There are a lot of options for training software, and purchasing new software for your training team is a challenge no matter what your budget and needs might be. Is this software going to bring value quickly? Is it going to bog us down with more maintenance? Will it integrate with what we already have? Can we configure it on our own? Is it more than just a learning management system?
Evaluating the software vendor is just as vital as evaluating the software itself. The process of implementing software could take a long time. You will be working closely with this vendor for months. Will they be the a real partner to your business?
Here are six questions to ask a vendor when buying software. These will help you choose the perfect software and the ideal vendor for your training team.
Evaluating Training Software and Training Software Vendors
When searching for training software, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
Evaluate vendor investment in software development
It’s worth asking how much your software vendor is investing in the development of their product on a regular basis, as this will give you a good indication of whether they are likely to spend a lot of time in creating new features or implementing changes as you continue to use the product.
If less than half their company is Product and Engineering, for example, then the product is probably in maintenance mode. This means that any work that is happening on the software will likely be aimed at fixing bugs, making sure nothing is broken, and ensuring that all current customers can use the software as expected.
This does mean, however, that the software you buy is likely to be the software you are stuck with for the foreseeable future, as your software vendor doesn’t have the capacity or the staff available to make improvements to the product.
How responsive is the vendor?
Ensure the vendor provides thorough and honest answers, rather than just quick, short answers that may not address your concerns.
During the purchasing and implementation process, you’ll spend a lot of time with your software vendor discussing your setup process and your company’s software needs. This is the perfect time for you to ask loads of questions, get the answers you need and allow your vendor to become familiar with your training needs.
However, this process is a two-way street, and your software vendor needs to be fully engaged for you both to get the most out of it.
If they’re not telling you things like “no,” “I don’t know, but I’ll get back to you,” or “Can you explain that a bit more?”, then chances are they aren’t fully engaging with the process. This could be a sign that the vendor is not being honest with you. They may not be taking the time to properly research your queries.
Will you have the access to support?
Determine the level of product and business support you will have, including access to a help desk and a dedicated Account Management team. Comprehensive support is essential to help you troubleshoot issues, optimize the software for your needs, and ensure the success of your training initiatives.
Is the software easily customized?
Inquire about the training software’s customization capabilities and the availability of a dedicated developer experience platform, an open API, and robust documentation. Truly configurable software allows you to align the solution with your organization’s unique processes, goals, and requirements, ensuring a seamless integration into your existing workflows.
The Importance of Training Management Systems
Training management systems help you manage all of the aspects of training, from a single location. The most advanced forms of these systems are built as platforms – meaning they are modular, configurable, and extensible.
Training solutions are crucial because they serve as the backbone for your professional training and development business. They streamline your operations, automate routine tasks, and help you manage resources efficiently. These platforms also support your ability to track and analyze training performance, making it easier to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
Training management systems play a critical role in:
- Centralizing your training data can be done with a centralized platform. This platform allows you to access and manage all your training data. This includes course materials, learner records and performance metrics.
- Enhancing collaboration: A training management system facilitates communication and collaboration between trainers, learners, and administrators, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
- Automating administrative tasks: By automating and streamline tasks such as course creation, scheduling, enrollment, and reporting, a training management system frees up your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.
- Improving learner engagement: A robust platform enables you to deliver personalized and engaging learning experiences that cater to the unique needs of each learner, driving better outcomes and higher retention rates.
If this seems like it might be the best solution, check our guide on training management systems. Evaluate your current needs and capabilities to see if you should consider a training management system.
Additional Factors to Consider
When evaluating training software, also consider the following factors:
- Security and compliance: Confirm that the platform adheres to industry standards for data security and privacy. Compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA is crucial to protect sensitive information and avoid legal issues.
- User experience: Examine the software’s ease of use and its ability to provide an intuitive and engaging experience for both trainers and learners. A user-friendly interface and a seamless learning experience can lead to higher adoption rates and better outcomes.
- Reporting and analytics: Investigate the platform’s reporting and analytics capabilities, which are essential for tracking training performance and identifying areas for improvement. Advanced analytics tools can help you gain valuable insights into your training initiatives and make data-driven decisions to optimize your strategies.
Selecting the right training software requires careful evaluation and consideration. By focusing on the key aspects mentioned above, including evaluating learning technology, understanding the importance of training management systems, and knowing how to assess them, you can make informed decisions that will benefit your business in the long run. Leveraging expert advice and industry resources can further enhance your decision-making process, ensuring that you choose a solution that meets your unique needs and sets your organization up for success.
