A learning management system (LMS) is a software application that handles all aspects of the learning process – housing, creating, delivering and tracking learning.  
 
When looking to procure a new system, there are some key considerations you should have front of mind.  

• Relative advantage: When talking about an LMS, relative advantage means that the perceived pros the system offers will outweigh the learning curve and costs that come with it. Enough people need to not only want it, but see the value in it.
• Trial vs implementation: Some LMS vendors will make themselves as desirable as possible because you meet their qualifiers. If you trust their materials blindly, you might find yourself stumbling into a bad, ill-fitting system. Even trials and demos can be tailored. The best way to ensure good uptake is to stagger system onboarding. Consider the area most likely to be successful and use these as a testing ground with select cohorts.
• The user experience: It’s often described in terms of functionality and usability in the LMS realm, but some suggest the user experience also includes perceptions of and responses to using a system. A good user experience provides the right amount of information, puts information where users are looking, is recognisable as an interface and shortens the number of clicks needed to navigate around.
• Content Compatibility: Your content needs to be compatible with the LMS it will live in and your LMS needs to be able to read it. In the eLearning industry, there are two standards to be aware of: SCORM and xAPI. SCORM is a little runner that passes messages between the back of the LMS and the content. xAPI, SCORM’s successor, is a software intermediary that allows two different applications to communicate through the internet.
• Integration Compatibility: Beyond just content, your LMS needs to play well with systems you and your users already use. This is where integrations come in. They act as a bridge between two systems, creating a more sustainable software ecosystem and automating manual processes. Common external integrations include SSO, CRM, webhooks, eCommerce and third-party content providers.
• Blended Learning: A digital approach to learning alone won’t hammer the points you want to drive home. Many rely on human connection to maintain motivation and assign meaning to their studies. Rather than rule out digital learning, however, your best approach is to combine real life experiences with the ease of eLearning. Good instructional design allows instructors to choose the right mix of pedagogical strategies and methods based on the knowledge or skills being assessed.
• Workforce Planning: With the LMS being used to upskill and reskill employees according to business strategy, it only makes sense for it to act as a powerhouse for workforce planning. When employees see pathways for promotion within their place of work, it demonstrates to them that you are willing to invest internally and that the hires you have made were done with purpose.

There are a few different deployment options available when it comes to LMSs. The two most popular ones are cloud-based and open source. Deployment is all about who is responsible for maintaining the LMS software and where it’s hosted.  
 
A cloud-based system is quite literally hosted on the cloud (internet). There is no traditional hardware associated with these LMSs, nor is there the issue of managing that hardware and software on your end.  

• Advantages: Cost-effective in the long run, easy to use, elastic scalability, anytime/anywhere accessibility for users and accessibility for those with disabilities.
• Disadvantages: Dependant on the internet, security concerns and hidden fees in pricing.

 
With open-source software, you essentially purchase the code for an LMS software and then have free reign to do as you will.  

• Advantages: Customisation, control of the system, community of users for troubleshooting and no supplier costs for maintenance.
• Disadvantages: Cost of hosting, the need to understand good LMS design and the technical complexities of maintaining and updating the software.

 
Deciding whether cloud-based or open-source is right for your organisation comes down to 3 big considerations.  

1. Application: What you intend to use an LMS for will impact the features, functionality and length of contract you’ll likely need.
2. Features & Functionality: Compare features against the needs they’ll be serving.
3. Deployment: The features and functionality you need to address your use case will inform the method of deployment.

 
If you want to host and track eLearning with full administrative power and grand goals, you’ll likely still find an LMS is the best answer. On the other hand, there are instances where a full-scale software ecosystem just isn’t what you’re looking for. This might be for a few reasons.  

• You have a limited budget: A plugin for WordPress which allows you to create, manage and run online courses can be a good cost-effective option. It works well if you can get your domain setup and people to create and administer the training. It’s a less ideal solution if you have no technical expertise and need more functionality than basic courses.
• Your training is seasonal or for a select cohort: Microsites or native networks serve as solid bases for short-term programs or campaigns. They are best for organisations with strong branding and a loyal user base. If you have a large user base, lack the development capabilities or need astute reporting metrics, then you should avoid a microsite.
• You only offer a few short training courses: While LMSs are entire ecosystems, eLearning portals are small hubs that host digital learning content. If you only have a specific or limited number of courses in mind, a portal may be suitable. If administration is important and you have more than one cohort, you’ll want more.
• You only want to manage content: A course management system (CMS) focuses on just the course delivery and assignment function of an LMS. They are useful for topics that don’t need explanation or testing, or ones that are complemented by in-person reinforcement. If you need assessments, detailed reporting or want to cover all learning bases, then a CMS won’t be enough.

For a more in-depth look at learning management systems and the considerations you need to make, have a read of our full eBook here.