The 4 Step Process to an LMS Comparison
Are you curious about how to do a learning management system comparison? There are many LMSs (learning management systems) on the market today, and it can be hard to choose one. Also, an LMS isn’t free. It takes a bite out of the company budget. It’s wise to ensure you will receive a good ROI on your learning management system investment before you make it. You can ensure a worthy ROI by doing a learning management system comparison before implementing an LMS.
How to Do a Learning Management System Comparison
A learning management system (LMS) features comparison is an important step in the overall process of launching an LMS. This process usually has 4 steps, including:
- Researching LMSs
- Doing a learning management system comparison
- Implementing an LMS
- Launching an LMS
Researching LMSs
First and foremost, company leaders should research LMSs thoroughly. Sufficient time should be spent doing this; this is not an area to skimp in. It can be tempting to go with the first LMS you research. However, it’s much better to read all the materials an eLearning system provider offers and, as you do, make a list of eLearning systems you are most interested in.
Doing a learning management system comparison
The second step, doing a learning management system comparison, is possibly the most important of all 4 stages of the LMS launch process. This step can also be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you know how to do it right.
To do a learning management system comparison, you must first clarify what your primary goal is for the LMS. For example, do you want to use an eLearning system mainly for training purposes? Do you want to invest in a learning management system so that employees can work remotely, via the eLearning system? Or, are you seeking an LMS for the purpose of increasing social learning in your workplace? Be as specific as you can when defining the reason you want to launch an LMS.
After you’ve clarified the reason why you want to implement an LMS, it’s time to make a list of the top features your company will need an LMS to have. What features could your company benefit from most? Here is a sampling of features that are built into many social learning management systems:
- Language localization
- Mobile learning tools
- Social/collaborative learning tools
- eLearning content library
- eCommerce tools
- Learning tools interoperability (LTI)
- Integrations
- Reporting tools
- Learning paths
- Salesforce integration
- SCORM certification
When choosing the top LMS features your company would benefit from, keep its needs in mind. For example, if your workforce is multicultural, you’ll need an LMS featuring language localization. If your organization has no one on staff with experience writing LMS/eLearning content, be sure to get a system that features an eLearning content library. If you want to increase employee satisfaction and overhaul company culture, invest in an LMS with robust social/collaborative learning tools. Get the idea? Last, it’s advisable that you ensure an LMS features mobile learning and is SCORM-certified.
Once you know the top LMS features your company needs, you’re ready to do the learning management system comparison. You’ve already done the legwork, so this part will be easy. First, eliminate any LMS that doesn’t have the right features. For those that are left, discover firsthand how they will perform by asking for a free demo of each LMS. Once you’ve utilized free trials of the LMSs that stand out to you, look at pricing.
Obviously, budget will influence your choice of LMS. Here’s a word of caution about LMS pricing: go with an eLearning system that charges zero per-user fees. Some LMSs may appear to be economical, but if a service provider has a cap on how many users an LMS can have, that means your company will have to pay a fee for each user that exceeds that cap. Frankly, this can wreak havoc on your company’s budget. Protect your organization’s revenue by only implementing a flat-rate LMS that charges no per-user fees.
Implementing/launching an LMS
Once you’ve done a learning management system comparison and chosen your LMS, you are ready to implement and launch it. If you’ve chosen well, your LMS service provider will either do this for you or will guide you through these steps. Besides finding an LMS with no per-user fees, your deciding factor in choosing an eLearning system should be whether or not its service provider implements and launches the platform for you and offers client support all along the way.
Looking for an LMS that is full-featured, flat-rate/charges no per-user fees, and offers unrivaled client support? Then TOPYX LMS may be exactly what your company needs. Request a free LMS demo today.
