How to Find the Best Inexpensive LMS Solution for Small Businesses & Startups

 

Many companies have embraced learning management systems (LMS) as vital tools to facilitate their corporate training programs. With an LMS solution, small businesses and startups can cost-effectively build interactive learning modules and track employee training progress.

 You no longer have to waste time, money, or resources in hiring expensive training personnel to give one-on-one sessions. Now you can train a dispersed workforce on the go with an easy-to-use LMS. But how do you find the right tool for your small business that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Consider the following factors:

1. LMS Integration

LMS integration is the ability of your training software to receive and share data with existing solutions across your technology stack. It allows you to automate several repetitive tasks and enables you to combine useful information from other tools with that of your training tool and vice-versa.

LMS integrations can save businesses time and money by coordinating processes under one system. Therefore, choose an LMS that seamlessly integrates with your existing systems, such as HR management software. Consolidating multiple tools often means that a single provider will be less expensive than paying out to several vendors for the same functionality.

2. Time vs. Initial Cost

If a learning management system has a very low initial cost, but is taking up large chunks of company time, then it may prove more expensive than a tool with a huge cost that fits seamlessly into your organization’s processes.

For instance, your IT department could be spending multiple hours trying to integrate or customize the LMS. Similarly, administrators could be having a tough time uploading content or pulling reports.

3. Setup & Upgrade Fees

Some LMS vendors charge an additional fee for setting up the system, while others don’t. This includes single sign-on (SSO) and integration of the LMS with other systems of record like your human capital management software.

As your business grows, you also want the LMS to handle your growing training needs. But what kind of cost does that entail? If you need to upgrade your plan to add additional users, or downgrade if you need fewer seats, some vendors will charge an extra fee for that. Any feature that will be custom to your business and is not ‘standard’ can cost you. Many vendors also advertise themselves as white label but only allow some basic branding within their template library.

4. Technical support

The availability of technical support is a significant factor when it comes to choosing an LMS tool for your small business. Look for a vendor that can provide technical expertise and assistance, along with advice on the evolution of their program.

Decreasing LMS costs is all about creating a high-quality, efficient working environment. This means problems with functionality are not only frustrating, but a risk to your business success. Therefore, it’s important for businesses to find a technical support model that keeps up with issues as and when they arise.

Key Takeaway

Even though an LMS involves an initial investment, the right kind of software will eventually reduce your company's costs of training in the long run. With SkyPrep’s online training tool, small businesses and startups can automate training, facilitate distance learning, and improve employee productivity. Request a free demo!