About Learning Management Systems (LMS)

An LMS, or learning management system, is software that helps you organize, implement, and manage online learning environments. It serves as a centralized library where students access interactive learning materials and assessments, while trainers monitor their progress and overall performance.

An LMS helps businesses streamline onboarding processes, improve training consistency. The right learning management software can significantly optimize the learning cycle and ensure a cohesive approach to employee development and organizational growth.

Let’s break down each component of the acronym and the very concept of an LMS:

• L — Learning. This type of software is designed for convenient learning anytime, anywhere. Learners can access an in-house knowledge base, take assessments, and complete practical assignments.
• M — Management. Unlike file sharing services, a learning platform is not just a heap of files. It enables admins to manage user data and enrollments in courses, organize content into comprehensive training programs, and control how learners progress in the training they’re taking.
• S — System. It’s a computer system that processes various types of data and puts them all in order. It collects statistics, runs reports, and automates grading, streamlining the entire training process.

Learning management systems are versatile tools that can help you organize and manage various types of training programs. Here are the most common education software use cases:

• Onboarding. With a properly structured onboarding training program, you can deliver all the necessary information online, allowing new hires to study at a time that’s convenient for them. Plus, you can train remote workers, reduce time spent on training, and prepare employees for a smooth start to their new jobs.
• Employee training. An LMS lets you build courses, upload learning materials, manage assessments, evaluate learner progress, and measure overall employee performance.
• Compliance training. Learning management software automates compliance training and stores policies and regulations. So, employees can easily access materials and refresh their knowledge at any time.
• Sales training. Learning platforms can improve sales performance and customer satisfaction. Sales reps can stay abreast of product updates, participate in interactive role-plays, and monitor their progress.
• Customer training. With an LMS, you can onboard new customers, educate prospects, and show new product features to existing customers. The software also allows you to reduce costs because pre-made online customer training is cheaper than one-on-one demos.

The size and scope of organizations that leverage LMSs are pretty broad. They can be a large global enterprise with thousands of learners or a startup that uses an LMS for small businesses. And, of course, there can be nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions.

Let’s take a look at how people can benefit from an LMS in their work:

• Corporate trainers use learning management software to onboard new employees, create personalized online courses, deliver compliance training, foster professional development and technical expertise, and monitor learners’ progress.
• Small business owners use LMS solutions to provide cost-effective and standardized employee online training that’s available on desktop and mobile devices. The software helps entrepreneurs deliver consistent training materials and evaluate employee performance within a reduced budget.
• Teachers employ learning management solutions to create virtual classrooms, distribute course materials, post quizzes and assignments, and engage with students in a collaborative learning setting.
• Nonprofit program managers can use an LMS solution to provide training and educational resources to their staff and volunteers all over the globe.
• Government agency administrators deliver training and compliance programs to their employees and citizens via learning platforms, streamlining the administrative processes involved in managing a large workforce.
• Healthcare department managers use LMS platforms to train staff on the latest medical laws, best practices, and technologies.