What Is a Learning Management System & How to Choose the Right LMS (2024)

Learning Management Systems (LMS) have emerged as a game-changer in the way organizations approach training. It has enabled them to create and deliver training programs while being able to efficiently track their employee's progress.

But choosing the right LMS isn’t as straightforward a task as you might think it is.

In this article, we will explore what a Learning Management System is, its benefits, basic components and the different types of LMSs available. We’ll also discuss the types of content you should use in an LMS.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Learning Management System?
• Who Needs an LMS System?
• What Are the Benefits of an LMS?
• LMS vs LCMS vs CMS
• Key Basic Components of an LMS
• Enterprise LMS Features
• Types of Learning Management Systems
• 5 Best Learning Management Systems
• 7 Types of Content to Use in an LMS
• How to Choose the Right LMS
• Learning Management System FAQs

What Is a Learning Management System?

A learning management system (LMS) is a software application that enables organizations to easily create, manage and deliver training programs to their employees, contractors, or even partners.

It can also help track employee progress by generating reports on training results, allowing you to not only measure the effectiveness of your training programs but also identify key areas where employees may need additional training.

An LMS can be used to create a wide range of training materials, including online courses, videos, quizzes and assessments. But the best part is that it allows employees to access and complete those courses at their own pace, making learning a more enjoyable experience.

Here’s an example of LMS-ready training material created with Visme.

Who Needs an LMS System?

With almost 80% of the companies in the US relying on e-learning for professional development, and with the market poised to exceed $375 billion by 2026, it is quite evident that LMS adoption by companies is on the rise.

And it makes sense too.

Any organization that wants to provide its employees with training and development opportunities can benefit from an LMS system. Here are some examples of organizations that need an LMS system:

• Companies with a dispersed workforce that need to provide remote training
• Organizations with high employee turnover that need to onboard new hires quickly
• Small businesses aiming to train employees on industry-specific skills and compliance requirements
• Corporations looking to train employees on company policies, procedures and software
• Companies that want to provide professional development opportunities to their employees
• Nonprofits wanting to train volunteers and staff on specific skills and roles
• Government agencies that need to provide training to employees and contractors on specific policies and compliance procedures.

Basically, anyone and everyone that needs to train their workforce on internal or external matters, like company policies and compliance and procedural requirements, can use LMS as a flexible and cost-effective way to manage training and development.

What Are the Benefits of an LMS?

If used correctly, a learning management system can benefit both the employees and the organization. Here are some of the advantages of an LMS:

1. Centralizes Training Management

An LMS allows organizations to store all their employee training material in one centralized location, making it super easy for employees to access the courses they need.

2. Offers Flexibility

Learning management systems allow for flexibility in terms of when and where learning takes place. This enables employees to access course materials at their own pace and on their own schedule. This can be especially beneficial for those with busy schedules or those who learn best outside of a traditional classroom setting.

3. Improves Tracking and Reporting

An LMS allows organizations to track and monitor the progress of learners as they go through their training. This enables them to identify areas where learners need additional support and also measure the overall effectiveness of training programs.

LMS can also help companies identify trends and patterns in training data, allowing them to make data-driven decisions related to training and development.

4. Reduces Costs

Implementing an LMS can be cost-effective for organizations as it eliminates the need for expensive classroom training and reduces the need for travel for learners.

So you don't need to spend extra on developing a classroom setting, paying additional rent, or obtaining expensive physical training materials like textbooks. And employees, on the other hand, can access courses while on the go—saving travel costs and learning conveniently.

4. Customizes Training

An LMS allows for the creation of customized training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of an organization and its employees.

So instead of having everyone go through courses that they already know about, an LMS enables organizations to individually create and manage courses to match each employee's needs.

5. Helps Meet Regulatory Compliance

A wide range of industries, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and building and construction, require compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. A learning management system can be used to implement training, evaluation and reporting protocols for these compliance purposes.
There are many other benefits of an LMS as well.

For example, you can use learning management systems to help employees acquire new skills and knowledge that they can use to boost their work performance or potentially even advance their careers at your firm.

LMS vs LCMS vs CMS

LMS (Learning Management System), LCMS (Learning Content Management System), and CMS (Content Management System) are related but distinct types of software systems.

