Customized Vs. Off-the-Shelf LMS - Which One to Choose for Your Business

A Learning Management System (LMS) helps manage, automate, and deliver educational courses and training programs. In a nutshell, you can deliver training materials to a variety of audiences. An LMS enables an instructor to create content, track learners’ participation, and evaluate their performances. When it comes to a learning management system, you can either buy an off-the-shelf product or get a customized one built. 

Both these options have their pros and cons. If you are stuck at the crossroads between buying a ready-made system or opting for custom LMS development, which way will you turn? This blog presents a detailed comparison that will help you make the right decision. But first, read on to learn more about the utility of a learning management system.

What is an LMS Used For?

A variety of organizations, including businesses and educational establishments, benefit from LMS development. They are mostly used for knowledge management: the process of accumulating, organizing, disseminating, and evaluating an organization's knowledge regarding its people, documents, and resources. 

The role of the learning management system differs as per the business objectives.

Onboarding and Training

Training and onboarding are two common uses of learning management systems (LMSs) in a business setting. The LMS makes it possible for new employees to access training programs on a variety of devices, thus assisting in their onboarding. Employers gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of the training course materials and the areas in which new recruits require assistance by allowing new employees to contribute their feedback.

Development and Retention

LMSes are also utilized in businesses for the development and retention of employees. Employees are given courses to help them learn the right job skills, stay updated on organizational changes, and acquire the right product and compliance knowledge.

Combined Learning

A learning management system blends virtual learning tools and conventional classroom education. As a result, the organization can deliver combined learning experiences. This new-age form of learning overshines the usual face-to-face teaching as it enriches teacher-led classroom learning with content customized per the student’s learning requirements. 

An LMS is thus extremely useful and is a widely-used platform nowadays. Let’s now explore the two types of learning management systems. 

An Insight into a Custom Learning Management System

A bespoke learning management system (LMS) is built with users in mind. It is a classroom and a repository at the same time, tailored to each student's specific educational requirements. Ready-made learning management systems (LMSs) come in different forms. 

You won’t have any difficulty purchasing them. But with custom LMSs, you can pay special attention to the problems and concerns that are of the utmost importance to your business organization.

The Benefits of Using a Custom LMS Platform

Useful in the Long Run

It will cost you a lot less to maintain a customized product when compared to off-the-shelf systems. This is immensely beneficial for any business organization. Additionally, having a one-of-a-kind piece of software will increase your company's valuation if it goes public.

Complete Control 

You decide how the LMS will look and function and control every aspect of it, from the architecture and feature set to the button colors. Moreover, you can implement unique elements (VR simulations, learning games, etc.), plan the gamification, and even choose what data to store.

Specific Integrations 

Creating a one-of-a-kind system that can integrate with other existing software is possible. This can assist in process automation and is highly time-saving. For instance, after a new employee has been registered in your HRM, the learning management system assigns them the onboarding courses.

The Drawbacks of Using a Custom LMS Platform

High Initial Expenditure 

This is the most expensive option in the short term. You will have to pay for the development; it will take some time before you start enjoying the benefits of using an LMS for your organization.

Managing it Yourself

In the case of ready-made learning management systems, the vendor takes care of every technical work. But, for a customized product, you must either manage it yourself or entrust an internal team with the job.

When is a Fully-Customized LMS Solution Useful?

It works best in the following situations:

Large Enterprises

License payments can become a big issue if you need to train a large number of people and there is an off-the-shelf LMS. This is where a customized learning management system comes into play. Large-scale businesses benefit from bespoke LMS platforms that help them avoid licensing fees. 

eLearning Service Providers

Are you planning to earn by teaching others? Custom LMS software development will be useful in this regard. Every prominent eLearning service provider has in-house learning management systems to support business endeavors. 

Unique Instructional Design

A custom LMS platform is ideal if you plan to incorporate cutting-edge components into your eLearning system, like game-based learning, simulations, etc. You will find it easier to implement them by building the learning management system from scratch. 

Let’s now gain an insight into read-made learning management systems.

Learning More about an Off-The-Shelf LMS
When it comes to purchasing a boxed LMS, there are thousands of options. Numerous dependable products are on the market, with new ones being introduced every year. You can also get some ready-made LMS platforms for free, which is one of its key highlights.

The Benefits of Acquiring this Type of LMS

Quick Start

There is no need to wait for the system to be ready. Simply buy a readily available LMS, get it installed, and start using it.

Cheaper

Typically, ready-made LMS platforms charge regular license fees. The initial cost of ownership will be lower than that of a custom system, even if you have a lot of users. However, it’s just for the short term!

Configurable Interface and Design

When it comes to the user interface, most modern off-the-shelf LMSs are very adaptable. You can change the color scheme to match your brand, move screens around, change the location of features, and do a lot more.

Support for Customers 

Support teams typically exist for finished goods to assist you with any issues.

Multiple Payment Options

Different feature sets are available at various prices in some ready-made learning management systems. You can choose to upgrade or downgrade at any time and as required.

The Drawbacks of Using an Off-the-shelf LMS Platform

Costly in the Long Run

The costs will increase, especially for big businesses that need to buy many licenses.

Little Scope of Customization

The "one-size-fits-all" nature of boxed LMSs is one of their major disadvantages. They might not be right for you, and in SaaS applications, adding custom functionality is almost impossible.

Uncertain Scalability 

It may be necessary to purchase additional licenses as your business expands. Because they are made for small businesses, some ready-made systems can't handle a lot of workload.

Inflexible

There will still be instances in which you either overpay for features you don't need or fail to get access to ones you require, even if there are various payment plans.

You Have to Adapt

Let's say the vendor makes the decision to redesign the LMS or shuts down the business completely. Their company may even be acquired by a rival. These are unforeseen circumstances, and you will then need to adjust to all of these occurrences because they may influence the learning process of your organization.

An Off-the-Shelf LMS is Suitable in the Following Instances:

Small Enterprises

These businesses don't have the money for bespoke development and rarely need unique features.

Standard Specifications 

Boxed LMSes are fine to use if you don't need to make any special adjustments to the instructional design.

Schools

Schools benefit the most from the LMSes readily available in the market. This is because they don’t have dynamic requirements. Some good platforms even provide academic discounts.

Conclusion

Both off-the-shelf and custom-made learning management systems have their pros and cons. This blog acts as a guide to choosing the right LMS for your organization. If you plan to use a customized system, work with a custom LMS software development company. It will ensure the best results.

Custom LMS Software Development: https://www.unifiedinfotech.net/services/custom-software-development/