5 Benefits Of Integrating Knowledge Management Systems Into Corporate eLearning Platforms

5 Benefits Of Integrating Knowledge Management Systems Into Corporate eLearning Platforms
Summary: Most companies, having realized the importance of standardized procedures with respect to training and information exchange among employees both vertically and horizontally, have invested thousands of dollars on various types of eSolutions, such as corporate web sites, learning management systems, and knowledge management systems. However, many HR departments still find themselves in position of spending both work-hours and effort striving not only to evaluate, classify and prioritize documents before deciding what to communicate to whom and how, but also to handle issues such as files updates, access rights, duplicates in distinct locations, etc. In this article, I’ll give you 5 top benefits of integrating your knowledge management system into your corporate eLearning platform for optimizing professional development within your organization.

Integrating Knowledge Management Systems Into Corporate eLearning Platforms: 5 Top Benefits For eLearning Professionals

Merging corporate eLearning platforms and knowledge management systems could be a solution to this mess of dealing with corporate systems of various types that they all serve the same organizational purpose: knowledge sharing. Leaving corporate web sites out of discussion, as they typically address to the general public and do not include “confidential information - for internal use only”, I foresee a back to the basics approach with eLearning platforms substituting the traditional “intranet” and serving as a single point of reference for all employees. Some of the top benefits of such an integration are presented below:

  1. Easier updates. Reusability of resources. No duplicates.
    Easier updates of files in accordance to ISO qualitative standards and reusability of resources for common sections are elements that cannot be overlooked. The same online training content, uploaded only once in a single system may target different audiences, saving valuable server space, though at the same time the eLearning platform provides features that allow for customized views with different online content for each group/department, according to the permission rights assigned. Lack of duplicates also raises employees’ confidence that they access the correct version of the information they are looking for.
  2. Different access rights and better tracking through activity reports.
    Different access rights for managers and staff allow the HR department to have better control of who has access to what. The activity reports feature that most eLearning platforms nowadays offer, enable better tracking of employees’ performance on the online training material, eLearning course completion rates, possible knowledge gaps, etc. Employees’ direct feedback can be received through online suggestion boxes, though a knowledge sharing organizational culture can also be promoted through the use of chats and discussion boards in order for the employees to share professional experiences and best practices.
  3. Formal and informal training in a single eLearning platform.
    In terms of eLearning content, videos, press-releases, product knowledge material with features and benefits, selling techniques, customer service approaches and best practices are only some of the examples of the type of information the eLearnng platform may contain in non-downloadable SCORM format for security and confidentiality purposes. Therefore, apart from a great resource center, the eLearning platform could also serve as the ideal training tool for synchronous, asynchronous and blended learning, with the corporate trainer’s role enhanced, as an e-moderator.
  4. Sense of community. Loyalty.
    Through the integrated eLearning platform new employees not only would be allowed to quickly familiarize themselves with their new working environment, the organizational structure, “who is who” etc, but also such a system would give them access to FAQ sections about their role in the organization, best/worst practices discussion groups, as well as “Ask the Expert” sections where they would have the opportunity to stay tuned with their new colleagues, managers and corporate trainer(s).
  5. Bulletin boards.
    Last but not least, the eLearning platform could also serve as a bulletin board for all company-related announcements, new hires, job openings and other type of corporate incentives that have been proven to reinforce a sense of belonging in the community  and to increase employees´ loyalty in the company.

Never before had the human resources and training department been closer to their common aim of professional development of employees as through the integration of the company’s knowledge management system with the eLearning platform in a single communication and training tool available on a 24/7 basis.

Want to learn more about how an organization can enhance the knowledge and skills of its employees? Read the article 6 Tips For Creating A Winning Performance Management Online Training Strategy to get tips and techniques you may use to create a winning performance management online training strategy for any organization.

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