If the users and administrators of your company’s learning management system (LMS) are accomplishing the task of training “in spite of” the LMS, but spend a lot of time discussing what they would like to see, or what they wish it could do, make note. Those issues are the things that should be used to craft the wish list and expectations for your next LMS.
Over the years, the importance of learning management software has become obvious, and many companies have been using it for quite some time now. But how do you know whether the system you’re using is still right for your needs?
Here are six signs that it might be time to switch LMS software providers:
1. Inability to Scale
When your users are experiencing difficulty with the system and receiving errors because they’re locked out, your storage space is full, or the programs load too slowly, you’re in a bad situation. Instead of learning and tracking KPIs, your users are wasting time waiting for system outages to resolve themselves. As you grow, your learning needs will also tend to require a higher level of customization, and some basic LMS platforms just aren’t built for that. It’s important to look for a new system that can scale with your company before you start hemorrhaging investment dollars.
2. Poor User Experience
It may seem frivolous or unnecessary to choose your learning management system based on its interface and design, but let’s consider another side: a smooth, user-friendly process is important because it makes it easy for newcomers to navigate and complete their work. When learners are able to find their way around without manually searching for buttons or asking for help, they’re won’t find themselves frustrated or falling behind. In most cases, employees will avoid or procrastinate or at least complain about working in an outdated system, which makes it difficult for them to stay on track with learning requirements.
3. Doesn’t Provide Multi-Device Access
The reality of working from multiple locations is here. Statistics show that because so many people are using mobile devices and spend 50-60 percent of their work time away from their desks, companies are redesigning their space to adapt. LMS software should be adapt to mobile workforce trends in much the same way, allowing access from multiple devices so users can work on laptops, smartphones, and tablets and complete training requirements at their own pace.
4. No Ability to Provide Feedback
There is no way to gauge the effectiveness and value of a tool if you can’t measure it. Robust LMS software should provide companies with the ability to obtain quality learner feedback about the tool and the courses they are taking. This feedback should also be able to travel from teacher/manger to pupil. In your next solution, look for features that support forums, instant/internal messaging, surveys, and email integration.
5. Limited Analytics Capabilities
As a learning administrator, it’s important to know how your learners are progressing, how the tool is performing, and how effective the results of your courses are long-term. The best way to measure this is by running reports in your LMS on key performance indicators (KPISs). Your system should be able to provide this in a way that is appealing and easy to understand.
6. Lack of Support
When you’re ready to launch a class, and you encounter an urgent problem requiring support, it’s important to have that support available immediately. Your LMS vendor should offer chat forums and knowledge bases to help you solve issues quickly, or a dedicated support line to call when you have more complicated questions. Having live support from someone who knows your company and your learning needs is even more valuable.
If your company is experiencing the growing pains of a learning management system that isn’t growing with you, it might be time to look for greener pastures. We can help in that search. Start investigating which LMS is best for you with our Learning Management Systems Product Selection Tool, or call an unbiased Technology Advisor today for a free consultation.