The process of incorporating a learning management system (LMS) goes beyond implementation.
There are challenges an organization must face to maintain an LMS in-house. There are hardware, IT staff and other costly requirements that will continue throughout the life of the program.
However, there are hosted Software-as-a-Solution (SaaS) LMS options available to make life much easier, and usually less costly (Grow Productivity by 50% with a Hosted Social Learning Management System).
Even with all of the benefits of choosing a hosted learning management solution, there are still some activities that an organization must take on or outsource to make the program reach its full potential. The software platform requires monitoring and management to ensure uninterrupted learning.
Some day-to-day tasks that require such attention are:
- Creating and Managing Users
- Developing and Assigning Learning Paths
- Monitoring and Reporting
- Building Calendar Events and Email Templates
- Updating Curriculum
Many organizations think it is possible to appoint in-house talent to oversee daily tasks and maintenance. Others appropriately feel limited in this and question if they have the right personnel to support an LMS.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards company growth by implementing an LMS but feel poorly equipped to provide technical support services, there is another option for you. You can outsource a turnkey professional services option.
Outsource Professional Services
To find the most relevant professional services team, first ask your LMS provider. Setting up an LMS is easy compared to other database software, but it still requires IT skill and system-access privileges. The person implementing and setting up your LMS may provide support services on behalf of the company, or be able to refer you to a third party contractor. It is usually a good idea to see what the LMS provider has to offer as they will be able to navigate, make changes, and make recommendations for your learning needs better than most.
Not all learning management software providers offer this, however. With the fully hosted, social LMS, TOPYX®, there is a turnkey solution they provide to make sure that customers have everything they need to successfully deliver their learning program (TOPYX’s Professional Services PDF).
Once a platform is in-use, it may require only a few hours of attention each month. With such a small work load, it can be nice to have someone “on call” rather than on salary.
When preparing to outsource your LMS support tasks, it is important to:
Work with Professionals You Trust
Research the company providing your LMS software and be sure to inquire about support services during initial conversations.
Budget for Professional Service Assistance
The additional cost of LMS support services can add up quickly. It is important to know that your questions are being answered and problems solved. Since you cannot easily predict how often or little support is necessary each month, it is wise to get hourly and monthly service quotes from LMS professionals. Some programs can be annual agreements, instead of hourly, depending on your needs.
Maintain Your Success
After spending some time with your operational learning management system and the support services, consider how you want this technology to advance your organization. Set goals and be sure your team and IT contractor are aware of new expectations.
Having available professional services ensures your eLearning strategy is going in the right direction. Innovator and distributor of the award winning social learning platform TOPYX, Interactyx offers an easy, turnkey professional services solution.
What are you waiting for? You can take the first step today by requesting a free LMS demo of TOPYX. Take the tour to explore a company’s products and services that are right for you.
Sometimes a little help can go a long way in trying to reach your goals.
Jeffrey A. Roth
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Jeffrey.Roth@Interactyx.com
Interactyx Limited
interactyx.com
