9 Important LMS Features For Start-Ups: What They Should Look For In the Long Run
Business success can hinge on the smallest of decisions. You might think that investing in an LMS for your start-up organization is a relatively simple process. All you have to do is pick a platform that falls into your price range and has rave reviews. As long as it suits your needs now, there’s no point in looking any further. The trouble is that this one choice can reverberate throughout the future of your company. You may be a start-up with a small workforce now, but what happens when it’s time to expand and move into other markets? Here are 9 important LMS features to consider from a long-term perspective when implementing your first Learning Management System.
1. Flexibility And Scalability
You might have already conducted a training needs analysis to spot the gaps and determine your current LMS requirements. But the system must be able to scale with you and be flexible enough to bend to your evolving needs. For example, can you upgrade your plan to accommodate more users when you onboard a new wave of employees next year? Does the system allow you to include more interactive online training resources to boost engagement in the long run? You don’t want to have to worry about overloading the LMS when you go from 5 to 50 employees who all need just-in-time online training support.
2. Advanced Reporting And Analytics
Custom reports, report scheduling, and data visualizations are essential LMS features to look for. You must be able to monitor your online training initiatives to pinpoint trouble areas and continually improve your online training strategy. This also allows you to identify top in-house talent, as well as spot employees who may be underperforming and require L&D intervention.
3. Responsive Support
Modern employees expect to be able to train anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Thus, an LMS for start-up companies should have responsive design support that makes all your content multiplatform-friendly. The system uses breakpoints to display the most suitable version of the online training course so that everyone gets the same benefit. In addition, look for built-in previewers that give you a sneak peek of the online training content on multiple screen sizes and make the necessary modifications.
4. Certification Management
Most start-up companies are working with a limited talent pool, as there isn’t much wiggle room in the budget for additional payroll. However, over time you will probably expand your workforce and must be able to track their skills, performance, and knowledge gaps. This is where certification management support comes into play. This feature allows you to monitor learning objectives, goals, and gaps that are relevant to your organization’s success. Not to mention, be fully prepared in the event of a compliance audit.
5. Built-In Authoring Tool
Some start-ups are happy with their existing eLearning authoring tool. However, most find it much more cost effective to invest in an LMS with built-in authoring software. This prevents compatibility issues and gives you the power to develop and deploy online training using a single tool. Plus, you have access to time-saving eLearning templates and themes if the system includes an online asset library. Which is usually part of the package when you purchase an authoring platform.
6. Multilingual Support
All your employees are based locally…for the moment. However, chances are your start-up is going to eventually expand into other markets. International markets, to be exact. These remote employees must be able to access online training tools in their native language. Thus, one of the best ways to future-proof your LMS implementation is to opt for software that streamlines globalization. Multilingual support is also ideal for customer training when the time comes.
7. Collaborative Tools
Video conferencing, community calendars, and other collaborative tools are crucial for employee development, regardless of how many people are on your payroll. Among the key LMS features to look for in the long run is collaborative support. Which also includes learner uploads so that every team member can chip in and share their expertise, as well as live event support to keep everyone up to date and streamline in-house projects.
8. Gamification
Many organizations view this LMS feature as a luxury item, rather than adding it to their must-have list. But gamification can drastically improve employee motivation while giving you the ability to track their performance. Something as simple as earning a badge or reaching the next level can fuel their drive, keeping them committed to ongoing development and loyal to your organization.
9. User-Friendly User Interface
Last but not least, start-ups should only add user-friendly LMS platforms to their shortlist. The platform must give every member of your L&D team the tools they need to develop personalized online training content. Likewise, corporate learners should be able to use the platform with ease to access relevant online training materials during their moment of need. Clunky navigation and dashboards with a steep learning curve build unnecessary obstacles. During the LMS free trial or demo, pay close attention to the User Interface and if it accommodates your team’s experience level and skill set.
Budgeting constraints should be a top priority for start-ups investing in a new LMS. However, you need to look beyond the price point and focus on LMS features to get the best value for money. A solid LMS will give you the ability to train your current workforce and scale up when the time is right to expand your operations. Your employees have access to interactive online training tools for their moment of need, which help them achieve their potential. This ensures that your start-up retains its top talent and brings even more MVPs into the fold.
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