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The Must-Have LMS Implementation Guide (with printable checklist) -

Mar 30, 2022

Online and e-learning are taking off as people get ready to the many years of remote work and distant learning settings. Which means businesses are investing in digital learning devices and platforms that have never before.

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

If you're exploring the possibilities of a more flexible, modern learn management software (LMS) which can create engaging learning experiences, you'll require an LMS implementation project plan that will help you create the foundation, start, and sustain an efficient platform.

 In this post we'll teach you all you'll need to know about how to create a streamlined LMS Implementation plan. such as:

  • A brief refresher of what a management system does.
  • What is the best software for your company (with an online guide! )
  • Benefits of an LMS Implementation project plan
  • The pre-, the post- and post-launch procedures in your LMS deployment (with a downloadable launch preparedness checklist! )

 What exactly is a Learning Management System (LMS)?

They are effective tools when used correctly. A LMS can be described as an online learning tool that lets trainers create, upload, manage, distribute, and track their online training initiatives all in one spot. LMS' are most frequently used for employee, customer or channel partner training, as well as continuing learning, and lead generation.

 Selecting the best fit LMS for your needs

 In your search to find LMS partners, ask yourself these concerns:

  • Can this tool handle the technical demands of our company?
  • is it flexible enough to satisfy our requirements?
  • How important will your customer's success be?
  • Can it be scaled with our growth?
  • Can it deliver an experience that our students want?

 The benefits of having an LMS Plan of implementation

Selecting an LMS is a feat on its own. It requires time, effort and countless vendor conversations to identify an LMS that's the best fit to your business's requirements. When you've got the LMS chosen There's no doubt that you'll want to deliver ROI as quickly as possible by implementing your thorough LMS Implementation plan.

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

  • It will save you time. When you implement a sound plan, you'll have your system up and running more quickly than if you just wing the purchase. You'll be able to save time and likely, a lot of stress.
  • It allows for a smooth execution. In mapping out your steps to ensure a smooth implementation, you're already on the road to the success you want to achieve. By having a clear strategy, you'll have a clear picture for every aspect necessary to ensure the smoothest implementation possible for both the users you serve.
  • Returns are generated quicker. IBM uncovered a $30 yield for every $1 invested on online learning. Whatever the size, however big, companies will be looking to quickly reap the ROI for the LMS purchase. One of the most efficient ways to do this is to use a a thoughtful implementation approach that provides immediate benefits to customers.

Pro Tip: One of the benefits of our top-tier planis that you get the services of a individualized Customer Success Manager (CSM). As soon as you sign your Plus contract, your CSM is there to help you achieve your goals as well as act as your primary guide when you navigate your way through Plus platform. They will work with you to develop an outline of your implementation plan. make a timeline that is feasible, with key milestones, and complete a Launch Preparedness Review to make sure you're prepared to be successful.

 16 steps for an efficient LMS implementation

Making sure that you have a fresh LMS up and running to deliver immediate value isn't an easy task. However, it shouldn't seem overwhelming.

With a detailed LMS implementation roll-out plan You'll be equipped with everything that you require to help you through the crucial phases:

  • Pre-Launch
  • During Launch
  • Post-Launch

 Pre-Launch Implementation Plan Steps

Mapping out a seamless LMS implementation begins once you've decided on your preferred platform and are in the preliminary launch stage. Here are the steps we suggest for getting your LMS installation off to a successful start.

 1. Find a way to align your stakeholders

Aligning your stakeholder groups is the initial step for a reason. Your stakeholder's role will determine the success or failure of the success of your LMS implementation. When aligning your stakeholders, it's important to identify:

  • Implementation stakeholders (your group that launches)
  • Stakeholders within the company (anyone in your organization that the LMS is meant to provide the value)
  • External stakeholders (any other external party that might affect your plans for example, those from the LMS support team web instructors, developers or designers, creators of content, and more)

from an internal perspective, it's also important to ask managers about any onboarding hiccups they have and get a solid knowledge of their learning and development goals.

