How to pick the right LMS

Establish your learning goals and how you want to achieve them

Every organization has its own learning goals. Whether it’s employee upskilling, safety compliance training, or helping your new hires get a great start with a fantastic employee onboarding program.

In all of these cases and more, an LMS helps everything run more smoothly. So, consider your learning goals and which workflows are vital for accomplishing them. From there, you can research LMS providers and determine which features your ideal LMS should include.

A few things you may consider are:

• Does this LMS support government-regulated compliance training?
• Can I supervise learners while they take exams through this LMS?
• Is this LMS accessible through mobile devices?
• How will the LMS work for the various types of training and use cases that I need it for?

Armed with this knowledge, you are prepared to consult a learning solutions expert about the LMS that “checks all of your boxes.”

Compare what's out there

Chances are, you’ll encounter multiple LMS platforms that include the features you need. So, it’s important to look across the board and compare the full functionality of all of your options.

Many LMS vendors use the term "Discovery Call" – which is the initial conversation between interested LMS buyer and LMS vendor. A great Discovery Call doesn't require any obligation – it's best to think of it as a mutual fact-finding mission where both parties ensure there is mutual fit and align. That's where the conversion starts.

You may ask yourself questions like:

• How responsive is their LMS support team?
• What if I need assistance setting up my LMS or populating it with courses?
• Will this LMS interact with my other software tools? If so, how?
• Does this platform support non-English speaking learners and learners with additional needs?

Once you’ve thought about the questions that matter to you and compared various LMS providers against them, it’s easier to short-list your options.

Narrow down your LMS choices

Now that you’ve spent time establishing your needs and researching your options, you should validate which options meet your budget and timeline requirements.

Narrow down your list to the 2 or 3 providers who best align with your goals. Then, take a look at the implementation options each LMS platform provides.

To help determine your LMS shortlist, ask yourself:

• What promises do they make about the implementation process?
• Are there options within your budget?
• How much guidance will you receive during implementation and launch?

Some LMS providers list this information on their websites, and if they don’t, you can always reach out to a learning solutions expert to learn more.

Get in touch with a learning solutions expert

You have chosen your final candidates. Now it’s time to “take a look under the hood” by booking a demo with a learning solutions expert.

Demos can be very insightful by letting you see the features you want in action. Sometimes, a demo can “make or break” your decision because you are often first exposed to the LMS’s user interface during the demo.

During your LMS demo, you may want to consider:

• How usable are those features you’ve researched?
• Is the LMS’s interface easy to navigate?
• Is the expert friendly and open to your questions? This is often a reflection of the company’s customer service practices.

Take your LMS of choice for a test drive

Every new software comes with a learning curve. However, if the software’s learning curve is too steep for your team, it may not be the right solution for you.

Consider taking a brief trial of the solution to evaluate its usability compared to its effectiveness. Some software providers offer free trial periods, and others may provide you with a “test account.” No matter how you test the software, take this opportunity to work with your learning solutions expert and some of your potential users to make sure the software is the right fit.

As you “test drive” an LMS, consider:

• Does the company provide an adequate amount of product education?
• Do they offer a “testing” method? Does it align with your needs?
• Are they open to questions during the trial phase?

Choose your LMS and kickstart your training program!

You’ve done a lot of research, asked the right questions, and have come to a final decision. That’s fantastic!

We’re glad that you’ve found the LMS that fits your organization. However, implementing an LMS isn’t the only thing you need to create an effective training program. Now, you need to build courses, add users, and make sure your eLearning approach stays effective over time.