Tips for Picking the Best LMS for Safety in 2021
Learning Management Software (LMS) is now an essential safety training tool for a variety of industries. Safety training is not just needed for compliance with laws and regulations, it can be the difference between life and death. An LMS is an online cloud-based solution capable of helping companies handle their safety training requirements. An LMS allows training to be delivered through online courses in a variety of methods such as presentations or videos, and interactive activities. With an LMS, it can be personalized to fit your specific company needs and, once it is set-up, the automation features of LMS makes sure the right people undertake the proper training before they need it. Here we take a glance at some of the most valuable features to look for when selecting an LMS for use in the safety industry.
1. Competency Assessments
Training is the foundation of any LMS. Equally important, however, is the ability to use an LMS to examine employee competency. A great software system will allow you to track competency for particular tasks across a large range of jobs, but also upload training materials for any inspectors conducting鈥�competency assessments. A plethora of online performance evaluations can be conducted by the software itself, including annual assessments, coaching evaluations, performance reviews. Needing to get new employees trained quickly? Onboarding checklists for new hires are available to ensure all the necessary assessments and training are completed. In addition, all data is securely stored in the cloud, which means all reporting, tracking, and related data is stored safely and available in seconds. You can use this information to create detailed planning documents from anywhere, regardless of how far you are away from the office.
2. Intuitive Document Uploading
You鈥檒l want to search for a system with smart, automated document uploading when selecting an LMS for your safety program. Intuitive document uploading essentially eliminates the time usually taken to process physical completion certificates and training documentation. With an LMS, you can use a鈥�digital forms feature to add customizable forms into your online orientation 鈥� which can be completed via smartphone, computer, or tablet. This removes handling onboarding paperwork entirely and frees up time for those to work on more important tasks. Documents can be uploaded directly into the system as the course is being completed. For example, if an employee has already completed a training course, they can upload their certificate to update their onboarding training.
3. Course Catalog
An LMS is only as good as its course catalog. If your LMS does not have courses that are vital to your company, this will severely restrict its usefulness. Therefore, it鈥檚 important to ensure a system will meet your industry and company鈥檚 specific needs before you sign up for it. Examining the鈥痗ourse catalog鈥痝ives a great signal of how compatible it is for your training needs. Another area to examine is the鈥痮nline classroom calendar鈥痜eature which allows you to add in activities, events, and courses directly in the calendar via drag and drop technology; and store all the information in one place. Be sure to find out if the LMS has this feature and can tell you which courses are happening when and where, and allow you to sign up employees for them easily online.
4. Detailed Reports and Notifications
Any top-notch LMS must allow for detailed reporting and notifications. This is crucial for any company looking to manage training requirements and to keep all employees current with their certifications. A system that helps you to achieve this by sending notifications to all relevant individuals is crucial when an expiration is looming so training can be automatically assigned to the relevant employee. A top-notch LMS will also schedule reports so for each week or month 鈥� or however often they are required 鈥� to ensure everyone is kept up to date. Custom reporting and gap analysis features, on top of reporting and notifications, mean you can further analyze the effectiveness of training within your company.
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5. Seamless Connectivity
When you find an LMS for your company, you might already be using other software. The best online LMS in 2021 should be seamlessly compatible with your other system software by using an鈥疉pplication Programming Interface (API). An API works like a middleman communicating between the two sets of software to ensure that they understand each other accurately. A learning management system that utilizes an API must allow for data transfer between the systems and to routinely check that everything is in sync. An area where this occurs often is between a safety LMS and software relating to human resources and accounting. If these two systems are compatible, this will lead to more automation and reduce time needed on administrative tasks.
6. Free Trial or Demo Account
Choosing a LMS software is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. A software provider that is confident with their product should have no concerns when offering a demo account or free trial or to allow you to try the system before you purchase. If they do not, they likely have no confidence in their software. If they have no confidence, how can you?
A demo account or free trial allows you to address these concerns by test driving the software and finding out immediately whether the system is right for your organization. Any software provider that denies a free trial or demo should be avoided.
In Summary
A Learning Management System for your safety program should include a few, or all, of these features. This list should help you identify the best online learning management software for your organization so that you can make sure your company is well-trained for the upcoming year.
