As a seller of an LMS, one of the biggest hurdles I encounter with clients is the lack of strategy in how and why they want to implement a platform. Most companies understand that it will be of benefit, but not understanding the how and why leads to incorrect decision making instead, looking for features that will not be of benefit, and often looking for the cheapest solution.
Frighteningly, I have sold to a number of companies who think they know what they need to do, but in reality, end up paying for a service that they do not manage to utilize to its full capability.
The key to implementing an LMS and gaining ROI from it requires the following:
1. Compatibility With Company's Strategy
Understanding where it will fit within the company strategy. Is it being purchased because "that is where the company need to be heading"? Is there a defined need to introduce an LMS? Is it for specific departments or company wide?
2. Platform Administation
Who will be administering the platform? Will there be a dedicated resource allocated to the management of the system? Will individual roles be assigned?
3. Definition Of Use
What will it be used for? Will the platform be able to distribute all training? Is it just so records are maintained electronically?
4. Selected Features
What features are truly needed? Not the buzzwords of the industry or the latest fads, but what features will be of tangible benefit? Is SCORM a genuine requirement? Will gamification be of any genuine benefit? Is being able to build bespoke courses a luxury or an actual benefit?
5. Support
What support will be offered by the provider? Will you be left alone to fend for yourself after purchase? Will you gain full training on the platform? Are there additional hidden costs involved?
Once you know and can honestly answer the above, the purchase, implementation and management of an LMS will be easy and straightforward. Like a lot of purchases made by companies, the last thing you want or need is to have to explain why something you bought in the previous year has failed to have the desired effects, and then to have to start the process again as you did not acheive your desired aims. Get the decision right initially, and the rest will fall into place.