Once you've aligned your stakeholders and stakeholders, it's time to create your team that will help in the creation of the system of your desires. It's time to make certain that everyone is aware of their role. The RACI matrix provides a great way of assigning roles by defining who is responsible for, accountable, and consulted and informed across every stage of the plan.

 2. Create a timeline (and follow it! )

After identifying your key stakeholders You're now ready to create the timeline for your project that's beneficial for everyone involved. A way to achieve this is to start working backward towards the date you want to launch. Keep that date in memory while thinking about the major milestones that you'll have to complete in order to reach your goal and assign the milestones to be completed by a date. Gantt charts provide a visual approach to show your timeline to allow everyone to see every milestone that stacks until the date of launch.

Pro-tip: Make sure your timelines fit into everybody's schedule, and also make sure your initiative isn't competing with other major initiatives which may take their attention off.

 3. Make sure you invest in a needs analysis

An analysis of training requirements will help you understand what your LMS needs to do - and which gaps to fill. With a training needs analysis it is possible to map the transformation your students need in order to shift from their current reality toward their future goals.

The first step is to determine the needs of your target audience in relation to the expectations of skill specific to certain groups using an analysis of their training needs. In order to do this, you should separate your internal groups by the categories below and identify the specific abilities or knowledge that an individual needs to succeed within that category:

  • Job Role
  • Department
  • Organizational Level

Then, you need to identify the gaps between the abilities your employees currently have and those they will must develop in order in order to reach the level they need or want to become. And that gap knowledge will help you create an outline of content for the LMS implementation later on.

 4. Make sure your content is in the same row

At this point, you've created your team, set the deadline and determined the gaps in training that the LMS will be able to fix. The next step is to prepare your content, which can be integrated in various ways.

The first step is to transfer your learning material directly into your LMS platform, allowing you to be moving quicker. At , we have the Bulk Importer capability that enables users to upload all your courses' audio, video, and PDF lessons by dragging and drop. It makes the entire course transfer procedure much less stressful! On a Plus plan your Customer Success Manager (CSM) will be able to assist you with the best way to migrate your course.

It is also possible to create the course's content entirely from the ground up. If you're taking this route We suggest beginning with a content outline and integrate the fun features that your brand-new LMS offers - such as questions, surveys, or discussion boards. However, keep in mind that this process can take time, so be sure to include the right amount of time dedication in your LMS Implementation plan and timetable.

 5. Your users should be trained in the software

A LMS is a powerful learning tool if people know how to use the system. So, it's crucial to make sure your users know how to use and access the platform before they let them play.

Start by briefing the new users how to login and navigate the system for access to the training material. Also, double-check with managers to make certain they are aware of the program and what they are expected to do as it relates to managing it. They can also help develop their group members.

Pro Tip: A simple guide to training and an easy-to-access FAQ will save you a lot of time solving basic questions such as "What do I need to know about my login?" or "Which training should I do first?"

 6. Remember to consider user experiences

The user experience is crucial for attracting the attention of your students and getting them excited to use your new LMS. It's crucial to integrate user experience throughout the pre-launch period so that when it comes to launch time, you know the platform will be easy to navigate from start to finish.

If you're ready to evaluate the user experience of your customers, sign up the beta users and provide them content for training. Be sure that they receive the welcome email and that it's not going to spam. Log into their account to verify that everything works according to plan and also you've assigned them the correct training content.

 7. Test tests, test, and then repeat the test

There are few things more annoying than trying to get the most out of the system and then finding out something's not working the way you wanted it. This is the reason we are convinced of the importance of testing prior to launching.

Don't forget to test the compatibility of your system when you're in testing mode. You can try a number of different internet browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

 8. Make sure you are prepared for your launch.

At this final step, you've put in the effort commitment, time, and effort to get your LMS off the ground successfully You're likely eager to make it available for the general public. However, prior to you hit the "go" button, you shouldn't hesitate 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 begin your launch of your new device.

