The Ultimate Cloud LMS Checklist
Most organizations are overwhelmed by the sheer number of LMS options. You need to keep your employees up-to-date with compliance issues and company policies, even if they are half a world away or using their mobile devices in-house to get moment-of-need support. This calls for a cloud-based LMS that can deliver training anytime, anywhere. But what features should you look for? Are there any key functions that will improve employee engagement and ROI? Add the following items to your cloud LMS checklist to find the best SaaS LMS providers for your compliance training course.
8 Tips To Choose The Best SaaS LMS Providers
1. Integrated Authoring (For Quick Compliance Updates)
Some SMBs believe that built-in authoring is a luxury they cannot afford. However, many SaaS LMS providers now include it as part of the standard package, which gives you the opportunity to quickly update and revise your compliance content with the help of templates and themes. You don’t have to worry about compatibility with a third-party authoring tool, as the content is already properly formatted and ready to deploy. In addition, add built-in asset libraries to your must-have list for even more cost savings.
2. Advanced Reporting Features
The best SaaS LMS platforms have robust reporting functions that allow you to track every aspect of your compliance program—even social and informal activities. You should also be able to customize your reports and delivery methods. For example, your HR manager will receive the weekly reports every Monday via email. Or it will automatically be pinned to their LMS dashboard. Don’t forget data visualizations so that you can view charts and graphs to pinpoint problem spots and rapidly address them.
3. Support Services
Another way to find the ideal cloud-based LMS for your compliance training program is to evaluate the vendor’s support services. Do they provide you with one-on-one support to reduce the learning curve and rapidly overcome tech issues? Or will you be left to your own devices when you encounter a problem and need to quickly update your compliance course? Ideally, the vendor should at least provide email support and offer an online FAQ and user community. Read online reviews to see how their support stacks up. For instance, do reviewers mention that the vendor was difficult to contact via phone? Or that they gave them a helping hand from pre-purchase to post-launch?
4. Content Compatibility
If the SaaS LMS providers don’t offer built-in authoring or you opt for third-party software, you must account for compatibility. This covers everything from your training resources to user data. Can you easily migrate data from one system to another? Or will formatting issues and a less-than-intuitive UI be an obstacle? Take a test drive to see how easy it is to move information and if the tool eases your L&D team’s workflow.
5. Scalability Based On Future Growth And Evolving Compliance Needs
Compliance training may seem like a rigid and formal niche. Surprisingly it does require a high degree of flexibility. Mandatory training topics and the needs of your company evolve over time. Your new cloud-based LMS must be able to evolve with you instead of impeding your future growth. For example, it should allow you to add on users or purchase additional functions/packages to keep up with compliance requirements.
6. Gamification Support
It’s true; compliance isn’t all fun and games. However, all work and no play makes employees unsatisfied (and unmotivated) workers. As such, your new SaaS LMS should offer some degree of gamification support, ranging from customizable badges to leaderboards and beyond. Giving you the opportunity to inspire employees and get them involved in compliance to mitigate risks. It’s also wise to look for a cloud-based Learning Management System that features gamification templates and themes to reduce costs. This allows you to quickly personalize leaderboards and other game mechanics to align with learners’ interests and goals.
7. Built-In Certification Features
Many organizations rely on certifications to keep track of employee performance and ensure that everyone meets the same standard. As such, your new SaaS LMS should have built-in certification management tools to help you verify compliance. Employees must complete the necessary activities and courses to earn their certificates. In the process, your business is able to see who’s falling behind and intervene when needed. Instead of letting a single staff member rack-up compliance fees and penalties in the event of an audit.
8. On-The-Go Accessibility
Modern employees expect to be able to access compliance training on any device from anywhere in the world. Thus, your cloud-based LMS needs to offer them on-the-go accessibility and offer everyone the same benefits. For instance, it should have responsive support so that your L&D team can develop and deploy multiplatform-friendly training. Likewise, your remote employees can always count on compliance support tools that help them avoid common risks and mistakes.
Conclusion
Does your current LMS meet all these requirements? If not, it may be time to look for a cloud-based LMS replacement. Keep in mind that it’s not just about meeting the minimum but finding a tool that surpasses expectations. Don’t hesitate to vet the vendors and read online reviews to see how they fare against the competition. You should also consider consulting with your team to ask for recommendations and get their input regarding must-have features, as well as sign up for free trials and demos to see if the tool is up-to-par and aligns with your team’s talents.
Are you looking for a SaaS LMS that checks all these boxes? Our online directory features the top platforms on the market. You can search by use case and pricing model, as well as read the latest reviews and ratings to find a tool that’s tried and tested.
