Avoid the “free” trap
There are LMS programs out there that advertise themselves as “free.” While they work well for some very small companies, it’s important to recognize their limitations. Typically, free LMS programs that include training courses only offer the most basic training course options, aren’t customizable, and won’t cover the breadth of safety training courses your company needs. Though most offer add-on courses, and will allow you to upgrade your account, these prices are often astronomical compared to other LMS systems that cost more money initially, but provide a better value as a whole. For the most part, free training courses aren’t comprehensive and can cost a large chunk of change in the long run.
Look for a variety of course offerings
Not all learning management systems are built the same, leading to a difference in both price and course offerings. If you’re working with a smaller budget, look first for options that are in your price range, but be sure to choose an option with a larger quantity of courses. Typically the LMS systems that only offer a-la-carte courses end up being more expensive. In the beginning, you might be sold on only paying for the specific courses you use, but what happens if you end up needing additional courses? Or what if your company expands, or OSHA requirements change? LMS programs that require you to pay per course end up being much more costly than a program that offers a library of courses at one flat rate. You’ll get more for your money by choosing an LMS that offers a wide variety of classes for the price, versus just a limited few that you have to pay for individually.
Choose an LMS that automates scheduling and reporting
As the training manager, you have to worry about who needs to take what course when, and how each employee did. Having a system that can schedule training on a regular basis and that gives you quick and easy reporting options will save you both time and money in the office. A good LMS will simplify the process so it is easy to schedule courses, track user activity, and report on compliance, giving you the ability to manage your training program like you want to, instead of focusing all of your time on grading tests and tracking down employees. When you invest in an LMS that automates scheduling and reporting, you’ll be saving a lot of money in the long run.
Find a program that scales price according to company size
If your company only has 100 employees, you shouldn’t have to pay the same price for an LMS as a company with 500 employees. Because there are so many LMS options out there, you have the freedom to pick and choose a bit. Find a system that scales price according to how many employees will actually be using the training courses. These programs are typically more flexible as well, allowing you to add new employees or drop inactive employees as your company grows and shifts. This way, you’re truly only paying for what you need, but you’re not locked into the same, inflexible program going forward.
Comprehensive safety training is paramount for running a company that functions safely and efficiently. Even if you’re working with a very tight budget, know that you can find an LMS that can get the job done. By following the tips above, and doing a bit of due diligence when it comes to research, you should be able to find an LMS program that fits your company needs and your budget.
If you’re looking for a learning management system that you can trust to cover your company’s safety training needs at a price you can afford, be sure to check out what eSafety has to offer. As an online safety training company, our LMS provides unlimited access to our course library, and is priced according to the number of employees in the system. To see how our unique safety training courses and LMS can help you to manage and improve your safety training process while still working within a budget, request a personalized quote. We’d be happy to talk with you personally about your training needs!