Maximizing the ROI of Your Learning Management System: Best Practices

As a learning and development professional, you want to get the best out of your Learning Management System (LMS). Upgrading or investing in a new LMS may be a big decision, but it can also bring a lot of value and benefits to your organization, including improved employee performance, increased productivity, and better documentation of learning and development resources. 

Here are some best practices to help you get a great return on investment (ROI) for your LMS:

1. Define your goals: Decide what you want to achieve from  your LMS. Are you looking to enhance employee training and development? Do you want to streamline the onboarding process? Or are you focusing on professional development only? Identifying and defining your goals will help you decide the most effective ways to use your LMS. 
2. Involve the entire L&D team: Your LMS will be most beneficial if it is used by all employees, so it is essential to make sure your team is involved in the selection and utilization process. Some team members might have a different perspective or learning style than you, so try to hear everyone’s opinions to make the best out of the system. 
3. Customize the LMS to fit your requirements: Most LMSs offer a wide array of customization options. Take full advantage of them to make the platform work for your specific learning needs and goals. This could include applying your company's branding, forming custom courses and learning paths, or linking the LMS with other systems you use.
4. Focus on engagement and knowledge retention: Incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, games, and discussions into your course material. This can help to keep students engaged and encourage them to actively participate in their own learning. In addition, provide opportunities for learners to apply what they have learned through projects or assignments, as this can make a true difference in how knowledge is retained in the long run. 
5. Take advantage of data and analytics: Your LMS should generate data and analytics regarding how it is being used and the effect it is having on your organization. Utilize this information to detect areas where the LMS is having the highest influence and where it’s falling short, and consider adjusting your utilization of the platform accordingly.
6. Stay up to date with the LMS: Technology evolves rapidly, and your LMS is no exception. Be sure to keep the platform and any connected software and integrations up to date to guarantee it continues to meet your needs and yield the highest ROI.
7. Deliver learning in the flow of work: It’s not enough to keep learners engaged throughout a training session or an online course. For learning to be effective and truly affect how your employees perform on a daily basis, it has to be delivered in the flow of work. Find different ways to deliver LMS content during work in a timely way and allow employees to apply what they learn on the job.

By following these best practices, you can maximize the return on investment of your learning management system and ensure it is a worthy investment for your organization.