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Learning Management System (LMS)

A Learning Management System (LMS) allows companies to create, deliver, track and manage online training content and activities.

This includes tracking employee progress, managing work-related assignments and generating course reports.

It provides a centralized solution for company-wide training and development and can be used to complete training objectives, compliance maintenance and track learner progress.

Learning Content Management System (LCMS)

A Learning Content Management System (LCMS) is specifically designed for the creation and delivery of training content.

It’s primarily targeted toward employees with specialized roles, such as L&D professionals, department managers or any other senior person at your firm that needs to create learning content for their teams.

An LCMS can be integrated with an LMS to provide a complete solution for managing and delivering online learning.

Content Management System (CMS)

A Content Management System (CMS) is less specialized than an LMS or LCMS.

It’s used to manage and deliver digital content, such as text, images and videos, for websites and other digital platforms.

A CMS can also be used for employee training, but it doesn't provide the same tracking and progress-monitoring features as an LMS or LCMS.

Key Basic Components of an LMS

An enterprise-level learning management system is designed to meet the needs of large organizations and typically includes a range of advanced features.

The key enterprise-level features that an LMS should include are:

• Scalability. An LMS should be able to accommodate large numbers of users and handle high levels of traffic. This includes being able to handle large amounts of data and being able to scale up or down as needed to meet the changing needs of the organization.
• Customization. An LMS should allow organizations to customize the platform to suit their specific needs, including the ability to brand the LMS, customize the user interface and configure settings such as access controls and notifications.
• Integration. An LMS should be able to integrate with other software applications, such as CRM, video conferencing tools, or HR management systems, in order to share data and automate workflows. This allows organizations to streamline their processes and increase efficiency.
• Advanced reporting and analytics. An enterprise-level LMS should also come with advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, including the ability to generate detailed reports on learner performance, track progress and measure the effectiveness of training programs.
• Communication and collaboration. An LMS should provide advanced communication and collaboration features, such as discussion forums, messaging and file sharing, which allow learners and instructors to collaborate and communicate effectively.
• Mobile compatibility. An LMS should be mobile-compatible, allowing learners to access the LMS whenever they feel like.
• Compliance tracking. An LMS should provide compliance tracking and certification capabilities, which allow organizations to track compliance training and certify employees on certain skills or knowledge.
• Course management. A learning management system should be able to allow administrators and instructors to create, organize and manage courses within the LMS easily. This includes the ability to add, edit and delete course content, bulk enroll employees, assign courses and configure course settings.
• Learning content management. An LMS should provide advanced content management capabilities, including the ability to create and manage digital learning materials, create and manage assessments, and track learner progress.
• Platform consolidation. An LMS should be able to allow organizations to centralize their learning and development programs, eliminating the need for multiple systems, which can be time-consuming and costly to manage.
• User management. An LMS should provide advanced user management capabilities, including the ability to create and manage user accounts, assign courses and track progress and manage access to content based on user roles.
• Security and data protection. An LMS should have robust security features that protect the platform and user data from unauthorized access, hacking and data breaches.

Apart from these key features, an LMS could include even more enterprise-level features, depending on the organization's specific needs.

Enterprise LMS Features

Enterprise LMS systems offer more specialized features. They’re tailored to corporations and big companies that want to offer learning and development for all employees in an engaging and practical format.

• Learning Paths: Enterprise LMS should offer optimized learning experiences with learning paths. A learning path serves the learner a set of courses related to the same topic.
• Multi-Language support: The option to take a course in another language is an excellent feature for an enterprise LMS. Large companies employ people from different backgrounds and it’s important to cater to all of them.
• Single Sign-On (SSO) integration: This feature enables users to access the LMS with their existing corporate credentials, enhancing ease of use and security.
• Gamification: An enterprise LMS should offer unique features like gamification, which involves badges, leaderboards and rewards to boost learner engagement and motivation.
• Certification: All enterprise LMS must offer a certification system where the learners receive some sort of certificate or recognition.
• Collaborative learning tools: In an enterprise LMS it's crucial to establish a dynamic and interactive educational environment. A collaborative LMS integrates social learning functionalities such as discussion forums and group assignments.
• Accessibility: Compliance with accessibility standards ensures that all employees, regardless of disabilities, can access and benefit from the training.

