A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting and delivery of e-learning education courses or training programs. Here is some basic information for those who have not considered it before.
LMSs range from systems for managing training and educational records to software for distributing online or blended/hybrid college courses over the Internet with features for online collaboration. Corporate training departments use LMSs to deliver online training, as well as automate record-keeping and employee registration.
Manage and track staff training with an LMS
Training administration can be time-consuming and difficult, particularly in medium to large organizations with many staff working in different roles across a variety of physical locations. The right LMS can streamline this administrative effort, making it easy to ensure each staff member receives the appropriate training as well as helping manage the classrooms, instructors, equipment and other resources needed to deliver the courses.
Facilitate e-learning with an online learning platform
Much has been written about the benefits of e-learning, and while an LMS is not essential to implementing online learning it can often make it easier to manage and deploy. Some LMS solutions include tools to help author e-learning courses, and almost all decent systems can easily import courses in various industry standard formats (such as SCORM) that have been created using separate authoring tools. An LMS often provides a single, branded portal for e-learning delivery.
Consolidate all training information into one system
There are significant benefits to having all your training information in a single, consolidated system. At a glance you can review and report on the status of company-wide training programs, identify staff who have completed certain qualifications, and much more. Rather than having to search through several different systems and paper files to find what you need, the right LMS puts all training information at your fingertips.
Reduce training costs with an LMS
While achieving the right training outcomes is critical for talent development and training programs, it goes without saying that cost is always top-of-mind, too. The right LMS system can reduce your training costs in a variety of ways, including enabling the cost-savings of e-learning (less travel, accommodation more work time available, lower teaching costs) as well as streamlining the administration of training programs across your organization.
Improve compliance with regulatory requirements
Another major reason for investing in an LMS is to better comply with the various regulatory requirements that apply to your industry and organization. For instance, safety programs are a common use for LMS solutions as it enables you to easily demonstrate that all appropriate staff are up-to-date on the required certification and training. If your organization operates within a highly regulated environment, chances are an LMS is worth considering for compliance reasons alone!
Anywhere, Anytime Learning
Learning Management Systems allows companies and trainers to manage training programs by uploading all their training material to a central location. This allows employees and learners to access the learning materials at any time and from anywhere.
As you can see, Learning Management Systems are the most effective way of managing your training. Invest in one today and start to see the rewards immediately!
