What is an Enterprise Learning Management System (LMS)?
What is an enterprise learning management system (LMS), and do you need one for your company?
In this post, we define enterprise LMS and share what they can do for your employee and manager collaboration and productivity.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ll examine the pros and cons of some of the top enterprise LMS solutions.
What is an enterprise learning management system (LMS)?
An enterprise learning management system is a central platform for managing employee training and activities. An enterprise LMS helps companies organize training content, track learning, and oversee certifications.
In short, an enterprise learning solution:
- Eases collaboration and improves productivity by sharpening employee skills.
- Simplifies creating and sharing engaging, compliant digital content in multiple formats.
- Gives employees, managers, and other stakeholders access to the resources they need at any time.
- Saves money on outsourcing costs, reducing employee turnover and improving overall employee engagement.
- Tracks gaps in learning programs with reporting on individual progress.
How to choose the best enterprise LMS
Enterprise LMS software isn’t a one size fits all solution.
When choosing an enterprise learning management system, the most important thing to consider is how its features and capabilities will align with your business goals.
We’ve outlined use cases and key features so you can compare the top enterprise LMS on our list.
Use cases
An enterprise LMS can help your organization keep its training up to date, reduce manual changes, and streamline day-to-day management. Having a centralized system also frees you up to focus on optimizing employee engagement, productivity, and retention.
An enterprise learning solution can also help reduce costs in a global, hybrid work environment, enabling you to skip expensive onsite trainers whose quality varies and impact is hard to measure. Instead, an enterprise LMS makes learning accessible when and where your employees and managers need it.
So let’s look at some enterprise LMS benefits.
Implementation speed
When considering enterprise LMS software, you’ll want to ask about the platform’s implementation time.
For instance, if you need to get a system up and running fast, you’ll want to look for an enterprise LMS with a quick implementation timeline.
However, remember that implementation is only half the battle. User adoption is essential to ensure your employees and managers are learning and putting their knowledge to work.
So while implementation speed is a critical consideration, it’s not the only one.
Usability
The second big enterprise LMS consideration is useability.
- How easy is the platform to learn?
- Does it have a simple interface? Can you set different roles and permissions?
- What kind of content formats can you deliver?
- Does the platform come equipped with analytics and reporting tools?
Expert tip: Interview the people using the platform to learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities and long-term goals to ensure the enterprise LMS has features that can help them perform their jobs better.
Scale and pricing
Another factor to consider is pricing and how well an enterprise LMS will scale to your organization.
Some solutions are better suited for global enterprises, while others work better for mid-market businesses or startups.
Additionally, pricing may vary based on the number of users. Look into each enterprise learning management system’s pricing models to avoid unplanned expenses.
Compliance
Compliance and security are other factors to consider in your search for the right enterprise LMS.
You’ll want to choose a platform aligned with your organization’s policies to ensure you’re collecting data responsibilities and security sensitive and confidential information.
Features
- Microlearning: Learning happens in bursts. Microlearning is more of a sprint than a marathon cram session. Microlearning lets employees and managers review training and how-to materials when they need them. In other words, micro-learning platforms reinforce knowledge by making it easily accessible on demand.
- Collaboration: Some people excel at learning on their own. But some of the best learning happens in communities. Just think about scientists working on a medical breakthrough or astronauts sharing a space station.
Look for an Enterprise LMS that encourages collaboration and employee engagement.
For example, blogs, wikis, discussion boards, and social interactions such as the ability to like, share, and comment on training content can keep employees interested and participating in your learning program. Aside from that, gamification, such as leaderboards and badges, can motivate employees to learn and engage with their coworkers.
- Built-in authoring lets you create content directly within your enterprise LMS. This capability means you don’t have to create your content somewhere else, move it, or modify it for your enterprise learning platform.
- Testing and assessment: No one loves a pop quiz, but having the ability to test and assess employee progress is vital to optimizing your learning progress.
- Content management: Does the platform you’re considering have a content library? Look into the process of creating, sharing, and editing training content. If the steps are convoluted and the documentation is patchy, you may want to go with another provider.
