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It's a must-have LMS Implementation Guide (with the printable checklist) --

Mar 30, 2022

Online and e-learning have taken off as students get ready for the long haul of remote-based work and remote learning environments. Businesses invest in digital learning instruments and platforms in a way that has never been seen before.

JPMorgan Chase is planning to spend $600 million on educating its workforce. Amazon is investing over 700 million dollars to offer the necessary training for their workers. Additionally, PwC is spending $3 billion to train all its employees for the next three to four years.

If you're considering a new, more flexible learn management software (LMS) that will create stimulating learning experiences, then you'll require an LMS implementation project plan that helps you build, launch, and maintain an efficient system.

 In this post we'll teach you all you need to know in order to make a more efficient LMS Implementation plan. for example:

  • A brief reminder of what a learning management system does.
  • How to select the right software for your company (with a downloadable guide! )
  • Benefits of an LMS Implementation project plan
  • The pre-, the post- and post-launch steps for your LMS deployment (with a downloadable launch preparedness checklist! )

 What exactly is a Learning Management System (LMS)?

LMS' can be powerful tools when used correctly. An LMS is an electronic learning platform that can help trainers upload, create as well as manage, distribute and keep track of their online training initiatives all in one spot. LMS typically used for employee, customer or channel partner education in addition to continuing learning, and lead generation.

 The best LMS for your needs

 When shopping around to find LMS partners, be sure to ask these concerns:

  • Will this tool be able to handle our technical requirements?
  • is it flexible enough to meet our needs?
  • What will the key to your customer's success be?
  • Can it be scaled with our growth?
  • Can it deliver an experience that our students need?

 The benefits of having an LMS Implementation project plan

Picking the right LMS is a feat by itself. It takes time, dedication as well as a variety of discussions with vendors to determine one that's most suitable to your business's requirements. When you've got your LMS selected There's no doubt that you'll want to deliver ROI as quickly as possible - starting with your detailed LMS Implementation plan.

 Here are a few advantages to creating a program that can get the system operating quickly

  • Saves times. If you have a well-planned implementation strategy, you'll be able to get your system up and running quicker than if you wing it after your purchase. This will save you time and , most likely, lots of stress.
  • It allows for a smooth implementation. By laying out the steps to ensure a smooth implementation, you're already on the road to the success you want to achieve. With a thorough strategy, you'll have a clear picture for all the elements necessary to make the most seamless implementation possible for both your users.
  • The return is generated faster. IBM uncovered a $30 yield for every $1 invested in e-learning. No matter how small or large, businesses are looking to swiftly get the most value from your LMS purchase. One of the most efficient ways to get there is with a thoughtful implementation approach that provides immediate benefits to customers.

Pro tip: One of the benefits of our highest-end plan, Plus, you'll be assigned a personal one-on-one Customer Success Manager (CSM). As soon as you have signed the Plus contract, your CSM will be there to support your business goals and act as your primary guide when you use the Plus platform. It will also work together to create a detailed implementation plan, develop a realistic timeline that includes important milestones, and then complete the Launch Preparedness Review in order to ensure you're set up to be successful.

 16 steps for a streamlined LMS implementation

Making sure that you have a fresh LMS launched and ready to offer immediate benefits isn't a simple task. But it doesn't have to seem overwhelming.

In a comprehensive LMS implementation roll-out plan and all the information needed to lead you through the most critical stages:

  • Pre-Launch
  • During Launch
  • Post-Launch

 The Pre-Launch Implementation Strategy Steps

Mapping out a seamless LMS implementation starts once you've decided on your preferred platform and are in the preliminary launch stage. Here are the steps we suggest to get your LMS implementation going off with a bang.

 1. Align your stakeholders

The alignment of your stakeholder groups is the initial step to have a purpose. The people you choose to work with could determine your successful LMS implementation. In order to align your stakeholders, you must identify the following:

  • Implementation participants (your launch team)
  • Internal stakeholders (anyone within your company the LMS is meant to provide value to)
  • Other stakeholders (any external parties that could have an impact on your strategy for example, the LMS support team web developers, instructors , designers, content creators and many more)

From an internal lens, it's also important to ask managers about any issues with their onboarding process and get a solid understanding of their training and development plans.

