Choosing the best LMS is a major challenge for managers involved in training projects. A good LMS brings countless benefits to the operation and management of training – this tool can combine learning on a single platform, allowing students to access content from anywhere, anytime. The LMS can also be used as a management and performance monitoring tool not only for students, but for training as a whole, providing reports and tools for evaluation and feedback. This unified and simplified process is fundamental to the success of a training project, but recognizing the best LMS to meet management expectations is not so simple…
Before making any decision, the team involved in the project must carry out broad and in-depth research into the market, seeking to understand the differences and tools offered by the different players – the market is full of options, but only very few systems will really be suited to the needs. of the project and will be able to deliver the expected results.
With this challenge in mind, we have put together some tips to help you navigate this path. Shall we check it out?
Determine the administration and management resources needed
It is important that the team of managers responsible for hiring the LMS knows exactly which administration and management tools are offered by the system and that they correctly determine the reports necessary for the complete analysis of the data provided by the LMS, including maintaining the option for creating customizable reports. any time.
Demand flexibility
The LMS offers countless customization options and updates, but don't limit your project to a pre-determined set of them. Throughout the execution of the project, new challenges will arise, requiring quick responses – it is essential to have space, with the LMS supplier, to make changes on demand beyond what may be included in the initial proposals.
Consider all technical issues
It is vital to know the technical details of the operation well. There are many questions to be asked… How will the LMS be implemented? How will information be accessed, both by managers and students? Is it necessary to establish an interface for mobile access? Social media? Will the LMS be integrated with other software within the company structure? What will this integration be like? Involve the IT team deeply in the process to avoid discovering, after the LMS has been contracted, that that long-awaited report or interface will only be viable after months of effort and additional investment in the contracted package.
Don't invest in unnecessary features
An extremely complex LMS can seriously hinder project performance, in addition to causing unnecessary costs not only when hiring the system, but throughout the entire IT chain, as it means creating a greater demand for hardware and software to keep the system “on its feet.” ”. An excess of resources can also negatively impact students, who may become distracted from their learning objectives due to the system's lack of focus.
Attention to customer support
The LMS is often sold as the final solution to all problems, but don't be fooled, there will be a need for support. Analyzing in detail how customer support is provided (dates, times, response and solution deadlines, etc.) is essential throughout the useful life of the system and project – analyzing the quality of this service is the duty of managers when making decisions. decisions.
The process of choosing an LMS itself is also a learning process – managers need to be open to learning so they can confidently establish the best system to meet their needs, thus guaranteeing a unique learning experience for their students.
