The right digital LMS supports your pharma company’s digital transformation. Evaluate your LMS options against these 7 criteria.
Digital LMS Supports Transformation of Pharma Industry
Pharmaceutical companies are becoming increasingly digitized as they lean into environments that are changing around them. This digitization is a response to opportunities to improve their production processes, analytics, and drug design as well as pressures from competitors and regulators.
Pharma companies are embracing digital learning management systems (LMSs) to support this digital transformation.
And they’re not alone. Spending on learning management systems (LMSs) is set to nearly double in the next 5 years. Today, the learning management system (LMS) market is worth $13.4 billion globally, and it is projected to balloon to $25.7 billion by 2025.
Why pharma companies are embracing digital LMSs
As more industries, including the pharmaceutical industry, recognize the value of digital learning, businesses are investing in smart, personalized eLearning solutions.
Digital LMS use is skyrocketing thanks to:
- Increased acceptance of digital-first learning
- Mobile technology and smartphones
- Government eLearning initiatives
- Innovations like AI and machine learning
So how do you find a digital LMS that fits your pharma company’s needs?
What to look for in a digital LMS
You’re tasked with ensuring SOP training and compliance in all corners of your pharma company’s operation. Your LMS should be an important part of your professional development and compliance strategies. It’s the key to coherent, consistent training that keeps everyone safe.
The pharma industry has to meet rigid standards, and not every LMS caters to your needs. On-premise training solutions are time-consuming and expensive, and investing in a digital LMS makes more sense given the factors we mentioned above.
When it’s time to invest in a digital LMS for your pharmaceutical company, evaluate your options against these 7 criteria.
1. Goal alignment
Every digital LMS is different, and that means you need to wade through several options to find what’s right for you. Above anything, you should choose an LMS that fits your goals. What do you need out of your system? What functionalities matter?
For example, if you need to quiz employees on SOPs, that means you need a platform that includes quizzes. Some pharma companies want more advanced options with their digital LMS, like gamification and personalized learning pathways.
Have a good idea of your eLearning content needs and goals when you shop for an LMS. This way, you’ll get the right features tailored to your employees’ needs.
2. Mobile access
Employees don’t want to learn from their desktops—they want to learn on the go. That means opting for a digital LMS designed for mobile-first experiences.
If you’re creating eLearning video content, few employees may access the course from a laptop or desktop. When in doubt, always work with a digital LMS that offers a mobile app and mobile-first optimization. Make sure they offer both Apple and Android versions, too.
3. Integrations
The right LMS will integrate seamlessly with your other digital solutions. Whether it’s HR software, compliance tracking, or a project management tool, check that your digital LMS integrates with the systems you already use.
This ensures your LMS will play nice with your technology stack, preventing a lot of headaches down the road.
4. Reporting
It’s not uncommon for pharma businesses to provide proof of compliance and other training reports to regulators. Are you required to give proof of training? Or do you just want to understand how to develop your employees’ skills?
Either way, the right digital LMS will provide you with full, end-to-end reports. See which concepts your employees have mastered and which topics need more training. You can evaluate eLearning performance, adjust the employee experience, and prove compliance with the right reports.
5. Support
A digital LMS is a piece of technology, and occasionally technology breaks. What kind of support does this digital LMS offer? Can the platform help your learners with their problems, or are you on the hook for tech support?
The right LMS will provide in-depth training as well as ongoing support options. Choose a digital LMS that prioritizes your needs by providing impeccable support when you need it.
6. Security
Pharma businesses have to comply with a complex web of regulations. Data privacy and security are a serious issue. Above all else, your LMS should protect sensitive data.
That means including features like:
- Firewalls
- SSL certificates
- Encryption
- Aggregated data
You’ll likely need to follow FDA guidelines, HIPAA, PQ, and CQ with your LMS. Make sure your compliance team has a seat at the table to help you choose an LMS built for compliance.
7. Try before you buy
Never purchase a digital LMS without test driving it first. You don’t want to pay for a system that turns out to be unusable for your business.
Ask each LMS provider for their demo or free trial policies. More often than not, you can try the platform before committing to a purchase. Always make the most of your test drive, too. Run reports, simulate the learner experience, look at it on mobile, and check your integrations.
Choose the right digital LMS
The right digital LMS helps businesses retain employees, stay compliant, and deliver a consistent customer experience.
That’s why it’s important to choose the right digital LMS. Your entire training program is built on the LMS, so it’s important to invest wisely. Evaluate every digital LMS option against these 7 criteria to find an LMS that fits your needs, includes the right features, and offers the quality you expect. Learn how The Dokeos LMS allows healthcare organizations to boost employee confidence while maximizing efficiencies.
