7 Most Common LMS Post-Purchase Regrets
As the saying goes: hindsight is 20/20. Your new learning management system seemed like a wise investment at the time. But now you’re second-guessing the decision and wondering if the money was well spent. Is there anything you can do to avoid LMS post-purchase regrets before buying a replacement system? Or to prevent buyer’s remorse in the first place if you still haven’t taken the leap? Here are the top 7 things doubts that plague organizations after choosing the "best" learning management system for their team.
1. Didn’t Make The Most Of The Free Trial
The vendor gave you 30 days to test the platform, but you waited until the last day to log in. Or you went into the free trial empty-handed instead of developing evaluation criteria. That trial period is there for your benefit. So that you can see if the product is right for you and offers the best ROI. Get the whole team involved and ask them to provide feedback. Then meet with the vendor if you have any questions or concerns.
2. Poor Implementation Planning
The LMS selection process can be long and arduous. Which makes it easy to overlook implementation steps during the planning stages. It’s no fault of the LMS, but an internal issue that can lead to disastrous, and expensive, consequences. Thus, you must map out every phase of the project. From finding the tool to launching your first course. Figure out which resources are involved and how long it takes to wrap up each task. Otherwise, you’ll look back at a failed implementation, wishing you’d created a schedule from day one.
3. LMS Lacks Practical Features And Functions
LMS post-purchase regrets don’t just stem from ineffective evaluation or prep work. The system itself can also be the problem. A case of "it’s not me, it’s you." It must have the features and functions your L&D team needs to achieve the goals. Many organizations make the mistake of purchasing an LMS with delivers the total package, but it’s missing something. Namely, practical tools that allow your staff to get the job done and stretch available resources. For example, it has custom reports, but it can’t schedule delivery or assign roles.
4. Budget Was Unrealistic
Those hidden fees can sneak up on you and wreak havoc on your ROI. You must develop a realistic budget that goes beyond setup costs and monthly subscriptions. How much will it cost to maintain the system? What about upgrades and updates? Does the vendor charge extra for support? Who do you need on your team to streamline LMS selection and implementation? How long will it take and how much do you need to set aside for payroll? The only way an LMS can push you over budget is if you don’t have an accurate budget to begin with. Leave a little wiggle room for emergencies and ask the vendor about ‘hidden’ fees.
5. System UI Isn’t User-Friendly For Your Team
The LMS vendor boasts about how user-friendly their system is and its ease of navigation. Then you realize that it’s not intuitive for your team. The learning curve is steep, and it is wreaking havoc on your timeline. This is yet another reason to sign up for free trials and know what to look for. Your team can gauge the UI in a matter of minutes. Does it let them perform everyday tasks? Or does it complicate simple operations? It’s not just your L&D team to consider either. You must think about your front-end users. Can they access the resources they need or does the LMS make everything a challenge? Is it accessible on any device so that remote workers get the same level of training?
6. Vendor Doesn’t Provide Enough Support
Many LMS post-purchase regrets have a common theme. Organizations don’t take the time to vet vendors, conduct training needs analysis, or evaluate options before buying the best learning management system. Case in point, not putting the vendor’s support services under the microscope. You don’t have to be a paid customer to test out their phone support or live chats. Send a question via email to see how they respond. Or submit a support request during the free trial. Can they articulate themselves in a way that’s easy to understand? Or do you have to break out the dictionary to comprehend the technical jargon?
7. The System Isn’t Intended For Your Industry Or Use Case
The system received a high rating and rave reviews. However, it’s not living up to your expectations. This could be attributed to the fact that it’s not specialized software. An LMS consultation and online directory can help you choose the best learning management system for your niche. A platform that’s intended for your objectives and training requirements. For example, you need a new LMS for compliance training, but your current system lacks certification support and advanced reporting. It’s perfectly acceptable for companies who need basic functions for a smaller staff. But the same system increases the risk of violations and work-related injuries in your organization.
Finding the best learning management system shouldn’t be stressful or resource-draining. You’ll have to deal with enough of that once you launch the online training program, develop custom content, or monitor employee performance. Use this guide to avoid the most common LMS post-purchase regrets and maximize your budget. Just remember to take advantage of free trials, create a plan of action, and ensure the vendor offers the ideal level of support.
Get a free LMS consultation to find the right system minus the trial-and-error. After you provide some basic information, an LMS expert will compile a personalized list of recommendations. It’s free and takes just a few minutes of your time.