Once you've aligned your stakeholders now is the time to form your team which will assist in the creation of the system that you've always wanted. You can start by making certain that everyone is aware of their role. The RACI matrix provides a great method of assigning roles, by defining who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and communicated at every step of the planning process.

 2. Make a timetable (and live by it! )

After you've identified the key players and stakeholders, it's time to establish a project timeline that works for everyone involved. A way to achieve this is by working backward from your desired launch date. Remember that date in the back of your mind as you think about each major step you'll need to achieve to meet your deadline and assign the milestones with a deadline. Gantt charts provide a visual way to display your timeline, so that everyone is able to view every milestone prior to your launch date.

Pro-tip: Make sure that the timelines are compatible with everyone's schedule and you're not being a part of other initiatives that could take their focus away.

 3. Make sure you invest in a needs analysis

A study of your training needs will help you understand what your LMS must perform - and which gaps to fill. Through a study of training needs it is possible to map what changes your students have to make to transition from their current reality to their desired future.

First, you must determine the needs of your target audience based on skill expectations in certain groups by conducting an analysis of their training needs. To do this, separate your internal groups by the categories below and identify the specific abilities or technical knowledge the person needs to excel for that particular group.

  • Job Role
  • Department
  • Organizational Niveau

Then, you need to identify the gaps between the abilities the employees already have and the ones they need to develop in order to reach the level they need or want to become. This knowledge of gaps will assist you in creating a content roadmap to guide your LMS introduction later.

 4. Get your content ducks in a row

You've formed your team, established the date for your meeting, and are aware of the training gaps you're LMS should be fixing. Now, you're ready for the content itself - which can be integrated in several ways.

In the beginning, you are able to transfer your learning material directly to your LMS platform in order to get it started quicker. At , we have the Bulk Importer capability that enables you to import all of your courses' audio, video, and PDF lessons with a simple drag and drop. This makes the course migration procedure much less stressful! On a Plus plan, your dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM) will be able to assist you with customized migrations as well.

It is also possible to create your course content completely from the ground up. If you're taking this route it is recommended to start by creating a plan of content, and then integrating the engaging capabilities your new LMS provides - like quizzes, surveys, and discussions boards. However, keep in mind that this process will take time. Therefore, be sure to include sufficient commitment to time within your LMS implementation project plan and schedule.

 5. Your users should be trained in the system

An LMS is an effective learning tool when people know how to use the system. So, it's important to ensure your users know how to use and access the platform before they let them free.

Start by briefing the new users how to log in and navigate the system for access to their training materials. Also, check with your managers to be certain they are aware of the system and their role in managing it. This will aid in developing their team members.

Pro-tip: A simple guide to training and an easy-to-access FAQ can save you a lot of time solving basic questions such as "What is my username?" or "Which training should I start with?"

 6. Remember to consider the user experiences

Experience with users is vital for attracting your students' interest and making them eager to try your brand new LMS. It's crucial to integrate users' experience into the launch phase so that, when the time comes for launch time, you know your system is simple to use from beginning to finish.

Once you're prepared to test the user experience of your customers, sign up a beta user and assign the training material. Be sure that they receive the welcome email and that the email isn't spamming. Log in with them as they to ensure that it works according to plan and also to ensure that they have been assigned the right training material.

 7. Test then test and test again

Nothing is more frustrating than working hard to launch the system and then finding out it's not performing as you wanted it to. That's why we're convinced about the value of testing prior to launching.

Do not forget to check your system's compatibility when you're in testing mode. Try a few different web browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

 8. Make sure you are prepared for your launch.

This is the last step you've put in the effort determination, commitment and the time to make sure that you get your LMS on the right track You're likely eager to introduce it to all the people. Before pressing the "Go" button, don't forget to double- and triple-check your system's preparedness for its launch.

Download 's launch preparedness checklist to ensure you have everything set up before you launch your new system.

