobile app.

27. You can learn more about this topic by
checking out the full eBook:
https://acornlms.com/resources/compare-lms-
systems-ebook