The Thousand Solutions Blog

The Must-Have LMS Implementation Instructions (with the printable checklist) --

Mar 30, 2022

E-learning and online courses are taking off as people get ready to the many years of remote-based work and remote learning spaces. Which means businesses are investing 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 to provide upskilling training to their employees. In addition, PwC is spending $3 billion to train all its employees in the coming three to four years.

If you're considering a new, more flexible learn management software (LMS) that will create exciting learning experiences, you'll need an LMS Implementation Plan that can help you develop an effective, successful, and sustainable platform. an efficient platform.

 In this post will teach you everything you need to know in order to make a more efficient LMS Implementation plan. such as:

  • A quick reminder of what a learning management system
  • The best device for your business (with an online guide! )
  • Benefits of an LMS implementation project plan
  • Pre-, during, and post-launch actions for the LMS implementation (with a downloadable launch preparedness checklist! )

 What is a learning management program (LMS)?

They are effective devices when they are used properly. A LMS can be described as an e-learning tool that helps trainers to create, upload as well as manage, distribute and keep track of their online training projects in one location. LMS typically employed for customer, employee, or channel partner training, as well as continuing learning, and lead generation.

 The best LMS to your company

 If you are looking to find LMS partners, you should ask these questions:

  • Can this tool handle the technical demands of our company?
  • Is it flexible enough to meet our needs?
  • How important will your customer's success be?
  • Does it grow as we grow?
  • Provides the user experience our students want?

 Advantages of an LMS Implementation project plan

The process of selecting an LMS is an accomplishment in and of itself. It takes time, diligence as well as a variety of discussions with vendors to determine one that's most suitable to your business's requirements. Once you have the LMS picked it's a given that it's important to get ROI as quickly as possible beginning with your comprehensive LMS planning for implementation.

 Here are some advantages of creating a plan that gets your system up and running fast:

  • Reduces time. If you have a well-planned implementation strategy, you'll be able to get the new system in operation much faster than when winging it after your purchase. You'll be able to save time as well as a great deal of stress.
  • This makes for an easy implementation. In mapping out your steps to make sure you have a successful implementation you're already on the road to success. By having a clear strategy, you'll have a clear picture for everything necessary to create as smooth an implementation as possible - for you and your customers.
  • Returns are generated quicker. IBM uncovered a $30 profit for every dollar spent on online learning. However small or large, businesses 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 the right implementation strategy that creates immediate value for customers.

Pro point: One of the benefits of our highest-end planis that you receive an dedicated one-on-one Customer Success Manager (CSM). As soon as you have signed the Plus contract and sign it, your CSM will assist you to help you achieve your goals as well as act as your primary guide when you explore your way through Plus platform. This includes working together to create an outline of your implementation plan. create a feasible timeline with key milestones, and complete the Launch Preparedness Review in order to ensure that you're ready for success.

 16 steps for an efficient LMS implementation

Making sure that you have a fresh LMS in place and ready to provide immediate value isn't an easy task. However, it shouldn't become overwhelming.

Along with a thorough LMS rolling-out strategy and all the information that you require to help you through the crucial phases:

  • Pre-Launch
  • In the launch
  • Post-Launch

 Pre-Launch Implementation Plan Steps

Mapping out a seamless LMS implementation starts when you've chosen your preferred platform and are in the pre-launch stage. Following are some of our suggestions to get your LMS implementation off to a successful start.

 1. Find a way to align your stakeholders

The alignment of with your key stakeholders is the primary step for a reason. Your stakeholders can make or break your successful LMS implementation. If you are trying to align your stakeholders it's important to identify:

  • Implementation participants (your group that launches)
  • Internal stakeholders (anyone within your company the LMS is intended to give benefit to)
  • Other stakeholders (any external parties that could influence your plan like your LMS Support team, web instructors, developers or designers, content creators, and more)

from an internal perspective, it's also important to inquire about any issues with their onboarding process and get a solid knowledge of their learning and development goals.