 The Implementation Processes You Need to Take In Your Launch

Now that your LMS has been officially created, there are many ways you can keep your system in good condition, so that it is performing to the highest potential.

 9. Make a list of the content you have

With your LMS installation already in progress it is now the perfect moment to conduct a pulse check of your content. What other courses or content are you looking for? What classes are doing well, and which ones are students struggling with?

In addition, you could enhance the level of engagement in your classes by layering quizzes, evaluations as well as certificates that your students are able to share widely.

 10. Organize your curriculum

When you continue to create your content strategy, which is an ongoing process You can also make sure that the structure of your content corresponds to the needs of your audience.

While doing this Be sure to go over your course's categories and sections and navigators. These ensure your user experience is as interesting as it is informative.

 11. Individual course review

If you've had a look at the bigger picture, you can now focus on taking your revisions course through the course.

Does your course content connect to students and helping them the way they need? Are there prerequisites to the courses that your audience might find beneficial in setting them up for success? Is the course's conclusion a satisfying experience? the students wanting to learn to know more?

These are essential guidelines to think about as you take your courses higher and make sure your LMS continuously delivers worth.

Pro suggestion: On , you can enable course reviews directly inside your course curriculum to easily gather feedback from students. You can also develop an online survey type that asks specific questions concerning your curriculum's contents.

 12. Make student support channels active

Not all of your audience members are going to want to go at your training on their own. They'll have questions or want to collaborate with others taking the same class. That's why including student support channels throughout your course is essential for keeping your students involved and inspired.

 Those channels could be:

Discover more ways to enhance the experience of students here.

 13. Make sure your brand is prominent on your site

The branding of your course and the customization options are excellent tools to connect your students with your company at every step of the learning experience. With the appropriate LMS tool, you can personalize your course with custom themes that you have created and logos, colours, and fonts, aswell as customized layouts, navigation headings, footers, and headers which will be a hit with your students. Find out more about the branding choices here.

 14. Be in contact with your students and teachers.

Engaging students well following your launch is an art form that takes a certain amount of resilience and plenty of automated support. Particularly with students who are not communicating with them, the better , that's why emails for students as well as drip campaigns are massive value-adds to any LMS.

Drip campaigns are an effective marketing tactic that involves sending an enthralling number of email to students who have drifted away from the courses. It is the reason, in this case, to re-engage someone with the online learning experience after they've fallen away.

Instructors also gain from frequent communications, particularly via messages. Through notifications, instructors are able to opt-in to as many communications and alerts as they like. It doesn't matter whether a new lead or student signs up for their course or there's an upcoming discussion thread - instructors can stay in the know in all time.

 Post-Launch Implementation Steps

The post-launch phase of your LMS planning for implementation is something to be celebrated! That means you've successfully pre-planned and launched your brand new system - however, the process isn't done yet.

 These post-launch implementation steps can help you stay in the loop with your system so you can make the necessary improvements that create stellar learning experiences on the internet.

 15. Monitoring system usage

Exploring the system's data analytics will tell many different stories like:

  • Who uses your system?
  • How often are they making use of it?
  • Which courses are most or least well-known?
  • How your students and getting better in their individual courses
  • Where you can improve your experience

There's a lot more you can discover using analytics and data however at the root of all that is the ability to reveal how effective your LMS implementation went and ways to improve the future iterations of it. Explore the capabilities of's reporting here.

 16. Ask for feedback

Although this could be the final step of the LMS design and implementation plan however, it's probably essential for the ongoing development of your program and online learning program. The direct feedback you receive by your users on your system can enable you to know precisely what's working and what's not, and where you can make improvements.

Whichever method you use be sure to inquire. That way, you are aware of how others perceive your system and can define what value it can bring to people.

 Conclusion

As of now, I'm sure that you're aware of what it takes to develop a successful LMS Implementation plan that adds true value to your business. By having a clear strategy, the appropriate team, and the right technology, you'll have everything within a matter of minutes to implement a system that gets your customers and the company exactly where you want it to become.