Types of Learning Management Systems

The type of LMS that is best for an organization depends on its specific needs, budget and resources.

Here are some of the most popular learning management systems:

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1. Open-source LMS

An open-source LMS is an open-source code system that’s built and maintained by a community of developers. Organizations can access and use the source code to make changes to the system.

These are typically less expensive than other LMS types and are a great option for organizations with limited budgets.

However, you may need some technical expertise to maintain an open-source LMS. Also, it doesn’t have the same level of support and documentation as other, more robust systems, like the enterprise LMS.

2. Enterprise LMS

An enterprise LMS also referred to as a commercial LMS, is specifically designed for large organizations.

This LMS type can meet the diverse and extensive needs of companies with 500+ employees. It offers a wide range of features, such as gamification tools, discussion boards, social learning tools and more.

3. Cloud-based LMS

A cloud-based LMS is hosted on a remote server and accessed through the internet. This type of LMS eliminates the need for organizations to purchase and maintain their own hardware and software. Instead, they can access the system via a web browser.

These are typically less expensive than installed or on-premise systems, as you don't have to spend extra resources on maintaining your own IT infrastructure.

4. On-premise LMS

An on-premise LMS is installed and maintained on an organization's servers.

This type of LMS gives organizations more control over their data and system configuration and can be a good option for organizations with strict security and compliance requirements.

However, these may require more technical expertise to set up and can be more expensive to maintain as well.

5. Integration-capable LMS

An integration-capable LMS can integrate with other software that your organization may already be using. This allows for seamless data exchange and streamlined workflow between the LMS and other systems, such as HR, CRM and ERP.

These systems can help you automate and improve the overall efficiency of your training process by helping you save time, money and other valuable resources.

6. Mobile LMS

A mobile LMS is optimized for use on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, allowing learners to access training materials and track their progress anywhere and at any time.

These are quickly growing in popularity in the learning and development world, as they provide the most convenience to learners.

While choosing a learning management system, businesses need to consider factors such as requirements, scalability, cost, security and support. Once you have finalized that, you can go ahead and acquire the one that makes sense to you.

5 Best Learning Management Systems

Are you in search of an LMS to start offering engaging learning material to your teams? In this list, you’ll find the best-rated learning management systems.

TalentLMS

TalentLMS is a cloud-based LMS tool for businesses of any size. It comes with tons of features designed to provide an effective learning experience.

Features

• Blended learning
• Gamification
• Quiz and survey builder
• Custom reporting and scheduling
• Integrations with a wide range of tools
• Single Sign-On
• SCORM, CMI5 & xAPI learning standards and more

Pricing

• Starter plan: $69 per month
• Basic: $149 per month
• Plus: $279 per month
• Premium: $459 per month
• Enterprise: Request Custom Plan

Canvas LMS

Canvas is a user-friendly open-source LMS that you can tailor to your team’s learning culture. It's a cloud-based and scalable tool that supports learning at different levels.

Features

• Learning management
• Student engagement and success
• Personalized learning
• Content development
• Online programs
• Analytics
• Certifications
• Integrations with partner tools
• Competency-based education

Pricing

• Minimal Canvas LMS Server: $100/month
• Small Canvas LMS Server: $200/month
• Medium Canvas LMS Server: $400/month
• Enterprise LMS System: $800/month

LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds is equipped with a complete set of features for training and development. Beyond its powerful range of customization, you can effectively create, promote and monetize your courses.

Features

• Flexible courses
• Live courses and interactive video
• Survey and assessment builder
• Website and mobile app builder
• Analytics and reports
• White-label website
• Marketing toolsBundles and subscriptions
• Integrations

Pricing

• Starter: $29/month
• Pro Trainer: $85/month
• Learning Center: $255/month
• Learning Center + Mobile App: $509/month
• High Volume and Corporate: Contact sales or book a demo

Docebo

Docebo is a well-rounded LMS for enterprises looking to prioritize capacity development. It has powerful functionalities for employee learning and development.