Once you've aligned your stakeholders, you're ready to build your team that will help you create the system of your desires. It's time to make certain that everyone is aware of their role. The RACI matrix can be a useful approach to assign roles defining who is responsible for, accountable, and consulted and communicated at every step of the plan.

 2. Set a timeline (and follow it! )

Once you've identified your main stakeholders You're now ready to create the timeline for your project that's beneficial for all those involved. The best way to accomplish this is to work backwards from the launch date you'd like to set. Remember that date in the back of your mind as you think about each major step you'll need to accomplish to meet your deadline - and then assign your milestones with a deadline. Gantt charts are a visual approach to show your timeline, so that everyone is able to see every milestone that stacks up to the launch date.

Pro tip: Make sure that the timelines are compatible with everybody's schedule, and also make sure your initiative isn't in competition with major projects which could divert their attention off.

 3. Make sure you invest in a needs analysis

An analysis of training requirements can help you comprehend the work your LMS has to perform and the gaps that it requires to address. Through a study of training needs it is possible to map the changes your students will need to make to transition from their present reality towards their ideal future.

The initial step is to analyze your audience's needs based on skill expectations for certain groups with a training needs analysis. For this, you should break out your internal groups into the categories listed below and assign specific skills or knowledge that an individual needs to succeed for that particular group.

  • Job Role
  • Department
  • Organizational Level

Then, you need to find the gap between the skills the employees already have and those they will need to develop for them to be where they'd like to become. This knowledge of gaps will assist you in creating an outline of content to guide the LMS introduction later.

 4. Put your content in the same row

You've formed your team, established your deadline, and identified the areas of training deficiencies you're LMS should be fixing. The next step is to prepare the content itself - which can be integrated in various ways.

In the beginning, you are able to transfer your learning material directly to your LMS platform in order to get it moving more quickly. At , we have the Bulk Importer capability that enables you to import all of your courses' audio, video as well as PDF lesson plans with a simple drag and drop. It makes the entire course transfer process much more manageable! If you have a Plus plan your Customer Success Manager (CSM) can provide advice on customized migrations as well.

Or, you can develop the course's content entirely by starting from the ground up. If you're considering this option We suggest beginning by creating a plan of content, and then integrate the fun features that your brand-new LMS provides - like quizzes, surveys, and discussion boards. Be aware that this procedure will take time. Therefore, be sure to include sufficient time in your LMS implementation project plan and schedule.

 5. Your users should be trained in the System

An LMS can be an effective learning tool when individuals are aware of how to use it. So, it's important to ensure the users are able to use and access the platform before they let them play.

Make sure you instruct new users on how to login and navigate the system for access to their training materials. It is also a good idea to double-check with managers to make sure that they know about the system and their role in managing it. This will assist in the development of the group members.

Pro tip: A simple guide to training and an easy-to-access FAQ can save you lots of time in answering basic questions like "What is my username?" or "Which training should I do first?"

 6. Do not forget to think about user experiences

The user experience is crucial for attracting your students' attention and making them eager to use your new LMS. It's important to weave your user experience through the pre-launch phase so that, when it comes to your launch date, you are confident that the platform will be easy to use from beginning until the end.

When you're ready to test your users' experience, you can add an anonymous user to your database and give the training material. Check to see if they received an email welcoming them and they don't receive any spam. Log in as them to make sure it functions according to plan and also to ensure that they have been assigned the right training material.

 7. Test then test and take the test again

Few things are more frustrating than trying to get the most out of the system and then finding out it's not performing as you expected it to. This is the reason we believe in the power of testing prior to launching.

Do not forget to check your system's compatibility during the test mode. Test a variety of web browsers such as Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer.

 8. Make sure you are prepared for your launch.

At this final step, you've invested the effort determination, commitment and the time to get your LMS up and running successfully you're probably eager to make it available for the general public. However, prior to you hit the "go" button, it never hurts to make sure you double and triple check your system's preparations for launch.

Download Launch preparedness checklist for making sure you've got everything set up before you launch your new system.

