47. Choosing an LMS

The BizLibrary Podcast

This week, we're joined by Tom Braning, BizLibrary's Channel Sales Manager, to discuss the process of choosing the right LMS.
With over 14 years in the learning technology business, Tom has gained a strong insight into the industry, and how learning technology can help companies overcome genuine business challenges.
Tom identifies a few challenges that an LMS could be used to solve - for instance, a geographically dispersed workforce, or a need for advanced analytics.
Tom also points out that an LMS is not always the best way to deliver training. For smaller organizations, where employees are often in the same room, a powerful online tool might not necessarily be the best way to deliver training.
For organizations that have identified an LMS as a solution to some of their challenges, Tom has a few words of advice.
First, make sure that your requests for proposals are comprehensive and make sense for your organization. Too often, RFPs are overly complicated and don't focus on the features that companies actually need to overcome their challenges.
Focused, solution-oriented RFPs will yield better results for most organizations.
Tom also mentions a few tips for companies searching for a new LMS. First, he advises shoppers to be sure to ask important questions that matter to their training programs.
Make sure to experience everything a platform has to offer. If there is a specific feature that you believe you need, ask if it is offered, and see how it works.
Second, Tom advises folks in the market for new learning technology to take their time and consider the pros and cons of each solution that they are considering. Purchasing an LMS should be a multi-week process.
When you're finished listening to this week's episode, be sure to check out our related resource, The Focused HR Tech Buyer's Guide.
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