Learning management systems (LMSs) have significantly transformed how businesses manage and deliver training. Today’s fast pace of change means your workforce requires new skills continuously. Workplaces are evolving and traditional learning methods are no longer inclusive or effective.
Any organisation focused on growth requires a reliable LMS as no matter your business goals, they can help.
What is an LMS?
An LMS is an application that helps deliver training and development programs and learning content to your team, clients, and partners. It can involve the provision of online courses or offering real-time learning sessions.
Unlike traditional classrooms, an LMS allows for remote learning. Learners can access educational materials on their phones or desktops from anywhere.
One study shows 41.7% of top companies now use online learning to train employees and educate clients. Companies using eLearning say it’s one of their most valuable training methods. Not only can it be a more cost-effective way to deliver training but it can harness technology and draw on a wide range of sources to create and deliver content that is highly engaging – making it the most effective way to transfer knowledge.
What is the primary function of an LMS?
The primary purpose of LMS is to host, deploy and track learning activities. An online learning system is a portal where learners can access learning materials. In organisations, it helps to centralise learning and make training accessible to everyone.
Administrators rely on LMSs to create and deliver the right educational content. With the help of data and reporting, managers can identify skills and training gaps. Modern LMSs come with intelligent algorithms that recommend courses based on a users’ interests or requirements for their role.
It’s a tool that everyone can benefit from – governments, private companies and not-for-profit organisations.
Some LMS use cases that show how they can help
Employee onboarding
Onboarding is a crucial part of the employee journey – getting it right can help establish a strong long-term working relationship with the business and the new recruit. An LMS can support the onboarding process as it provides the employee with all the documentation they need to ensure they understand the core organisational values, guidelines, regulations, etc.
Employee training and development
40% of employees surveyed in Australia and four other countries says that they were likely to leave their job within the next three to six months. Lack of training and development programs has been shown to be a prompt for job changes – sometimes development is cited as even more important that pay increases. Your workforce needs to upskill and investing in an LMS is a pivotal step to supporting them.
Senior managers aren’t always able to spare the time to provide training – they also aren’t always the most suitable as training requires a specialised skill set. An LMS is the most effective option – it’s always on top of learning trends and ways to provide dynamic training courses. It also records and stores content and data for easy access and reference. Employees can then select training from the platform based on their current challenges or job requirements, and managers have an up-to-date picture of their team’s completed and upcoming training.
Client training
It’s usual for SaaS companies to provide regular client training. They need to ensure users know how to get the best out of their purchases or products. Client training may also entail offering value-packed courses to boost customer relationships.
Partner training
You can use an LMS to train your resellers, affiliates and other partners. This is a great way to support and reinforce relationships with your partners. Many leading companies provide free training to their partners.
Compliance training
While some industries have very specific compliance needs, all companies across the board, have a social responsibility to clients, employees and the public. You have to create a conducive working environment, protect consumers and society. Otherwise, you run the risk of tainting your image and attracting public backlash.
A continuous compliance training program helps to keep these risks at bay. You minimise risk by assisting employees to understand their role in risk prevention. A great way to provide mandated training and certification is to use an LMS.
Empowering salespeople
For certain companies, a sales team plays a huge role in driving sales and growing revenue. Arming them with the right skills is the key to enabling them to close more deals. An LMS allows timely support of your salespeople.
Boost efficiency
Efficiency speed up operations and cut costs. And efficiency in any company calls for skilled and innovative staff. Meaning, you need to continuously empower your team which is where an LMS comes into play.
An LMS prepares employees for industry and technological changes through relevant training programs. These systems are also cost-effective due to the high accessibility of learning materials. Employees can self learn at their own pace without the help of tutors.
Increase sales
Having skilled and well-trained sales reps quickly help to boost sales as they are likely to close more deals and increase profits.
Educating your customers is also an effective way to boost satisfaction and sales. You’re likely to see fewer customer complaints when your knowledge base contains insightful content.
Improve employee retention
You need to keep and develop your best talents to grow a successful company. Employee satisfaction increases when you create a clear career growth and development plan – something that an LMS provides.
Customise training experiences
LMS users, whether it’s your clients or staff, have different needs and challenges. A one size fits all training approach is no longer sufficient. A robust LMS leverages users’ data to deliver suitable learning programs that are tailored to learner’s specific needs and goals.
Get an LMS for your business
An LMS will help you increase efficiency, streamline workflows, improve team performance and reporting across your business.
But it’s important to pick the right LMS for your business needs. We created Birch Learning Platform, based on our experience from over 20 years in online learning. With unmatched flexibility, powerful reporting, simple management and an intuitive user experience, Birch Learning Platform will bring out your people’s natural talent for learning.
Get started with this simple yet powerful way to transform learning. Contact us to learn more about how Birch Learning Platform can help. We’ve also created a useful comparison tool to help you pick the perfect LMS for your needs.