We've updated our Periodic Table of Training Management in line with 2018's much-changed training landscape to provide a visual nine-step guide for a successful training business including the learning delivery methods you should offer, the key stakeholders you need to involve and technical tools you can use to help you along the way.
We've been studying trends in the training industry for well over 20 years. Back in 2015, we published our Key Elements Of Training Management infographic. Since then, we've produced 3 training industry benchmark reports, spoken with many, many more training and learning professionals and seen the industry change a lot. Therefore, we thought that it was time for an update.
Introducing the 2018 edition of The Periodic Table of Training Management...
The Periodic Table of Training Management
This infographic provides a visual nine step guide to successfully selecting training business automation. You can download a PDF copy here.
What's New For 2018?
Training Management System
This is where your journey begins, you've figured out that you need a system for managing and growing your training business. Nothing new here, there's still as much of a need for effective training management now than there was in 2015.
Triggers
The triggers for investing in automated software for training have remained fairly static over the years except for the addition of one key driver: customer service. Back in 2015, when exploring automation, businesses tended to focus on the back-end impact and reduction in admin time. However, the results automation has on your customer experience has come to the forefront in recent years.
75% of customers now expect a seamless and consistent experience throughout their journey and 55% of consumers will actually pay more if a good experience is guaranteed,
Your customers want to book courses when they want to, they want an instant booking confirmation, they want reminding when their qualification is expiring and they want a certificate in their inbox the second the training is over. If you're not supplying what your customers' want then you're going to get left behind. Training management software manages the end-to-end customer journey through workflows and triggers.
Stakeholders
In an increasingly competitive environment, there are more stakeholders than ever. As mentioned above, investing in automation is as much about customer benefits as it is for the business.
Research shows that the number of people involved in key business decisions is rising year-on-year. This year, our list of stakeholders was up from 9 to 12 including your (more important than ever) customers.
Stakeholder involvement is also crucial when it comes to making successful changes and ensuring that they stick around.
Utilisation
Training delivery has come a long way since 2015. Think gamification, AI, social learning and live webinar delivery. Learners are now expecting a more connected experience through both classroom and online methods which includes engagement with peers as well as facilitators.
Although adoption of advanced technology such as virtual reality and simulations doesn't make up a huge amount of learning delivery (13% of classrooms are reporting to use this currently), popularity is definitely on the rise which training providers need to keep in mind.
Functionality
Software is constantly evolving and training management is no different. Although the basics have remained the same, new additions to this year's list include Workflows, manager portals, whitelabel, multiple providers and data import tools.
Support
Customer support is imperative to a successful journey to automation. Additions to the list include industry events, an academy, a proven process for delivering success and a Customer Success Manager.
Check out this blog post for what to look for when selecting a training management software supplier.
Add ons
Training providers can no longer rely on one tool to do their jobs. They need to be able to provide a connected service which includes connecting back-end systems including training management software, their website, Google Analytics, Moodle and finance systems.
Technical
Technical requirements are more crucial than ever. Your business and your customers rely on you to keep their data secure especially in the GDPR-world. Other considerations include backups, uptime and system speed.
Checklist
You've got to the end of the periodic table and now it's time to do the final checks. Can the software grow as your business does? Can you integrate with your existing tools? What's their track record like?
These are all questions you need to ask to ensure you make the right decision for your business.
Download your copy of The Periodic Table of Training Management Software here.
Related Resources
The 2018 Training Industry Benchmark Report
Should Your Training Company Offer Both In-Company and Open Courses?