 Implementation Methods to Follow In Your Launch

After your LMS has been officially launched, there are several actions you can follow to keep your system in good condition, so that it is performing to the highest of its capabilities.

 9. Make a list of the content you have

With your LMS implementation already underway it is now the perfect right time to run an assessment of the pulse of your content. What additional content or courses will you require? What courses are going over welland what are students struggling with?

Furthermore, you may make steps to increase the level of engagement in your classes by layering quizzes, evaluations as well as certificates that your students will be able to distribute widely.

 10. Organize your curriculum

As you continue to create your content strategy, which is an ongoing endeavor, you can also take time to ensure your content's structure corresponds to the needs of your audience.

While doing this Be sure to examine your courses' categories and sections along with the navigators. These ensure the user experience is instructive as it is enjoyable.

 11. Individual course review

After taking a look at the whole picture it is now time to concentrate on completing your revisions through the course.

Are your courses interacting with students and enabling them to succeed in the manner they want? Are there prerequisites to the classes your students might find beneficial in preparing them for success? Do the courses' completion leaves them wanting for more?

These are essential fundamental questions to be pondering while you move your classes up a level and ensure your LMS continuously offers worth.

Pro tip: On , you are able to allow course reviews directly inside your curriculum in order to capture your students' feedback. Or create a survey lesson type to ask specific questions about your course material.

 12. Make student support channels active

Your participants will be able to attend their training alone. They'll ask questions or wish to collaborate with others taking similar courses. That's why including students' support channels into your curriculum is important for keeping students engaged and motivated.

 Those channels could be:

Discover more ways to enhance the experience of students here.

 13. Enhance the brand image of your website

Customization and branding for courses are excellent tools to connect your students with your company through every stage of the learning process. With the appropriate LMS software, you are able to customize your course using custom themes that you have created such as logos, colors and fonts, aswell with custom user interfaces, navigations headings, footers, and headers that will resonate with students. Learn more about 's branding options here.

 14. Be in contact with your students and instructors

Making sure that students are engaged after your launch is a skill which requires a bit of resilience and plenty of support that is automated. For students in particular, the more you communicate with them, the better - that's why emails for students and drip campaigns can are massive value-adds to any LMS.

Drip-based campaigns are a popular method of marketing that requires sending out a flurry of email to students who are slipping away from the courses. This is a way to help someone regain their online education experience when they've fallen off.

Instructors can also benefit from regular communications, particularly via notifications. Instructors can subscribe to as many messages and notifications as they want. Whatever happens, whether a brand new lead or student signs up for a class or there's an upcoming blog post on the topic, instructors is informed in all time.

 Post-Launch Implementation Procedures

In the post-launch phase of your LMS Implementation plan is a celebration! This means that you've planned and launched your system - however, the process doesn't stop yet.

 Implementation steps after launch will allow you to keep in the loop with your system so you can make the essential improvements necessary to provide excellent educational experiences online.

 15. Monitor System use

Digging into your system's analytics can tell the world a variety of tales including:

  • Who uses your system
  • What is the frequency they're making use of it?
  • Which courses are most and least popular
  • How your students and getting better in their individual courses
  • You can use HTML0 to improve your experience

There's more to discover through analytics and data, however at the root of all that is the ability to also tell you how successful your LMS implementation was and ways to improve the subsequent versions of the system. Learn more about the reporting features of's here.

 16. Request feedback

Though this might be the most important step of your LMS design and implementation plan however, it's probably one of the most crucial for the ongoing success of your system and online learning programs. The direct feedback you receive from your system's users will help you understand precisely what's working and which areas aren't, and the places it's possible to make changes.

Whichever method you use, just remember to ask. This way, you will can determine exactly what people think of your system and can define what value it can bring to people.

 Conclusion

By now, I hope you have a good understanding of the steps to take to create an efficient LMS Implementation plan that adds true worth to your company. By having a clear strategy, the appropriate team, and the best-fit technology, you'll have everything soon enough to go live with the system that will take your customers and the company exactly where you want it to be.