Why Are Cloud Based LMS Systems The Best Fit for Modern Workplaces

Ongoing learning and skill enhancement is at the heart of any business. The more updated your employees are, the best are your chances of running a thriving business. Managing employee training can never be a challenge if you use the right learning management system (LMS). How can you choose the best cloud based LMS systems that will help your business stay ahead of the curve? Data shows that 87% of businesses have migrated to cloud-based LMS systems in recent years. Why? Because they are more flexible, scalable, cost-effective, and accessible from anywhere.
If you are looking to invest in a new LMS or reconsidering your current choice, then this post is for you. Here we look at what cloud based LMS systems are and why you need one. We will also discuss how cloud LMSs are reshaping training in modern workplaces.

What Is a Cloud-Based LMS System?

A cloud-based learning management system is a cloud-hosted eLearning software application. Unlike a locally-hosted (on-premise) LMS, a cloud-based LMS system is hosted on a remote (cloud) server. Using a cloud LMS, you can create, distribute, track, and manage courses and learning materials online. To access the LMS, you need an internet-connected device, such as a PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
The software maintenance and upgrades are managed by the cloud LMS provider. It ensures users receive regular and fast updates, robust security, and on-demand scalability.

Benefits of Cloud Based LMS Systems in Modern Workplaces

Here is why a large number of businesses are using cloud based LMS systems today.

Anytime, Anywhere Accessibility

If you are managing a distributed workforce, cloud LMS can be a life-saver. Your employees can access courses and learning materials, from anywhere, at any time. Self-paced learning helps reduce crunch time for employees. It leads to improved workplace morale, engagement, and knowledge retention.

Scale on Demand

Cloud based LMS systems can scale to accommodate any number of users and courses. The ability to scale on demand makes cloud LMS the best choice of all kinds of businesses, from small to large enterprises. The LMS adapts to your training needs by allowing you to adjust storage and user capacity.

Tracking and Reporting

Not sure how well employees are absorbing your training materials and courses? Lack proper mechanisms to gauge how training impacts your team’s performance? With a cloud-based LMS, you get in-depth insights into key metrics that matter. Stay on top of course completion rates, learner performance, assessments, and more. Analyze what your team’s current competencies are and spot skill gaps that you need to bridge. Enhance your training efforts with data-driven decisions, powered by the cloud LMS.

Affordable Pricing

Most cloud LMS vendors promote subscription-based pricing. This pricing model eliminates your IT workload associated with ongoing maintenance and upgrades. It will all be handled by the LMS provider. Subscription-based pricing saves you from making hefty upfront investments in hardware and software.

External Integrations

Need an LMS that integrates well with your existing business applications? Look no further than a cloud-based LMS system. Integrate your HRMS, CRM, ERP, or other eLearning platforms with the cloud LMS. Reduce siloed data, consolidate and track all your training-related activities in one place. Boost cross-functional visibility, training efficiency, and staff productivity with a cloud LMS.

Real-Time Collaboration

Real-time communication and collaboration is vital to improving the efficacy of organizational training. Cloud based LMS systems bundle advanced collaboration features into their fold, streamlining workplace communications. For example, live messaging, videoconferencing, document sharing, etc. can augment your training efforts. These features help exchange ideas, information, and feedback throughout the organization.

Use Cases of Cloud Based LMS Systems in Modern Workplaces

Cloud based LMS systems enable continuous professional development in modern workplaces. Here are a couple of use cases:

Enhanced Compliance and Risk Management

Cloud based LMS systems help manage and improve organizational compliance in many ways. A cloud-based LMS system allows you to:

• Auto-assign mandatory compliance training courses to intended learners.
• Keep track of training compliance goals and milestones, such as certification expiry dates.
• Identify defaulters and remind them to meet compliance training targets
• Maintain a complete training record for review, security, and audit purposes.
• Develop mandatory training packages that will engage and educate learners.

Extended Enterprise and Channel Training

Do you need to manage external training besides internal employee training? Then a cloud-based LMS system is the best option for you. Using a cloud LMS, you can:

• Create personalized training and onboarding courses for vendors, channel partners, franchises, and consultants. The learning materials can be customized according to their specific roles and responsibilities.
• Deliver product knowledge and channel sales training to sellers and resellers. It helps enhance sales revenue and drive results.
• Make training consistent and standardized for your employees, customers, partners, and other audiences. Provide everyone with secure access to uniform learning materials.

 Checklist to Choose the Right Cloud-Based LMS System

Some of the key points that should be on your checklist when picking a cloud-based LMS system:

Five Future Trends in Cloud Based LMS Systems

Cloud based Learning Management systems evolve year over year. Here are five anticipated trends that will transform cloud LMSs in the coming days.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Every industry is using AI to personalize customer experiences. Corporate training is no exception. Cloud LMSs integrated with AI enable learning personalization for every user. AI algorithms analyze user data to create tailored learning paths for individual users. AI is also used to automate course creation and distribution.

Microlearning

Microlearning is a modern training strategy that helps reduce learner fatigue. It allows learners to absorb information in small, digestible units. Focused and concise pieces of content enable faster knowledge absorption and retention.

Mobile Learning Apps

Mobile devices take up a lion’s share of our screen time. A mobile-enabled LMS allows training and learning to happen anytime, anywhere. Learners can access courses at their convenience, when they commute, or even outside the working hours. Mobile learning is highly useful for training remote workers and frontline staff.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

AR and VR integration in LMS platforms helps offer a full-immersive and engaging experience to learners. High-risk industries like chemical and automobile manufacturers, construction, oil and gas, etc. use AR and VR to train employees in a safe and controlled space. For example, VR is used to simulate real-world industrial scenarios. Virtual replicas of risky industrial settings help promote safe and effective employee training in a controlled space. Similarly, AR helps overlay digital information onto physical environments. Employees can access information or job-specific details on the go using their smartphones or AR glasses. In short, AR and VR can boost training safety, hands-on experience, and learning retention.

Gamification

Gamified learning, or adding gamification elements makes learning more interesting and engaging for learners. Virtual rewards, badges, leaderboards, points and other gamification components help instill a sense of accountability and goal-orientation among learners. Course gamification also contributes to higher retention rates and increased motivation among learners.

Conclusion

The demand for digital learning grows as your business expands. With a cloud-based LMS system by your side, you can never ignore the dynamic training needs of your people. If you are coining a wish-list for your organization, a cloud-based LMS system should top the chart.
Skill Lake is a modern, AI-powered, cloud based LMS system. We help businesses—small and large—manage their training efforts with less effort. Let’s talk and see how Skill Lake can address your workplace training needs and woes.