- Reporting and analytics: If you’re looking to track employee learning and the health of your training programs, you’ll greatly benefit from a platform with built-in reporting and analytics. Understanding what content is performing, where users are experiencing friction, and what formats they’re engaging with most can help managers, business development, and revenue leaders invest in the areas that drive growth.
Localization
An enterprise learning platform with localization supports translation across the platform, so you won’t have to create multiple instances of an object for each language — saving you precious time by redlining the added effort.
Integrations
Your employees and managers aren’t using just one tool. That’s why looking for an enterprise learning solution with third-party integrations is critical. For example, Spekit syncs with Slack, allowing users to create and share knowledge without leaving the tools they already use.
13 best enterprise LMS platforms
In this section, we’ll look at the top enterprise LMS systems. Here, you’ll have the information you need to dig deeper into their pros and cons to find the best fit for your needs.
1. Absorb LMS
Notable customers: Sony, Johnson & Johnson, GAP, Dale Carnegie
Best for: On-brand training and eCommerce brands
G2 rating: 4.6/5 stars
Platform overview
Absorb LMS is a corporate learning management system known for its ease of use.
The enterprise LMS helps deliver consistent, on-brand training across locations and devices. In addition to its multi-language support, Absorb LMS is known for its responsive design, content library, and social learning features. However, some G2 reviewers mention long implementations and glitches after updates.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Turnkey integrations with leading technology platforms, including HRIS, CRM, conferencing, and content libraries
- 70+ payment gateways. Absorb LMS’s multiple payment gateways simplify migration from other providers
- Live customer support
- PCI and Scorm compliant
2. 360Learning
Notable customers: Dannon, Haribo, Airbus, Shift
Best for: Collaborative learning
G2 rating: 4.6/5 stars
Platform overview
360Learning is an enterprise LMS noted for its ease of use and quality of customer support. The platform makes it easy to build courses thanks to its intuitive interfaces. 360Learning also has features to create structured and creative content, boosting learning and engagement with images, videos, polls, and other multimedia formats.
Key enterprise learning features:
- User role permissions and access management
- Multi-language support
- 24/7 customer support
- Syncs with human capital management (HCM) systems
- Onboarding, coaching, and curated learning programs
- Built-in reporting and analytics to upskill and reskill employees
3. BrainCert Enterprise
Notable customers: N/A on the website
Best for: Small to medium businesses
G2 rating: 4.6 / 5.0 stars
Platform overview
BrainCert is a good starter interface for a small or mid-sized business new to the enterprise LMS space. Some G2 reviewers have called out issues with the user interface, calling it both “clunky” and “cumbersome.” However, the platform offers simple API integration and responsive customer support. In addition, BrainCert features gamification, seamless audio and video in live classes, and an easy-to-use content library.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Build interactive courses with a drag-and-drop editor
- Live classes with adaptive tests and assessments
- Create and set learning paths with prerequisites, completion rules, and track notifications
- Integrates with PayPal, Stripe, Paystack, and other payment gateways
- Built-in analytics and reporting to track learner progress
4. Lessonly (by Seismic)
Notable customers: CoachHub, Deluxe, McAfee, MeUndies
Best for: Getting a learning program up and running (fast)
G2 rating: 4.7 / 5.0 stars
Platform overview
Lessonly is one of the top enterprise learning systems. It’s known for its easy-to-navigate user interface. The platform also has a solid search, helping learners and admins find constantly evolving training materials and company policies. However, because Lessonly is a long-term learning solution, some G2 users report difficulty retaining information spread across multiple pages. Other reviewers mention they’d like to see more robust analytics capabilities.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Robust knowledge bases with coaching materials, videos, and playbooks
- Leaderboards, scorecards, assessments, and quizzes
- Easy-to-use course plus instructor-led training
- Notifications and real-time updates
- Personalized learning paths
5. Docebo
Notable customers: Wrike, Opentable, Thomas Reuters, Acoustic
Best for: Companies looking to build out their enterprise LMS over time
G2 rating: 4.4 / 5.0 stars
Platform overview
