discussing-lms-implementation-checklist

The new buzz word or do we say the old name that’s recently creating a buzz? Yes, Learning Management System. 83% of organizations currently use LMS. Additionally, the global learning management system market will reach an estimated value of $23.21 billion by 2023—[Source].

The modern corporate learning sphere has seen an accelerated use in implementing LMS. “According to recent research by the ATD, most respondents (73 percent) said their LMS use has risen in the past two years, indicating that LMS use is rising rather than remaining stagnant.

Why? Well, an LMS comes with multiple benefits. Learning Management Systems is a software application that provides an all-inclusive framework that handles all aspects of the learning process, including storing, delivering, and tracking your learning content.

An LMS helps identify and assess individual and organizational learning goals and track the progress toward meeting those goals. You can use an LMS to collect actionable, quantifiable data for creating plans of action. What’s more? You can use an LMS during team onboarding, as well as compliance and skills gap analysis.

Since an LMS centralizes the entire learning process and saves time and costs, it’s essential to get it right. To help you with the process, we are happy to share our 16-step checklist for flawlessly implementing LMS.

The 16-step Checklist to Implementing LMS

We have segmented this checklist into three sections for easier understanding — People, Tools & Technology, and Process. Let’s dive right in!

PEOPLE

Implementing LMS
1. Make Feature-based Decisions

While implementing LMS, you and your team will need to make several feature-focused decisions. However, you do not need to get overwhelmed. You do not need all of the features in your LMS. Therefore, kick off the process by making a list of the essential elements.

Discuss with your team what you want or do not want in the Learning Management System. Do you plan on adding users to the LMS? Will you integrate the software into your HR system or use a CSV file for batch uploads?

Hold a couple of brainstorming sessions to finalize a nice-to-have features list that you plan to set up post-implementation. Think if you wish to promote social and informal learning through the LMS forum.

Decide if you want your employees to support one another and share knowledge with their peers. Analyze if your company’s learning culture includes healthy competition. If yes, you might consider having gamification features and engaging quizzes in your course modules.

Ad: PlayAblo’s Enterprise-Grade Micro-Learning platform is for the modern corporate learner. Micro-Learning, along with assessments and gamification features, ensures learning outcome measurement along with sustained engagement.
Find out more and request a custom demo!

2. Get Your Team Members on One Page

When you start implementing LMS in your organization, you also need to assign different user roles, such as admins, managers, or instructors. Kick off the process by deciding what roles different users will have in the online LMS.

Understand the level of access to grant to the users. Usually, admins are the top-level executives on both main portals and sub-portals. They are the ones who give access to other users. On the other hand, managers look after and run reports on the training—finally, instructors will execute training on the LMS.

When you have clarity on all three roles, you can then decide how they will help with implementing LMS and the launch of your new platform.

  • Will they hold individual responsibility for the deployment of their respective learning portals?
  • Do they have the essential knowledge required to brand the portal and choose the right course content to upload?
  • Finally, before the launch date, do they have enough time to complete all of the tasks mentioned above?
3. Involve Your Stakeholders and Top Management

An online LMS needs the management’s support. After all, they are the ones who will handle the commercial aspect. Hence, keeping the management in the loop about all that is going on is essential. Again, you also have to get your stakeholders on board early on in the process. If not, there is a chance that all your efforts in the groundwork might go to waste.

You have first to identify your stakeholders and understand their roles. Stakeholders are the individuals and groups who are directly or indirectly affected by the LMS. If they do not support your decision of implementing LMS, there is a high probability of failing soon.

TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY

implementing LMS
4. Decide if You Wish to Integrate Third-party Systems

You can also consider integrating your existing systems while you are implementing LMS — which is hugely beneficial for your organization. For instance, if you integrate your CRM or HR system with your LMS, you can easily add or remove new or existing users.

For example, suppose you have a recruit in the marketing department. In this case, the LMS automatically pulls their data in and enrolls them into the targeted courses. They might additionally get automatic notifications to update them on their training schedules.

5. Plan Out the Structure

Learning portals consist of distinct portals, which enable one to control, manage, and disseminate knowledge to learners. There is a single top-level portal that serves as the LMS’s control room. This top-level portal holds autonomy over several sub-portals that fall under it.

