Convert Flash To HTML5: Constructing A Convincing Business Case

Build A Business Case And Prove That You Need To Convert Flash To HTML5

With the phase-out of Flash, around the corner, you need to look at converting your existing Flash-based eLearning courses to HTML5. Converting Flash to HTML5, just like any other eLearning project requires resources, time, and money. But how do you convince your senior managers who are the key decision makers in training budget allocation? Here’s how you can do so with a convincing business case.

1. Begin With An Executive Summary

The important components to convert Flash to HTML5 are highlighted in the executive summary section of your business case. Ensure that it’s crisp, informative, and captures the attention of investors in the conversion project. It’s essential to get the executive summary right to gain your stakeholders’ approval.

2. Specify The Project Scope

Include the scope of the Flash to HTML5 conversion project.

• Is it an entire curriculum of courses that need to be converted?
• Even if multiple courses require Flash to HTML5 conversion, is it just parts of the course where Flash components are used that require conversion? Or does the entire course require conversion because it was developed using Flash?
• Are content updates required in some of these courses?

3. State The Business Need

To convert Flash to HTML5, one of the important sections in a business case is the business need. In this case, the biggest reason is that browsers will no longer support Flash-based content after 2020. But apart from that, “What key initiative will the Flash to HTML5 conversion project support?". For instance, it could support the initiative of offering mobile-compatible learning to your employees or providing just-in-time training to sales reps or service technicians.

4. Explain The Benefits Of Converting Flash To HTML5

Your business case to convert Flash to HTML5 must explain the benefits of investing in the project. For instance, among the biggest benefits of converting Flash eLearning to HTML5 are:

• Salvaging your organization’s existing investment in eLearning
• Promoting device-independent learning
• Making a positive effect on the ROI

5. List The Risks Involved In Converting Flash To HTML5

Your business case to convert Flash to HTML5 can include the risks of converting as well as the risks of not converting Flash-based courses to HTML5.

Are There Risks In NOT Converting Existing Flash-Based eLearning To HTML5?

• Employees may be unable to access these courses.
• A valuable training resource remains inaccessible.

Are There Risks In Converting Existing Flash Courses?

• You need to ensure that content in Flash-based courses is still relevant. If the content is not relevant to today’s training needs, investing in the conversion project is not worth the effort.
• Does the existing course include a lot of interactivities? If yes, can they be converted to HTML5-based eLearning?
• Are you better off scrapping a few courses rather than converting them and adding to the cost of conversion?
• Are the source files unavailable for a couple of courses that contain relevant information?

Answering these questions can help answer queries that stakeholders might have, and justify the effort the conversion process requires.

6. Highlight The Steps For Risk Management

Highlight the steps you have taken to mitigate risks in converting Flash to HTML5.

For instance, you might already have:

• Made a list of the courses that need to be converted to HTML5.
• Identified the courses that are essential and the ones that can be scrapped.
• In the ones that are essential, you have an idea of the percentage of content change.

Doing this pre-work before you present the business case to convert Flash to HTML5 removes the apprehensions your stakeholders and decision makers might have. It also makes it easier for them to give their approval for the project, as you have substantial data to back up your training need.

7. Specify The Tasks And Timeline

List the tasks involved in the process to convert Flash to HTML5. This can justify the resource requirements and cost. Let stakeholders know the timeframe within which you expect to complete the Flash to HTML5 conversion project.

8. List Vendor Selection Criteria

If you plan to outsource your conversion project, how would you identify the right vendor? List the vendor selection criteria. Here’s an outline of the vendor selection criteria for effective Flash to HTML5 conversions.

Does The Vendor Have Experience In Flash To HTML5 Conversion?

• The number of conversion projects handled
• The conversion process that's followed
• Experience of team members involved in the conversion project

Do They Offer Rapid eLearning Services?

• eLearning vendor uses templates to cut down on time taken for conversion
• Can offer solutions to convert Flash to HTML5, even when source files are unavailable

Do They Have Expertise In Authoring Tools?

• Demonstrates experience in a wide variety of authoring tools and offer expertise in specific authoring tools (depending on your project requirement)
• Is able to explain how specific Flash-based interactivities can be recreated using authoring tools

Are They Upfront About The Scope Of The Conversion Project?

• Is transparent about the time, resources, and cost involved
• Follows a robust communication process and has a well-defined project plan

If you have already shortlisted a couple of eLearning vendors with whom you can enter into a reliable partnership, ensure you mention them in the business case to convert Flash to HTML5. Look for eLearning partners who can go the extra mile to provide some value-added services such as suggesting ways to improve your existing training program or provide checklists to follow for easy course updates.

9. Provide A Cost Estimate For The Conversion Project

Provide an approximate estimate of the project cost in your business case for converting Flash to HTML5. Highlight the ROI that an investment in Flash to HTML5 conversion can bring to the organization. Mention the savings you can accrue in the long run, once the project is completed. For instance, by choosing an authoring tool that has an easy learning curve, updates to converted courses can be made by SMEs themselves without the need to approach an eLearning service provider. 

Now, that you understand how to create a business case to convert Flash to HTML5, here’s a checklist you can use to complete the groundwork and let your eLearning service provider take over the conversion plan.