A Complete Guide
The Complete Guide to Selecting LXP and LMS
All businesses thrive on growth. It’s the driving force that prevents stagnation. The same is true for your learners.
Implementing dedicated Learning and Development (L&D) programs infuses a spirit of continuous learning, revitalizing teams. This approach serves a dual purpose, encouraging individual employee development and enhancing overall business performance.
Whether it is upskilling for current roles or addressing skill gaps across the company, L&D forms the bedrock for growth, especially in today’s AI-driven era. L&D programs extend beyond merely ticking boxes. They go a long way in nurturing and maximizing the talent within your organization.
Now, if you are someone who has understood this and have already embarked on your L&D journey, there’s a chance you may be at one of these crossroads:
- You have decided to take the plunge into investing in your first learning platform or
- Your current system no more fulfils your organization’s learning needs and hence calls for an overhaul.
Either way, your most pressing need is finding the right learning platform. Needless to say, there are a host of options available in the market. Two of the most popular options are Learning Experience Platforms or LXP and Learning Management Systems or LMS.
Understanding which platform is right for you is a decision that involves a plethora of questions and research on capabilities, features and innovations. Picking the appropriate learning platform is a crucial decision, much like any other software you purchase. Each type of learning platform has its advantages and drawbacks, which means you will need an overview of it all before you make an informed choice for their company.
In the process of evaluating options, you need to prioritize features that are aligned with your company’s needs. Let’s explore some types of LXPs and LMSs that you will need to pick from:
- SaaS
A SaaS learning platform is an internet-accessed, cloud-based application. The advantages of SaaS-based systems are tremendous. The vendor takes charge of software and hardware maintenance, including enhancements and new features, along with ensuring the system’s security. This reduces the need for you to manage the system or invest in hardware for application operation. SaaS learning platforms generally offer seamless integration with the rest of the tech landscape.
- On-premise
While buying and installing a learning platform onsite is becoming less popular, an on-premise LXP/LMS allows employees to access the system from the company’s network, eliminating the need to connect through the internet.
IT, typically responsible for managing the system, gains more control over the timing of enhancements and new features with an on-premise system. The IT team can adjust hardware configurations to meet company’s needs, addressing issues like speed by internal adjustments.
The drawbacks for this include the need to purchase hardware and allocate resources for system management. Despite being on-premise, the vendor still holds responsibility for software feature development.
- Open Source
An open source LXP/LMS is a collaboratively built system where users share code to incorporate new features and fix errors. These applications are often cost-effective, and users can tailor them to their company’s needs. Open source LXP/LMS may exist as both SaaS and installed versions.
Security is a concern when using this type, as users might introduce insecure code or poorly tested changes to the codebase.
- Custom-built
A custom-built LXP/LMS is developed by the company’s in-house team or external consultants.
Functionality in a custom-built learning platform is comparatively simpler due to fewer resources allocated to product development. It typically includes basic reporting, minimal dashboards or integrations with other HR systems, and lacks support for purchased e-learning courses.
Usually on-premise, a custom-built LXP/LMS inherits both the advantages and issues associated with on-premise systems. Maintenance is generally handled by a small team, posing challenges if a team member resigns.
Take your Pick Wisely
When it comes to choosing the right learning platform, innovation is the name of the game. There’s a full menu of options out there, be it LXP or LMS, each with its own cool features. It is like shopping for software, you got to know what you are looking for, match it with what your team needs, and find the right fit for your vibe.
As Josh Bersin says,
“The market for corporate training and education is well over $240 billion around the world. A variety of small and large companies are chasing this market and the war is hotter than ever.”
The Complete Guide to Selecting LXP and LMS presents you with a detailed know-how of all the essential steps involved in selecting the right learning platform in the form of either an LXP or LMS. We will take you through each stage so that your employee L&D journey can be nothing but the best!