Now, if you consider using this feature, you might have to start the process by figuring out your LMS’s optimal structure. This is especially important if you plan to have more than one portal. First, assign your top-level portal, and then, give it a name and brand. Finally, use it to control the rest of the portals. Please note that each portal will need to have its own admin and manager.

6. Get Your Course Content Ready

Without content, you won’t have any training modules, to begin with. Therefore, you must consider this aspect before implementing LMS. Decide the type of content you’re going to use.

In either case, your main priority should be to make the courses engaging and accessible. To up the engagement factor, ask your employees and managers for feedback on your current training materials. Once you complete this exercise, you give your staff the chance to voice their opinions and feel included. Not only this, but you also collect vital info about your company’s new LMS requirements.

Please note that you must optimize all of your content for all device types. Since mobile learning is so popular among contemporary learners, you should think of investing in a responsive LMS with course content suitable for all devices. Again, blended learning, which involves combining traditional, face-to-face learning with eLearning methods, is another terrific method to increase engagement rates among trainees.

7. Choose a Stellar Vendor

Selecting a top-notch enterprise LMS provider is crucial for the success of your implementation. It is important to thoroughly evaluate different vendors and choose one that aligns with your organization’s vision, requirements, and long-term goals.

Consider factors such as the vendor’s reputation, experience, track record, customer support, and the features and functionalities offered by their LMS. Engage in thorough research, read customer reviews, and seek recommendations to make an informed decision.

By choosing a stellar vendor, you can ensure a high-quality LMS solution that meets your organization’s specific needs and provides a seamless learning experience for your users.

Ad: PlayAblo’s Enterprise-Grade Micro-Learning platform is for the modern corporate learner. Micro-Learning, along with assessments and gamification features, ensures learning outcome measurement along with sustained engagement.
Find out more and request a custom demo!

8. Customize Your Brand

Infusing your organization’s identity into the enterprise LMS helps create a cohesive and personalized learning experience for your users. Customization involves incorporating your organization’s branding elements, such as logos, color schemes, and visual styles, into the LMS interface. This gives the LMS a familiar look and feels that aligns with your organization’s overall brand identity.

Customization can also extend to the content within the LMS, allowing you to tailor the language, examples, and case studies to reflect your organization’s unique culture and context. By customizing the LMS, you create a sense of ownership and familiarity among users, enhancing their engagement and connection to the learning platform.

PROCESS

implementing LMS
9. Set Clear Objectives

It’s a no-brainer that the starting phase of any project is to set defined goals beforehand. As such, to ensure a successful implementation of your enterprise LMS, define clear and specific objectives. They will serve as guiding principles throughout the implementation process.

For example, your goals may include improving employee training efficiency, increasing learner engagement, or centralizing learning resources. By setting clear objectives, you can align your implementation efforts and measure the success of your enterprise LMS.

10. Assess Your Needs

Next up. Prior to deploying your enterprise LMS, thoroughly evaluate your organization’s requirements and learner needs. Consider factors such as the number of users, types of training content, desired features, and integration capabilities with existing systems.

Conduct surveys or gather feedback from stakeholders and learners to identify their specific needs and preferences. By assessing your firm’s requirements, you can choose an online LMS that aligns with your business’s prerequisites and ensures a tailored learning experience for your learners.

11. Craft a Solid Plan

Developing a comprehensive implementation plan is essential for a smooth and successful rollout of your enterprise LMS. Create a roadmap that outlines the necessary steps, timelines, and allocated resources for each phase of the implementation process.

Consider factors such as system configuration, content migration, user training, and testing. By crafting a solid plan, you provide clarity to all stakeholders involved and ensure a structured approach to implementation. This helps mitigate risks, promotes accountability, and increases the likelihood of a successful LMS software implementation.

12. Set a Time Frame

For every process, you need to have a schedule. Therefore, decide on the launch date of when you will be implementing LMS. But setting this date arrives with several considerations.

  • How complicated is the LMS, and how detailed is the implementation process? What are your content requirements?
  • What security checks do you need in place?
  • After considering all of these factors, make a realistic goal, and set expectations for your stakeholders. As per recent data, most corporates usually put a time frame of one to two months.

When picking an implementing LMS launch date, consider what your training is for. If you’re looking to train employees or partners in compliance, you’ll likely have a hard roll-out date. However, it’s always smart to have a goal to work towards.