 The Implementation Processes You Need to Take During Your Launch

Once your LMS has officially been created, there are many steps you can take to ensure that your system is maintained so it is performing to the highest of its abilities.

 9. Review your content

With your LMS implementation already underway, now is the time to do an assessment of the pulse of your course content. What other courses or content do you need? What courses are going over well, and which ones do students struggle with?

Additionally, you can enhance your courses' engagement through the layering of assessments, quizzes and certificates that students can share broadly.

 10. Organize your curriculum

When you continue to hammer out your content approach and continue to refine it through an ongoing process It is also possible to be sure to check that your content's organization is on par with your audiences' needs.

In doing so Be sure to go over your courses' categories and sections along with the your navigation. These ensure your user experience is as informative as it is engaging.

 11. A review of the individual course

When you have looked at the bigger picture, you are now able to focus on completing your revisions through the course.

Is your curriculum connecting to students and helping students to be successful in the ways they require? Are there any prerequisites to the courses that your audience will find useful to prepare them for success? Do the courses' completion leaves your audience wanting for more?

These are crucial fundamental questions to be pondering while you move your classes up a level and ensure your LMS continuously delivers the best value.

Pro Tip: On , you are able to allow course reviews directly inside your course curriculum to easily gather feedback from students. Also, you can develop a survey lesson type to ask specific questions about your course content.

 12. Make student support channels active

Not all of your audience members are going to want to go at the course on their own. They'll ask questions or wish to be able to communicate with fellow students in similar courses. Which is why integrating student support channels throughout your course is essential for keeping your students involved and inspired.

 The channels that are HTML0 could include:

Discover more ways to enhance your student's experience by clicking this page.

 13. Make sure your brand is prominent on your site

Customization and branding for courses is a powerful way of connecting your students to your business at every step of the learning experience. And, with the right LMS tool, you can make your courses unique by incorporating custom themes that you have created and logos, colours, and fonts, aswell with custom layouts, navigation as well as headers and footers which will be a hit with your students. Find out more about the branding options here.

 14. Communicate with your students and teachers.

Engaging students well following the launch is an art that takes a certain amount of resilience and plenty of support that is automated. For students in particular who are not communicating with them, the better - this is the reason why email campaigns for students as well as drip campaigns are huge benefits to an LMS.

Drip campaigns are an effective method of marketing that requires sending a staggering series of messages to students who are slipping away from the courses. This is a way to re-engage someone with their education online after they've fallen off.

Instructors also gain from frequent messages, specifically via messages. With , instructors can opt-in to as many communication and notifications as they want. Whatever happens, whether a brand new student or lead signs up for their course or if there's a brand new discussion thread - instructors will be informed throughout the day.

 Post-Launch Implementation Steps

In the post-launch phase of your LMS planning for implementation is a celebration! This means that you've planned and launched your new platform , but the hard work isn't done yet.

 The post-launch steps to implement HTML0 will allow you to remain at the top of your game to make the necessary improvements that create stellar educational experiences online.

 15. Monitor system usage

Exploring your system's analytics can tell you all kinds of stories including:

  • Who uses your system
  • What is the frequency they're making use of it?
  • Which are the courses that are most popular and least?
  • How your students and progressing within individual courses
  • Where you can make improvements

There's more to discover using analytics and data but at the heart of it, it can reveal how effective your LMS implementation was , and also ways to improve the future iterations of the system. Learn more about the reporting features of's by clicking here.

 16. Request feedback

Though this might be the final step of your LMS planning for implementation however, it's probably one of the most crucial to ensure the continued development of your program and your online learning course. Receiving direct feedback from your system's users will aid in determining the specifics of what's working, and the areas where it's not working, and how you could make adjustments.

Whichever method you use be sure to inquire. So, you'll know exactly how people perceive your product and its value to them.

 Conclusion

At this point, I'm hoping you've a clear understanding of the steps to take to develop an effective LMS Implementation plan which will add benefit to your company. With a detailed strategy, the appropriate team, and the best-fit system, you'll be able in no time to launch a system that gets your customers and the company exactly where you want it to be.