TMS and LMS are two tools used for digitizing online learning and training processes. While they share similarities, there are nuances that distinguish the two. It's important to understand these differences in order to make an informed choice between the two. In this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of each platform, enabling you to differentiate between TMS and LMS and make the right choice for your learning process. So, let's dive in without delay.
What Is an LMS?
When it comes to digital learning, the first thing that should come to mind is an LMS or Learning Management System. An LMS is a comprehensive platform that comes equipped with all the necessary tools to create a seamless online learning experience. Its main goal is to transform traditional classes and courses into an online space that increases engagement while maintaining the efficiency of learning. Educational materials are presented in various formats, such as text, presentations, audio and video formats, among others. Moreover, LMS platforms can integrate various quality of life improvements, such as gamification and collaborative learning, to make the experience more enjoyable. Related article: The 10 best learning management systems for small businesses.
Additionally, LMS platforms serve as a marketplace where educators can distribute or sell their courses to a wide audience. Users can access a plethora of high-quality courses that they can use to improve themselves.
Some of the most popular LMS platforms available in the market include DrivEd LMS, Moodle, Docebo, and TalentLMS.
Benefits of LMS
LMS platforms offer their users several benefits that make them a compelling choice for organizing the learning process:
Accessibility
One of the primary advantages of LMS platforms is that they are readily available to users. As long as the user has internet access and a web browser, they can access courses around the clock and from any device. This accessibility makes it convenient for users to study at their own pace and wherever they choose, which positively affects the learning process. Additionally, LMS platforms provide an opportunity for students to contact their educator or course colleagues to clarify any questions they may have, making training without borders a significant strength of this software. Related article: 12 UI/UX trends in 2023 to increase conversion rates.
Progress Tracking Made Easy
Tracking the progress and effectiveness of learning is crucial for both teachers and students. With LMS platforms, educators can easily track the progress of their learners during course completion, and have access to information on each test task and stage of the online course, presented in convenient formats like infographics, tables, and charts. This access to progress information enables educators to make a comprehensive analysis of the course and make improvements based on the results.
Collaborative Learning
LMS platforms provide many ways for students and educators to interact, allowing for a collaborative learning process. Students can communicate in platform chats or specialized discussion forums, and LMS systems often offer the opportunity to arrange online conferences and calls to bring students together during training. Related article: How much does it cost to develop LMS?
Easy Content Creation
LMS platforms offer eLearning authoring tools that provide teachers with ample opportunities to adapt regular classrooms to online learning, combined with the simplicity of creating online courses. This means that educators do not have any difficulties developing their courses, and all courses can be modified at any time, supplementing them with new material to keep them relevant.
What Is a TMS?
TMS or Training Management System may appear similar to LMS or Learning Management System, but its main emphasis is on back-office operations. The primary objective of TMS is to manage and control the training process, monitor and analyze its effectiveness. TMS also offers tools to develop training programs, enabling trainers and educators to have complete control over the training and adapt it to the business requirements.
Unlike LMS, TMS focuses on the corporate sector, which means it provides a complex reporting system, various corporate strategy integrations, and a customizable platform for specific business needs.
Some of the popular Training Management Systems available today include EdApp, Intertek Alchemy, GoToTraining, and Trainual.
Benefits of Training Management System
It is time to highlight the benefits of TMS software that prompt several companies to opt for these platforms.
Staff Retention
By using TMS software, businesses can offer high-quality training to their employees, reducing turnover rates. Providing training on the work basics and workflow nuances leads to employee satisfaction at all levels. This, in turn, allows the business to develop steadily and progress without wasting time on frequent rehiring and repeated training of new recruits.
Effective Onboarding
Gone are the days of interrupting an experienced employee's workflow to train a new recruit. TMS platforms provide all the required knowledge bases in a few clicks, eliminating the need to halt an experienced worker's progress. Additionally, the curriculum can feature different ways of assimilating educational materials such as videos or text, empowering employees to learn in the manner that is most useful and effective for them. Detailed analytics tracking the effectiveness of training can also monitor a new employee's assimilation into the company's workflow and identify any challenges they may face while adapting.
Cost-Effectiveness
TMS platforms provide businesses with cost savings on training due to their comprehensive capabilities and flexibility. Organizations can avoid having to allocate a separate budget for third-party SMEs and creating seminars for each training session. Instead, investing in creating courses just once can provide the business with reusable training material for subsequent training sessions. Related article: How to find app developers for your business requirements?
ITL and eLearning Support
Suppose the business needs to conduct instructor-led training sessions. In that case, the TMS is also beneficial for the company, as it allows administrators to manage and oversee this training format. Moreover, it eliminates the need to monitor and regulate resources and reports separately for both types of training since they are all found in one tool.
Training Management System vs. Learning Management System. What to Сhoose?
To determine when it's best to use a TMS system versus an LMS platform, consider the following:
Use Training Management System (TMS)
If your HR, administrators, or training managers are having difficulty creating an efficient training process within your company, a TMS system can be helpful. TMS provides the necessary tools to create a knowledge base of your company's workflow and effectively manage and track employee training, including instructor-led training.
Choose Learning Management System (LMS)
If you want to distribute educational content or offer standard classes online, an LMS platform is a good choice. LMS software provides all the necessary tools to adapt formal learning processes and make them more engaging by incorporating elements such as gamification, quizzes, and collaborative learning. Additionally, LMS is an excellent option if you want to monetize your learning content.
Wrapping Up
The decision to choose between a Training Management System and a Learning Management System depends on your specific situation and requirements. Since these two software types have different priorities, you should consider all the details of each platform to make the right choice, as your education process's future development depends on it.
If you need help creating or improving your educational process using LMS software, PioGroup Software can assist you. With many years of experience working with one of the most widely used open-source LMS platforms in the eLearning market, we can provide customized training courses and tailored features to enhance the learning process for your educational institution or business. Simply contact us, and one of our managers will be happy to discuss your eLearning requirements in more detail.