As a training management software house I’m always keen on any valid research undertaken with training businesses which identify what triggers the need to streamline business processes. Software Advice, a software selection and review website, talked to 385 companies searching for a learning management system (LMS) and the results were really interesting.
The research provided some great insight although there were no real surprises, particularly on how many companies still rely on standalone spreadsheets! We also conducted a recent training industry survey and found similar findings. This blog outlines some key trends from the industry taken from a combination of both surveys and we explain what these findings mean for your company.
3 Key Findings from LMS prospective buyers:
1. Over one-third of all prospective buyers (36 percent) were using manual methods to manage their courses and train their employees.
2. For buyers who were already using an LMS, the most common reason for wanting to replace existing software was a need for more advanced functionality.
3. Meanwhile, most buyers wanted to replace manual training methods with an LMS in order to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Most Buyers Using Manual Training Methods
36 percent of prospective buyers were using manual methods to train their employees—meaning they were conducting in-person training sessions, and using paper and pen (or Excel spreadsheets) to track course completion rates. Another 10 percent noted they had no training system in place whatsoever. Meanwhile, approximately one-third (32 percent) of participants said they already had an LMS in place.
Our recent survey findings also showed a similar trend as many training companies still relied on spreadsheets and manual administration methods. Many businesses are overlooking the power of new technologies to automate aspects of their business. A training management system or sophisticated LMS can help track your training courses and allow delegates to book onto courses online. This means that administrator's workloads can be heavily reduced and training companies can diminish the risks asssociated with duplication and human error. It also means that course viability can be measured and tracked to clearly indicate business performance.
Existing Software Users Seeking More Functionality
Current LMS users most often cited a need for more features and functionality as their reason for seeking a new system. The next most common reason, unhappiness with their existing software was often because their system was too complex or confusing for employees to use effectively. By using a modernised, adaptable learning management system, users can access a fully reponsive portal which can help to meet their needs.
Read this article to find out if you need to replace your current business software!
First-Time Buyers Looking to Improve Efficiency
While LMS users were seeking a system with more features and functionality, by far the most common reason first-time LMS buyers gave for replacing manual methods was to improve efficiency. Many noted they were spending an inordinate amount of time tracking trainings on paper or in Excel spreadsheets, and were looking to streamline the process with specialised software. A learning management system should help trainers to manage resources and track all information.
If you would like to access the full report click to download, and if you are currently considering an LMS or training management system, download our free buying software guide.
Other articles you might be interested in include:
Interesting Results From Our Training Industry Survey!
6 Reasons To Incorporate Mobile Learning Into Your Strategy
