As of 2020, the global LMS industry is worth $15.72 billion. That’s made way for a lot of competing LMS vendors offering varying solutions. To help you understand what you need, you need to answer some key questions first. For more content like this, check out the full Acorn Resources blog: https://acornlms.com/resources

1. LMS Questions
What to ask before talking to a vendor

2. The LMS industry
Today, face-to-face and on-the-job training are increasingly being
supplemented with online training. It’s no wonder then that the
global LMS industry alone is expected to be worth US$38 billion
by 2027.

3. Why consider the industry?
Thinking about the LMS industry at large helps organisations
understand that LMS vendors are part of a thriving, growing and
expanding market. For them, this means there’s more
competition they have to cut through. For buyers, it means more
choice, innovation and quality.

4. Why ask questions?
Considering the state of the industry helps clarify what an
organisation and learners truly need to look for in an LMS
solution.
This can be achieved by asking questions that ensure a solution
meets your criteria and leaves no room for misinterpretation of
your needs.

5. Buyer
Types

6. First-Time Buyer
Research is key here. A first timer will need to develop a thorough
understanding of course content, integrations, LMS
administration, costs, support, training, maintenance and future
reporting requirements.

7. Switcher
These buyers have been through it all before. They’re likely
changing due to price, features, functionalities and/or support
issues. Hindsight is on their side, and they may just admit it was
their initial LMS research that failed them.

8. Questions To
Ask

9. Why do we need an LMS?
Pinpoint exactly what is wrong with your current L&D, employee
training and/or professional development that flags the need for
an LMS (or a new one). An LMS might just be a band aid fix or the
complete wrong solution.

10. What is our budget?
Consider the price that you can afford to pay now and the price
you’ll be able to afford in the future. Determine the value you
expect from your investment. At first glance, much of the value
will be intangible as most benefits are experienced over time.

11. Who are our learners?
Understanding the different users in an LMS environment will
help you implement a system that is best suited for them.
Consider their motivations, day-to-day, current capabilities, job
role and learning purpose.

12. Who will be responsible for admin?
Your vendor is responsible for maintenance, not management.
Dedicating one or more people in your organisation to ensure
learning materials and system functionality are supporting your
goals is core to the success of implementation.

13. What kind of access do we need?
This is all about where and how you want learners to be able to
access the system. The best answer is anytime, anywhere.
Consider location, devices and the login system (SSO perhaps?).
Limiting access to the LMS will directly impact engagement.

14. Is our user base going to grow?
One of the key benefits and most attractive traits of the LMS is its
ability to scale. An LMS that can’t scale is going to cost time,
money and resources in the long run. You need to consider how
much you expect your organisations to grow in the future.

15. Which LMS features are essential?
This is the big one to consider. It will impact and be impacted by
your budget, as well as what your learners need. Understand how
features such as tracking & reporting, integrations and
customisation will affect your eLearning solution

16. You can learn more about this topic by
checking out the full article:
https://acornlms.com/resources/lms-vendors