As businesses continue to expand, so does the need for continuous employee development. With the rise of remote work and the digitalization of businesses, traditional training methods are no longer effective. This is where an Enterprise Learning Management System (ELMS) comes into play. In this blog, we will discuss what an ELMS is, its humble beginnings, and why enterprises choose it over traditional training methods.

Table of Contents:

• What is an Enterprise Learning Management System?
• How Learning Management Systems Began
• Why Do Enterprises Choose Learning Management Systems Over Traditional Training?
• A Video Walkthrough of Enterprise Learning Management Software
• A Guide to Learning Management Systems

What is an Enterprise Learning Management System?

An Enterprise Learning Management System is a software platform that enables enterprises to manage, deliver and track employee training programs. It offers a centralized system that provides a seamless and interactive learning experience for employees. ELMSs come equipped with features like course creation and management, content delivery, progress tracking, and certification management.

An ELMS provides a cost-effective way for enterprises to train their employees. It eliminates the need for expensive training materials, classroom rentals, and instructor fees. ELMSs also allow employees to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, eliminating the need for travel and time off work.

How Enterprise Learning Management Systems Began

The history of Learning Management Systems (LMS) can be traced back to the early 1960s, when computer-based training was first introduced in the United States military. The military used a primitive form of computer-based training to teach its soldiers how to use radar equipment. The training system was expensive and had limited capabilities, but it was a significant milestone in the evolution of e-learning.

In the 1970s, the concept of computer-based training started to gain traction in the corporate world. Major corporations such as IBM and Xerox were among the first to implement computer-based training programs for their employees. These programs were used to teach computer skills and job-specific tasks.

As computer technology continued to advance, so did the capabilities of computer-based training programs. In the late 1990s, the first LMSs were introduced. These systems were designed to manage and deliver online training programs to employees. They provided a centralized platform that allowed companies to track employee progress and customize training programs based on individual needs.

In the early 2000s, the term Learning Management System was coined, and these systems became an essential component of corporate training programs. Today, LMSs are used by businesses of all sizes and industries worldwide.

Enterprise companies were among the first to embrace LMSs. They recognized the need for a cost-effective and efficient way to train their employees, especially as their businesses grew and expanded globally. Companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and Sun Microsystems were some of the early adopters of LMSs.

Microsoft, for example, used an LMS called the Microsoft Learning Gateway, which was used to deliver training programs to its employees worldwide. The system allowed employees to access training materials online and provided reporting and tracking capabilities that allowed the company to measure the effectiveness of its training programs.

IBM also used an LMS called the IBM Learning Space, which was used to deliver training programs to its employees globally. The system provided a centralized platform that allowed employees to access training materials online, and it also provided reporting and tracking capabilities that allowed the company to track employee progress and measure the effectiveness of its training programs.

In conclusion, Learning Management Systems have come a long way since their inception in the 1960s. From the early days of computer-based training to today’s modern LMSs, these systems have revolutionized the way companies train their employees. Enterprise companies were among the first to recognize the value of LMSs, and they continue to use them today to provide cost-effective and efficient training to their employees.

Why Do Enterprises Choose Learning Management Systems Over Traditional Training?

• Cost-Effective: As mentioned earlier, ELMSs eliminate the need for expensive training materials, classroom rentals, and instructor fees. This makes it a cost-effective solution for enterprises to provide training to their employees.

• Centralized Learning: ELMSs provide a centralized platform that allows employees to access all their training materials in one place. This eliminates the need for employees to hunt for training materials across multiple sources.

• Scalability: ELMSs are scalable, which means they can accommodate an increasing number of users as the enterprise grows. Traditional training methods, on the other hand, are limited by the number of employees that can fit in a classroom.

• Personalized Learning: ELMSs offer personalized learning experiences to employees. They can choose the courses they want to take, learn at their own pace, and revisit the material as many times as they need.

• Tracking and Reporting: ELMSs provide robust reporting and tracking capabilities, allowing enterprises to track employee progress and generate reports on their learning outcomes. This helps enterprises identify knowledge gaps and areas for improvement.

An Enterprise Learning Management System is a valuable tool for enterprises looking to provide cost-effective and efficient training to their employees. With their centralized platform, scalability, personalized learning, and tracking and reporting capabilities, ELMSs are an essential component of any enterprise’s employee development program.­

A Video Walkthrough of Enterprise Learning Management Software

A Guide to Learning Management Systems

Enterprise Learning Management systems can be daunting at first glance, but their complexity is what will save your company time and money. Before considering any LMS for your company or enterprise, we recommend checking out this helpful Learning Management guide.

In this guide, you’ll find the chapter “Important features to look out for within an LMS” on page 10. This chapter will give you a clear understanding of the solutions an LMS can provide. From there you can review Learning Management Pricing on page 17 and really narrow down your choice.