How to Choose the Perfect Learning Platform: A Guide for Your Business
With so many learning platforms available, the process of choosing one can feel like a maze. It’s a decision that can have a significant impact on your business, so getting it wrong can be frustrating, costly, and time-consuming. But don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be that way! Here’s a simplified guide to help you make the best choice for your organization.
Why Choosing the Right Learning Platform Matters
Research shows that a whopping 91% of organizations are unhappy with their current LMS or LXP. This dissatisfaction often stems from platforms that are too rigid, costly, or hard to implement. If you’re struggling, it’s time to rethink your approach. Whether you want to enhance customer service, reduce employee turnover, drive course sales, or meet compliance standards, the right platform can do wonders for your organization.
But first, let’s walk through what to look for in a learning platform.
Start with Your Goals
Think about what you actually want your learning platform to achieve:
- Are you looking for value for money?
- Do you need a native e-commerce solution to drive course sales?
- Do you want more flexibility from your LMS and your supplier?
- Do you want integration with your LMS with your HR, CRM, and BI solutions?
- Do you want to encourage collaborative learning?
- Do you want to bring in competency and performance management?
Keeping your goals at the forefront of your search will help you cut through the noise and make an informed decision. After all, a platform that works for someone else may not necessarily work for you.
Who Wants What? Involving Key Stakeholders
When it comes to selecting a learning platform, it’s essential to think beyond just the L&D team. Different stakeholders in your organization will have different priorities:
- Paying customers: They want an easy to use buying process for any course
- End Users: If your learners don’t like the platform, they won’t use it. Simple.
- IT Department: They’ll want to ensure the system is secure and fits within your existing infrastructure.
- Your CEO/CFO: Do they want a solution that can connect every part of your enterprise together and offer real insight and ROI.
- Managers: They’ll need to track progress and monitor training completion rates.
- Sales Teams: If you have a sales team, they might look for features like leaderboards or external access for partners.
- Compliance Teams: They’ll want granular control over content assignments and detailed reporting.
Get input from all these groups early in the process to make sure everyone’s needs are met.
Flexibility: Do You Need It?
The business world changes fast—so should your learning platform. You don’t want to be locked into a system that doesn’t grow with you. Consider whether your platform offers:
- Integration: Does it sync up easily with your CRM, HR systems, or other platforms?
- Scalability: Can the platform handle growth, such as an increase in employees or opening new branches?
- Customization: Can you tailor the platform to reflect your brand or offer personalized learning paths for your users?
This is where open-source learning platforms come in handy. They allow you to tweak the software to meet your needs without waiting for the vendor to release an update.
Will This Platform Grow With Us?
You should always think long-term when selecting a learning platform. Business priorities can shift overnight, and your LMS should be able to adapt. Some questions to consider:
- Will you be able to easily add new users or departments as your business expands?
- Can you extend the platform to external users like partners or customers?
- If your needs change, will the platform allow you to add new functionalities without huge costs?
A flexible platform ensures you’re not stuck with outdated technology in the future. Don’t forget, open-source software offers significant advantages here, allowing you to adapt quickly and with minimal hassle.
What Happens if We Change Our Minds?
Let’s face it: the business landscape is unpredictable. You could face mergers, acquisitions, or restructures that demand a change in your learning platform. A rigid platform can hold you back. Ensure that your solution gives you the freedom to make adjustments, whether that means restructuring your content or adding entirely new features.
What’s the Most Important Factor: Time, Quality, or Cost?
Different organizations have different priorities. Some need quick implementations, while others focus on the long-term quality of learning materials. Decide what matters most to your business. Is it getting something in place quickly? Offering the best user experience? Or saving money?
Having clear priorities will guide your conversations with vendors and help you make the right choice. Remember, an open-source platform can give you more control, letting you adjust based on your most important drivers.
Final Thoughts
In today’s rapidly changing business environment, the demands on your organisation to stay competitive are only going to grow. That’s why flexibility, adaptability, and scalability should be at the top of your list when choosing a learning platform. Getting this decision right is critical to ensuring your workforce remains skilled and productive in the long run.
By considering all your stakeholders’ needs and keeping your goals front and center, you’ll set yourself up for success. And who doesn’t want a smoother, more effective learning experience for their team?