Finding The Perfect LMS
A Learning Management System (LMS) isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every organization has different needs, goals, and priorities, and leaders must keep these considerations in mind when searching for an LMS vendor. With that being said, there are specific LMS features organizations should prioritize. These key features of an LMS ensure managers and employees can easily navigate the platform and access the information they need to do their jobs better and make data-driven decisions. I’ll explain the importance of each feature in more detail. But first, let’s explore how Learning Management Systems help organizations.
How Does A Learning Management System Benefit Organizations?
A Learning Management System goes beyond enabling organizations to create and manage their educational and training programs. An LMS also benefits companies in four concrete ways:
- Expediting employee development and growth
Learning Management Systems deliver personalized learning experiences and track and reward employee performance. This reduces skill gaps and accelerates skill acquisition. - Improving employee satisfaction and retention
According to Bridge’s Future of Learning Technologies report, 29% of L&D professionals cite increased employee engagement and satisfaction as a top benefit of using learning technologies. And when employees are satisfied, they’re more likely to remain with an organization. - Streamlining training and onboarding
An LMS consolidates training materials and automatically provides employees with the information they need for their roles. This standardization and automation saves companies both time and money. - Preserving vital institutional knowledge
A Deloitte survey found that 75% of surveyed organizations said that creating and preserving knowledge across evolving workforces was central to their success. An LMS can document this knowledge so employees can apply it for enhanced performance and business outcomes.
8 Key Features Of An LMS That Organizations Should Look For
Leaders should keep these key features in mind when selecting an LMS vendor.
1) User-Friendliness
A 2018 Axonify survey found that 93% of employees want training that is easy to complete and understand, highlighting the importance of LMS user-friendliness. An easy-to-use LMS allows employees to intuitively navigate the platform, preventing frustration and confusion, thereby improving employee usage and engagement. Some additional characteristics of a user-friendly LMS are:
- Simple startup
An LMS must be easy to download, set up, and customize. Managers and employees should be able to use the platform immediately, even without a robust understanding of advanced features. - Intuitive User Interface (UI) design
An easy-to-navigate interface with a minimalist layout and straightforward features ensures a seamless online learning experience. - Accessibility
Accessibility encompasses responsive design, adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers and voice recognition software. - Consistency
Employees and managers should get the same User Experience (UX) no matter when or how they log onto the platform or what device they use. For example, the LMS should accommodate both mobile and desktop users.
2) Integrations
Integrations allow an organization’s LMS to share data with other software in their technology stack. This helps automate repetitive tasks and eliminates inefficiencies. For instance, an insurance business might integrate its LMS with its human capital management software. This way, when a new employee is onboarded, the HR system automatically enrolls them in required training within the LMS. This streamlines the onboarding process and eliminates manual input. Here are four integrations organizations should consider:
- Single sign-on (SSO) integrations
These can improve security and make it easy for users to log in without memorizing multiple credentials. - Content and content authoring integrations
These can help users create and manage training materials. - CRM integrations
These integrations enable organizations to further personalize learning based on CRM information. They also reduces manual data handling for better data security. - Video conferencing integrations
These facilitate one-on-one or group learning as well as attendance and performance tracking in your LMS.
3) Customization
A customizable LMS helps organizations provide tailored training to employees. And according to the aforementioned Axonify survey, 91% of employees want personalized training that is also relevant to their position. Personalized training creates more engaged learners and helps them retain knowledge. A customizable LMS also means organizations can align the platform’s UI design, learning paths, and content delivery methods to their company culture and business goals. Business leaders should focus on these key elements for customization:
- User Interface design
- User management and permissions
- Themes and branding
- Content creation and management
- Analytics and reporting
4) Mobile Compatibility
A whopping 64% of learners think accessing training content from mobile devices is essential. So, organizations must accommodate these learners by choosing a mobile-compatible LMS. Mobile-friendliness offers numerous benefits, including increased accessibility, enhanced flexibility, and improved learner engagement.
Key features of an LMS that is mobile-friendly include responsive design (learning content automatically adjusts to fit different screen sizes), offline access (learners can continue to engage with course materials even without internet access), and mobile integration (learners can receive reminders and notifications about courses on their phones).
5) On-Demand Learning
Per Axonify, 89% of workers want their training to be available anytime and anywhere they need it. This is especially the case with millennial and Gen Z workers who were weaned on technology. The desire for on-demand learning also reflects the rise of remote work, which was necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Company leaders can facilitate learning on-demand through microlearning. Microlearning introduces information in bite-sized units, meaning employees can learn in quick doses as they go about their day. Just make sure information is delivered in different formats to keep employees engaged. For instance, traditional text, explainer videos, quizzes, and infographics.
Another option is blended learning, which combines online and face-to-face instruction. For example, employees could work on lessons online and then participate in in-person activities, simulations, and discussions. Those who can’t attend these sessions can simply watch recorded videos.
6) Reporting And Analytics
At the most basic level, learning analytics give companies the information they need to make better decisions. For example, whether to invest in better learning resources or consider candidates for positions based on their performance during training. However, this is only possible if an LMS includes four key reports. They are:
- Learner progress reports
Progress reports let managers know how employees are faring on their learning journey. Managers can determine whether learners are progressing well or if they need additional resources to complete training. - Learner engagement reports
Data from these reports inform managers of user sign-on rates and whether learners are active or inactive, helping to inform decisions about the structure and design of L&D activities. - Course analysis reports
Course completion rates, time spent on lessons and modules, course popularity, and other data indicate how employees are engaging with eLearning content. Managers can use this information to improve course quality. - Assessment results
Many Learning Management Systems provide reports on employees who have completed assessments, including their scores and grades. This gives managers actual data about whether or not learners are improving.
7) Security
LMS security is essential for several reasons. It protects sensitive data about employees, ensures compliance with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and maintains trust between companies and workers. Given this, company leaders must choose an LMS that puts security first and foremost. Luckily, there are specific features managers can look at to assess whether a LMS prioritizes security.
One feature is data encryption. Data encryption translates data into an incomprehensible code so that only users with a password can see it. This keeps users’ information safe. Another essential feature is user authentication, which verifies a user’s identity before granting them access to a system. Still another is user roles, which assign or restrict a user’s access to specific LMS features based on that user’s responsibilities. Other features like SSL certificates and regular security updates help protect employees’ and organizations’ privacy.
8) Support Services
Even if companies have a world-class Learning Management System, issues will inevitably arise throughout the more than five years that organizations use an LMS. So, companies would be wise to invest in a platform that offers robust customer support. This includes 24/7 phone and chatbot support so users can get immediate assistance.
An LMS should also offer an online FAQ to answer basic questions like how a user can change their password or customize the LMS interface. Ideally, this section will direct users to more detailed resources if they need additional information. For example, the interface question might link to a video showing users how to upload a logo.
A comprehensive knowledge base is another key customer support feature. This online library offers tutorials, video demos, and written guides to help users improve tool functionality and troubleshoot issues.
Elevate Your Organization With the Right LMS Features
Learning Management Systems are essential for organizations. These platforms consolidate and preserve vital institutional knowledge so everyone can apply it for enhanced outcomes. They also streamline training and improve employee satisfaction, saving companies time and money through automation and retention.
Although essential, not all Learning Management Systems are built equal. So, organizations should look for specific features before choosing a vendor. These include user-friendliness, integrations, reporting and analytics, security, and support services. Armed with these key features of an LMS, leaders can improve training, support decision-making, enhance employee performance, and ultimately, boost their organization’s bottom line.
Editor’s Note: Check out our directory to find, choose, and compare eLearning Industry’s Top LMS Software.