How to choose an LMS: a full guide for your business

To meet the needs of your business, it's good to know exactly what you require from a learning management system.

As a starting point, define and outline your business objectives clearly and simply so that you know what you need to achieve. This will involve stakeholder discussion and consultation to answer some key questions:

• How will you use it? Is it for general training, compliance, development or is there another requirement?
• What will be a successful outcome for you? Will it be based on achieving 100% training completion on time, every time? Or will you be looking to set more holistic goals, such as a reduction in compliance-related issues, or increased performance in specific areas?
• When setting your objectives, be SMART in your approach. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. This will ensure you're setting realistic goals and can document outcomes from your new LMS, allowing you to calculate the ROI of your Learning Management System and communicate its value. This will allow you to address areas of improvement if needed.

Once you have agreed on what to look for, ensure your objectives are clearly and succinctly documented for future reference.

The features that are included within an LMS are vital in your decision-making process, so you must evaluate them carefully. Below are some features than an LMS should have:

1. AI capabilities: Choose an LMS which has built-in AI tools like a learning assistant to save you valuable time. It can recommend targeted training and remind learners of outstanding modules, all within seconds.
2. Additional eLearning content on subscription: Consider the scalability of your LMS and ensure it offers access to additional eLearning content, whether brandable or from third-party providers.
3. Mobile LMS access: Determine how learners will access assigned learning materials and consider the necessary accessibility options.
4. Reporting tools: Assess your reporting needs, including team dashboards, report builders, completion views, and customisable options for tracking CPD and external qualifications.
5. Compliance monitoring: Select an LMS that automates completion and reporting, simplifying compliance management within your team dashboard.
6. Automated learning management: For larger organisations, prioritise features that enable automated learning processes, such as auto-assignment for new joiners.
7. eLearning content creation: If content creation is important, seek an LMS with easy-to-use tools like Access  eCreator for building tailored courses.
8. Tailored interfaces with specific functionalities: Evaluate whether the LMS provides specific interfaces for managers (showcasing things like team learning performance overview), administrators (which provides key completion stats at a glance), and learners (displaying outstanding training and new content), ensuring relevant information and training are presented to each user.
9. Content uploading: Ensure your chosen learning management system allows hosting of content from other providers or uploading custom training courses.
10. Event management and creation: Look for an LMS that supports both in-person training and recording of sessions, helping you facilitate and schedule real-world training.
11. Forms and workflow management: Find out whether your LMS enables form setup, workflow establishment, and streamlined training pathway management.
12. User experience: Ensure the design of your chosen system is both user friendly and aesthetically pleasing to encourage learner engagement.

Due to the fast-paced nature of updating technology and the changing needs of the L&D function, it’s crucial that you pick an LMS which keeps up with this. While it’s not always possible for an LMS to stay ahead of every change, ensure your chosen provider has a roadmap to develop new features and that this will be communicated clearly with their customer base.

As well as deciding on the core features you need, you should consider how content will be delivered to and consumed by your learners.

Engagement is critical. Simple, interactive content delivery helps to ensure employees get the most out of every learning experience.

To increase training uptake and information retention, consider an learning management system that incorporates the following features:

• Self-service learning. When employees can engage with learning on the go using their personal devices, uptake and engagement tend to be higher.
• Microlearning. Courses can be made available in bitesize chunks that are easier to absorb.
• Gamification. Apps and quizzes make learning more enjoyable and engaging. Access Gamebrain is a great example, using a repetitive, interactive gameplay format to embed knowledge, encourage participation and build business culture.
• Engaging training formats. Training can be delivered in various formats – do you want to feature subject matter experts from your organisation? Or perhaps you want to be able to include video links from platforms such as YouTube or Wistia?
• Marketing features: Moving beyond basic LMS functionality, advanced platforms offer sophisticated marketing features. This makes employees curious about learning instead of seeing it as a tick-boxing exercise. By taking inspiration from marketing principles and utilising tools within anLMS such as banners, nudges, and pop-ups, you can capture their attention and inspire them to take control of their learning. 

You can get more information on our guide: How to encourage LMS engagement in learning

• Comprehensive Content: Start by assessing the depth and breadth of the content offered. Ensure it aligns with your business requirements for a meaningful learning experience.
• Credibility Counts: Evaluate the provider's credibility and reputation. At Access, we have financial services learning content accredited by the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF), and health and safety learning content accredited by RoSPA, for example.
• Established Reputation: Prioritise providers with a well-established reputation. Look for those with positive industry feedback and end-user reviews. Trustworthy input from industry specialists can be invaluable in your decision-making process.

1. Select your non-negotiable features
2. Explore LMS providers and the options they can offer
3. Make a shortlist
4. Contact providers and find out if you could work together
5. Explore the range of eLearning courses available to meet all your training needs

In summary, to choose an LMS you should: - Define your business objectives - choose an LMS which suits your business size - Understand what key features are included in an LMS - consider how content will be delivered - Select the most suitable LMS provider for your specific needs