Features

• AI-powered learning
• Accessibility features (WCAG 2.1 AA compliant)
• Social and mobile learning
• Gamification
• E-commerce LMS
• Certifications
• Automation
• Custom domain
• Audit trail
• Learning analytics
• Reporting and visibility
• Integrations with third-party apps like Zendesk, Salesforce and Workday

Pricing

Docebo doesn’t have a price list on their pricing page. You’ll need to talk to an expert to learn about their pricing plans.

360Learning

360Learning is a cloud-based LMS tool that helps businesses scale peer-to-peer and collaborative learning.

This tool uses AI to support learners within your organization to upskill fast and continuously.

Features

• Global training management
• Expert collaboration
• Mobile learning
• Gamification
• Live training

Pricing

• Team: starts at $8 per month/user
• Business: Contact support for demo and pricing

7 Types of Content to Use in an LMS

There are several content types that can be used in an LMS. Here are some of the most common ones you can create, edit and share by using Visme:

1. Training Manuals

These can be used in an LMS to onboard new hires or train existing employees by providing them with crucial instructions and objectives to succeed in their roles.

For example, check out this ready-to-use digital marketer training manual template:

It starts by introducing the role of the digital marketer and then dives into the responsibilities and objectives of the position, enabling employees to complete their tasks and quickly adapt to their new work environment.

The template is also equipped with some of the best visual assets, ensuring that your employees go through your training manuals with ease.

Watch this video to learn how to add interactivity to learning courses using Visme.

2. Employee Handbooks

An employee handbook can help you provide information related to company policies and procedures, as well as general information about the company's culture, code of conduct and expectations for employees.

Take a look at this Disqus-inspired employee handbook template:

It highlights the company's mission statement, achievements and company culture and closes with a slide that emphasizes the things employees need to do in order to succeed in the organization.

3. Presentations

Businesses can use presentations in an LMS to provide employees with visual and interactive learning materials, helping them understand and retain a variety of business and product-related information.

Check out this fully-customizable brand guidelines presentation template:

It contains useful information related to brand colors, tones, logos and designs — all of which can come in handy, especially for branding and marketing teams.

Here are some other presentation types you can use in an LMS: training courses, employee onboarding, brand catalogs, booklets, portfolios and workbooks.

4. Infographics

Businesses can use infographics to break down complex product-related concepts in a clear and easy-to-understand format, equipping your employees with all the information they need to succeed at their job.

Look at this flowchart infographic template as an example:

It uses a flowchart design to show employees exactly what they need to do when a customer creates a ticket.

A variety of training materials can be converted into infographics: company timelines, product/solution comparisons, roadmaps, customer success statistics, etc.

5. Videos

Videos are a powerful tool for businesses to use in their learning management systems as they can be a highly engaging and effective way to deliver training and educational content.

This product demo explainer video is a good example:

It quickly establishes the topic of the video in the first slide and then dives straight into the 11 steps one needs to follow to create animated infographics using the platform.

Similar to other content types, there’s an endless list of things you can use videos for as well, including training and onboarding, branding, screencasts, demos, listicles, explainers, testimonials, promos and more.

6. Quizzes and Tests

Interactive activities like quizzes, tests, games, simulations, or in some cases, even interactive case studies can do wonders to help employees learn about your firm and its products.

They are a great way to engage learners and make the learning experience more interactive and fun.

7. Ebooks and Guides

Ebooks and guides can also be used in an LMS for educational and reference purposes. These are generally more lengthy and in-depth as compared to presentations and infographics.

Check out this supply chain management ebook template:

It comes with detailed information on what supply chain management is, its advantages, process, flowchart and ways it can be used to boost work performance.

You can take things up a notch by adding sections where you talk about the supply change management software used by your company and other procedures you wish for employees to get used to quickly.

Use the Visme AI text generator to help you write sections for your ebook. Prompt the AI with detailed information about what you’re looking for and include notes about your brand voice and tone.

How to Choose the Right LMS

Now that you know everything about learning management systems, here are the five steps you need to follow to choose the right LMS for your business needs:

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

Before you begin evaluating different LMS options, it's important to assess your organization's needs first. To do this, find an answer to these four primary questions:

• Who is your audience? Employees, partners, or customers?
• What is your audience size?
• What are your training goals?
• What kind of content do you want to deliver to your audience?