Docebo is an enterprise learning platform that features AI, enabling deep personalization for learners and less manual work for admins. For instance, AI helps you upskill and reskill employees with personalized learning that adjusts with their progress and your business needs. In addition, this platform has features for companies looking for social learning to motivate collaborative learning and knowledge sharing.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Single sign on (SSO)
- Create audience-specific pages with drag-and-drop editors
- Integrates business systems, such as CRM, web conferencing, and payment gateways
- Create and sell online courses to external audiences across the customer lifecycle
- Supports 40+ languages
6. TalentLMS
Notable customers: Rosetta Stone, Panera Bread, AutoDesk
Best for: Good for midsize companies
G2 rating: 4.6 / 5.0 stars
Platform overview
TalentLMS is an easy-to-implement and user-friendly enterprise learning platform. However, some G2 reviewers have called out the software’s UI feeling dated. Others have raised issues with uploading content to the platform, specifically videos. Despite those callouts, TalentLMS makes it easy to track learning progress, course completion certifications, and discussion board activity.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Well-documented API
- Single sign on (SSO)
- Drag and drop videos, presentations, and docs to training
- SCORM, xAPI, and cmi5 files supported
- Ability to host live sessions
- Tests and quizzes
- Detailed learning paths and courses grouped by categories
- Custom roles and permissions
7. Cloud Academy
Notable customers: Hulu, AWS, Cognizant
Best for: Global tech teams upskilling their cloud knowledge
G2 rating: 4.7 / 5.0 stars
Platform overview
Cloud Academy is an enterprise learning management system for IT teams. The skills intelligence platform helps managers visualize and build employees’ cloud, DevOps, and software development through hands-on learning. In addition, Cloud Academy allows managers to personalize each learner’s development by their roles and skills.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Single sign on (SSO)
- Mobile app for Android and iOS
- Pre-hire and skill assessments
- Personalized training & development plans
- Built-in skill profiles and analytics
- Custom content creation and guided lab challenges
- Cloud & technical certifications
8. Grovo
Notable customers: RSN, TriNet, UPS
Best for: Companies seeking a basic enterprise LMS
G2 rating: 4.2 / 5.0 stars
Platform overview
Grovo is a simple and intuitive learning & development platform. The enterprise LMS helps admins track who has completed their assigned courses. However, some G2 reviewers would like more capabilities when leaving feedback on training. For example, one issue G2 reviewers consistently point out is an employee’s ability to skip videos and entire sections.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Easy-to-create content with the ability to add multimedia, such as photos, GIFs, and video links to training materials
- Curated subscriptions and content libraries
- Ability to watch, read, or listen on demand, anywhere
9. Paycor
Notable customers: Wendy’s, Detroit Zoo, Pure Dental Brands
Best for: Human Resources
G2 rating: 4.1 / 5.0 stars
Platform overview
Paycor is Human Capital Management (HCM) software that focuses on recruiting, onboarding, payroll, developing, and retaining talent. While Paycor offers pulse surveys, career management software, and a learning management system, the solution doesn’t specialize in enterprise LMS.
The platform is primarily a workforce management solution with a learning management component. However, some G2 reviewers mention issues with API/integrations and poor customer follow-up.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Modular, self-paced learning
- Works on desktop and mobile devices
- Real-time reporting and automated milestones
- Employees and HR can keep track of course progress and completions
- Easily create and publish content with Paycor’s native course builder
10. LearnUpon
Notable customers: Zendesk, Logitech, Twilio, USA Football
Best for: First-time LMS users
G2 rating: 4.6 /5.0 stars
Platform overview
LearnUpon is an enterprise learning solution ideal for organizations new to LMS or who want an easy-to-use platform to track employee progress. In addition to its intuitive interface and navigation, many G2 reviewers call out LearnUpon for its stellar customer support.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Responsive customer support
- Ease of enrollment and assigning training
- Clean, well-organized interface for admins and users
- Works across iOS, Android, desktop, and tablets
- Integrates with Shopify, Salesforce, Zapier, Gong’s Embedded Player
- Accepts PayPal or Stripe and supports multiple currencies
11. Continu
Notable customers: Upwork, Coinbase, CarGurus
Best for: Content delivery and tracking
G2 rating: 4.7 / 5.0 stars
Platform overview
Continu is known for its dashboard and user interface. G2 reviewers give the enterprise LMS high marks for ease of use and engagement. In addition, Continu’s built-in progress tracker makes it easy for employees and managers to keep track of their learning progress.
