After the “L&D Strategies for HR”, a lot of questions were sent to SmartR to ask about the differences between Learning Management System (LMS) and Training Management System (TMS) as well as how to use them. This article will elaborate on which system is best for your organization.

What is an LMS?

A learning management system (LMS) is a software solution that creates and delivers personalized learning environments for learners. LMS’s deliver educational material in multiple forms and through a variety of activities such as quizzes, video content, and self-paced material.

Benefits Of A Learning Management System

If you are providing educational material, it is likely that with the use of an LMS you will be able to more provide the training more effectively and efficiently. This is because you can create more personalized learning experiences with multiple learning forms. Quizzes, video content, text, or self-paced material all suit different types of learners. Face-to-face learning suits the needs of auditory learners, quizzes or examples better suit kinaesthetic, while video presentations better suit visual learners. Self-paced learning will suit learners and individuals with limited time.

Your business might also struggle with providing paper-based learning material on the day of your training. With an LMS it is far more efficient to provide your material online. It can be accessed by learners online from anywhere, there is no need for printouts, activities, and tests can be completed online.

Also, many LMS’s provide easy analysis and tracking of individual learner’s journeys and progress. Grades are stored on your LMS and reports can be generated quickly giving you insight into the success of your training operation.

What is a Training Management System (TMS)

Training management systems (TMS) are used by training providers to manage the commercial aspects of their training operation. This includes managing training dates and sessions, taking registrations and payments online, promoting courses, and communicating with registrants. Quality TMS’s don’t only reduce manual administration, they give training providers a competitive advantage and grow registrations.

Benefits Of A Training Management System

TMS’s are just as important for training providers as LMS’s are. Often training providers provide premium learning experiences, with exceptional educational material, but struggle to manage the commercial side of the business. Keeping up with the numerous administrative tasks involved in managing a training operation can be difficult, leaving little time to promote and improve your offering.

TMS’s make the life of training administrators easier ưhether it’s managing cancellations or transfers or keeping everyone informed when event details change.

Learning Management System Vs. Training Management System: What Is Best For You?

When you’re deciding on which system you want to go for, you need to think about the main business problem you are trying to solve with purchasing this software.

What organization use a TMS & LMS?

Both systems are used by training providers, in-house HR teams, community education providers, membership organizations, and those with a franchisee or supply chain network to train. TMSs are used by training operations that have grown to the point that managing their face-to-face courses with manual processes is no longer viable, and LMSs are used by training operations that want to deliver rich, online learning.

Who are the primary users of a TMS & LMS?

For TMSs, the primary user is course administrators who manage the logistics of instructor-led training. TMSs are also used by sales, finance, marketing, management, and presenters. LMSs are also used by HR, content creation experts, course administrators, and team managers.

If you just really want to offer eLearning, then chances are a simple LMS is going to be the best option for you. However, if you’re looking for something to help manage your entire training business, which could also include an LMS, then a TMS is more likely to help your business progress and run a lot smoother!

SmartR is an EdTech company providing skill-based training solutions for individuals and organizations. SmartR applies technology to solve real-world challenges in the Learning and Development industry. SmartR offers online and offline courses covering a wide range of topics that include language learning, business skills, computer science, and personal development.

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