If your organization has a more relaxed timeframe, set a soft roll-out date. Having a date, even a general one, helps you stay on track and organized throughout your LMS implementation.

13. Finalize the Key Performance Indicators

Key performance indicators AKA KPIs are vital to stick to your end objectives. KPIs measure your results, allowing you to assess performance, which can improve over time. Of course, to set your KPIs, you will need to record your previous data.

It would be best if you also decided on your end goals, ranging from 100% course completion rates to increased course engagements. You may also consider having discussions with your customer success manager to finalize your KPIs.

14. Test It

Once you have set your KPIs, picked your team, planned the portal structure, and finalized the content, your next step should be to test out the new LMS. Talk with your vendor if they conduct a test launch after you have completed the above steps of implementing LMS.

Just imagine! You have launched your LMS, and your trainees are not enrolling for the correct courses! Worse still. What would you do if the courses do not render well on mobile devices? Hence, a pre-launch test will help prevent any issues from occurring on the actual launch date.

15. Launch with Impact

Execute a strategic campaign to generate excitement and drive learner engagement. A well-planned and executed launch can significantly increase the adoption and usage of the LMS within your organization. Here are some key elements to consider: Here are some key elements to consider:

  • Create Buzz: Generate anticipation and interest among your target audience by building anticipation leading up to the launch. Use various communication channels, such as email newsletters, internal announcements, or social media, to create awareness about the upcoming LMS launch. Highlight the benefits and unique features of the LMS to pique curiosity and generate excitement.
  • Communicate the Value: Clearly articulate the value proposition of the LMS and how it aligns with the needs and goals of your learners. Emphasize how the LMS will enhance their learning experience, improve their skills, and support their professional growth. Communicate the potential impact on their job performance, career advancement, or overall development.
  • Tailor Messaging: Customize your messaging based on the different user groups and their specific needs. Craft targeted messages that address the pain points and challenges of each group and how the LMS can help overcome them. Highlight specific use cases or success stories to demonstrate the practical benefits and relevance of the LMS.
  • Engage Champions: Identify and engage LMS champions within your organization who can serve as ambassadors for the platform. These champions can be influential employees or managers who are enthusiastic about the LMS and its potential. Empower them to advocate for the LMS, share their positive experiences, and encourage their peers to embrace the platform.
  • Provide Training and Resources: Offer training sessions, tutorials, or user guides to support users during the initial stages of the launch. Ensure that users have access to comprehensive resources that explain how to navigate the LMS, access learning materials, and make the most of its features. Address any concerns or questions promptly to foster confidence and encourage active engagement.
16. Practice Repeated Improvisation

Implementing LMS is just the beginning of a long and continuous process. You need to ensure that you have measures in place for continual improvement and investment in your LMS. These measures are necessary to ascertain that you achieve all your critical KPIs.

When your software comes with LMS reporting features, you can easily track what content works for each course. You can also collect learner feedback and monitor course completion rates. When you have all this data in hand, you can improve your organization’s training program performance. You can additionally optimize the learning experience for your learners.

Conclusion

It is essential not to get stuck in one place. Your efforts should be to evolve and expand. With the help of the above LMS implementation checklist, you are in the right direction. But this does not mean your trials end right here! After all, repeated iterations are necessary to perfect any process. We wish you ‘All the very best!’ as you go along on this beautiful and enriching journey!

Ad: PlayAblo’s Enterprise-Grade Micro-Learning platform is for the modern corporate learner. Micro-Learning, along with assessments and gamification features, ensures learning outcome measurement along with sustained engagement.
Find out more and request a custom demo!

5 Comments



  1. Thank you for your whole labor on this site. Betty really likes conducting research and it is obvious why. Most people hear all of the lively means you present good tactics on your web site and increase response from other ones about this concept then our favorite princess is in fact understanding a whole lot. Enjoy the remaining portion of the year. Your performing a fantastic job.

  2. Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you抳e on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What a great web site.

  3. Along with the whole thing which seems to be developing inside this area, many of your opinions are generally quite exciting. Having said that, I am sorry, but I do not give credence to your whole strategy, all be it stimulating none the less. It looks to us that your opinions are not completely validated and in actuality you are your self not fully certain of your argument. In any event I did enjoy reading it.

Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.