Most reviewers have positive feedback, but some have encountered issues finding the continue button, scroll-depth and seeing what courses they’ve completed and their scores.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Easy-to-build learning tracks, courses, resources, and workflows
- Articles and wikis with embedded media and files
- Assessment and quizzes
- Ability to automate, assign, and share training materials with ease
- Personalize learning with Smart Segmentation™; tailor learning by geography, department, or custom variables
- Advanced search and discovery with personalized recommendations
- Integrates with Slack, Google Drive, and other third-party solutions
12. ProProfs
Platform overview
ProProfs is an enterprise LMS to help you train employees no matter where they are. The platform features a knowledge base with a help center, manuals, and shared knowledge. ProProfs also has a quiz maker that lets you gauge your employees’ learning progress.
The enterprise LMS enables users to ask and answer questions, take polls, and create and play online puzzles. Users repeatedly recognize ProProfs for its robust knowledge base and customer service.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Q&A forum and learning community
- Built-in project, task, and time-tracking
- Quiz maker, flashcards, gamification
- A robust help desk with ticketing and chat
- Live chat support for customers in real-time
- eCommerce store to sell courses, quizzes, and tests
13. SAP Litmos
Notable customers: ADP, IBM, Fitbit
Best for: Beginners focused on ease of use
G2 rating: 4.2 / 5.0 stars
Platform overview
SAP Litmos is easy to use and offers on-brand customizations, especially if your users have coding knowledge and experience. The enterprise LMS also provides the option to have your own URL. However, eLearning industry reviewers have flagged issues with the platform’s reporting features. Other reviewers call out SAP Litmos’s value for the money and low learning curve.
Key enterprise learning features:
- Intuitive interface and custom branding
- Multi-language and localization
- Assessments, quizzes, surveys, and certificates of completion
- eCommerce shopping cart and ability to sell online courses and schedule live courses
- Real-time reporting
- Supports Web, iOS, and Android
The issue with many enterprise LMS solutions
Enterprise LMSs have transformed learning, but they still have drawbacks. For example, many don’t offer contextual learning experiences. As a result, the knowledge in these enterprise learning management systems remains untapped.
Friction persists because employees and managers must leave their workflows to log into a learning hub. People moving between systems distracts them from their tasks and slows them down, even the most focused ones.
Just-in-time learning solutions like Spekit can help enterprises deal with dipping engagement and attention spans.
Just-in-time learning for the enterprise
On the other hand, just-in-time learning surfaces information to employees when and where they need it. This type of learning has additional benefits like:
- Not having to remember additional passwords
- Opening separate tabs
- Or logging into multiple tools to find, learn, and share information
Additionally, just-in-time learning provides bite-sized chunks of information, unlike traditional enterprise LMS.
The best enterprise learning management systems show employees and managers how to access and apply information instead of expecting them to memorize it. As a result, the top ones help combat the dreaded forgetting curve.
Spekit comes equipped with in-app tools that promote here-and-now knowledge as well as long-term learning that sticks.
Get in touch to learn how Spekit can help your company seamlessly manage employee learning.
About the Author
Melanie Fellay
Mel is the CEO and Co-founder of Spekit, a Forbes 30 under 30 recipient, Entrepreneur’s Top 100 Women of Influence, and featured across Crunchbase, Fast Company, Business Insider, and more. She is leading the revolution to shatter the glass ceiling and unleash the full potential of every employee. Learn more ->