The answer to all these questions will directly impact your choice of LMS.
And the more clarity you have on your audience and business requirements, the better you’ll be able to determine the features and capabilities you'll need in an LMS.

Step 2: Define Budget and Technical Requirements

The next step is to finalize your budget and determine the features you want in an LMS.

Budget: If money isn’t a concern, then an on-premise or custom-built LMS may make more sense for your business. And if you’re on a budget, then an open-source or cloud-based LMS may be more suitable for you.

Technical requirements: This could include the ability to manage users, create and deliver online courses, track employee progress, mobile capability and the ability to integrate with existing systems.

Prepare a comprehensive budget report with the help of this template.

Step 3: Evaluate Different Options

With your needs and requirements defined, you can start evaluating different LMS options.

To do this, conduct online research to find options that fit your budget and feature requirements—look for reviews from other organizations or customers and consider reaching out to vendors to get more information about their products.

You can also ask your friends and professional colleagues for recommendations.

Step 4: Request a Demo

Before making a final decision, it's a good idea to request a demo of the LMS options you're interested in. This will give you hands-on experience with the platform and help you determine if it's the right fit for your organization.
Be sure to ask the vendor about any questions or concerns you may have and don’t be afraid to discuss potential customization options.

Step 5: Finalize your Purchase

After evaluating all your options, it's time to choose your LMS.

Pick the one that meets all your training requirements, is within your budget and is the most user-friendly. And don't forget to review your contract and understand all the terms and conditions before signing.

Learning Management System FAQs

Do you still have questions about learning management systems? These frequently asked questions will hopefully shed light on your doubts.

Q. Talent Management System (TMS) vs LMS: Which is better?

The choice between a Talent Management System (TMS) and a Learning Management System (LMS depends on your organizational needs.

TMS focuses on employee development, performance management, and succession planning, while LMS primarily concentrates on delivering, managing and tracking training content.

Consider your specific goals and requirements to determine which is better for your organization. Often, businesses use a combination of both systems to address various aspects of talent and learning management.

Q. Learning Content Management System vs Learning Management System

Learning Content Management Systems and LMS serve distinct but complementary roles. LMS, as outlined above, is designed for managing and administrating courses and training programs. On the other hand, LCMS focuses more on the creation, organization and management of the actual learning content itself—the two work in unison as a comprehensive solution.

Q. What is the most commonly used LMS?

Canvas and TalentLMS are among the most commonly used LMS options. Other platforms include Google Classroom, LearnWorlds, Docebo, and 360Learning.

Q. What are the disadvantages of using LMS?

While LMS systems and platforms offer numerous benefits, there are some potential disadvantages to consider:

• Initial setup and customization can be time-consuming.
• Cost can be a barrier, especially for proprietary LMS solutions.
• Maintenance and updates may require dedicated resources.
• LMS may not always fully address the unique needs of every organization.
• User adoption and engagement can be challenging.
• Data security and privacy concerns must be managed effectively.

Q. What are the three major types of learning management systems?

The three major types of learning management system types are:

• Open-source LMS: Freely available platforms that can be customized to suit an organization’s needs.
• Proprietary LMS: Commercial solutions provided by software vendors, often with a range of features and support.
• Cloud-based LMS: systems that are hosted in the cloud, providing scalability and accessibility.

Q. What are xAPI and SCORM in LMS?

xAPI (Experience API) and SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) are two e-learning standards used in LMS. xAPI is a flexible and versatile standard that captures a wide range of learning experiences, including offline and informal learning. Alternatively, SCORM is more rigid and primarily designed for tracking and packaging e-learning content.

Use Visme as Your Content Authoring Tool for Your Next LMS

Learning management systems are a great way to manage and deliver e-learning content. You can use them in a variety of ways to ensure you get the best out of your workforce.

If you're looking for a single content authoring tool to create interactive and engaging content for your LMS, then consider using Visme. Use the templates mentioned above, or browse the other training and development templates in our library for more inspiration. Use video and cloud integrations to save time with asset sharing while creating content.

Thanks to Visme’s add-on export feature, you can create interactive content, engaging infographics and training videos and download them into SCORM and xAPI formats to distribute seamlessly onto your learning management system.