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What do you Want from Your LMS?

A learning management system (LMS) is a crucial part of online training. Thanks to the latest standards such as Tin Can and SCORM 2004, LMSs are now capable of tracking classroom and other offline training activities too.

Investing in an LMS is an important decision and should take into consideration the requirements of all users – learners, trainers, SMEs, and administrators. For example, while learners look for gamified features, visual dashboards, and collaboration, administrators look for easy upload/manage features. Trainers should be able to generate reports based on a wide range of parameters whereas SMEs should find it easy to share learning resources.

An LMS can also yield valuable data that can be used for improving training programs and making decisions about subsequent training programs. An LMS equipped with data mining and analytic tools can  track learner progress, scores, completion time, usage patterns, and much more.

LMSs today come loaded with features. However, don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees. The first step to successful LMS implementation is defining your requirements, and here’s a checklist that’ll help. While it’s not necessary that you tick all the boxes, ensure you select all you need!

Once this is done, you are ready to send a request for quote (RFQ) to potential LMS vendors!

Features YES/NO
Hosting & Support  
Software as a Service (SaaS)/hosted delivery model  
LMS Training to manage in-house  
Security Capabilities  
Password management  
Single-sign-on through corporate intranet  
Configurable security settings (password characteristics)  
Automated system for forgotten passwords  
Platform, Domains, Workflow & Interface  
Multilingual feature  
Integrated LCMS functionality  
Documents repository  
Integration with virtual meeting tools  
Multiple domains  
Support for mobile devices  
Support Tin Can API  
User Management  
Configurable permissions/roles  
Create, change, and view user accounts  
Create custom fields in user profiles  
Create (or batch upload) new users  
Set/change user status (i.e. active/inactive/deleted)  
Automatically assign users to courses based on role  
Create and manage user groups  
Sign-up request management  
Enroll users in courses (individual, groups/batch)  
Badges on completion of certain trainings  
Learning Content Creation & Management  
eLearning  
SCORM compliance  
AICC compliant  
Built-in Glossary tool  
ILT/Classroom Training  
Self-registration for learning offerings  
ILT Registration with manager approval  
ILT Registration confirmation via email  
ILT Manage a registration request queue (approve/deny)  
Unregistering from all learning offerings  
Self-enrolling/unregistering for ILT classes  
Setting no. of seats for a classroom training  
Automatic waitlist functionality (user at top of waitlist is automatically enrolled when a place opens up)  
Assessments/Quizzes  
Tests and surveys development tool  
Setting number of attempts for a test  
Auto grading of tests  
Removing/replacing tests in a course  
Copy existing tests for easy creation/editing  
Activating/De-activating courses  
Managing grade books by marking a course complete or incomplete, and designating a grade  
Set prerequisites for courses  
Create custom course certificates with unique code  
Review/print completion certificates  
Grouping courses into curriculums  
Assigning learning activities (single or bundle) to specific users defined by specific user attributes  
Automatic assigning of courses using profile and group criteria  
Auto-reminder emails for assigned users for due date for course completion  
Set passing scores for training  
Automatically complete a course based on passing score  
Creation of Feedback forms  
Repository for resources (PDFs, PPTs, Spreadsheets)  
Catalog Features  
Search functionality for Users, courses, classes, discussion forums  
Catalog calendar to easily find and enroll in classes  
Course catalog filtering  
Reporting Capabilities  
Real-time customized reporting  
Scheduling reports and emailing to valid email address  
Export report data  
Course-wise/User-wise training report  
Communication & Collaboration  
Automated reminder notices via email  
Mass distribute communication to learners  
Edit and manage content of notification message  
Turn on or off notification events  
Web-based calendaring and scheduling (integration with Outlook)  
Send emails to user’s email address listed in their profile  
Integration of social networking  
Discussion forums  
Chat rooms  
Blogs  

The State of Learning: 2023 and Beyond