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Dave Evans

accessplanit

Managing Director

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Is an LMS or CRM better suited to a training business?

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There are hundreds of business systems and technologies that may assist in training. This blog focuses on the differences between an LMS and a CRM system.

Today, technology is essential 

Expanding a training business without the aid of technology can be almost impossible. Competition is fierce and the internet provides fast access for prospective clients to conduct initial research for a suitable supplier, make enquiries, and in many cases make a booking. 

LMS vs CRM

A learning management system (LMS) tracks every step of a training journey, giving management an insight into the real success levels of corporate training.

Alternatively, a CRM helps you manage your relationships with existing and potential customers, which provides a fully integrated solution from the sales cycle right through to customer management. 

Shared CRM and LMS functionality 

  • No data duplication of contact information, communications, documents or order history
  • All emails notification, reminders and confirmations are recorded in one place
  • Segment existing customers or import mailing lists to target with relevant courses, loyalty discounts and amazing offers
  • Create engaging email using customised templates for campaign messaging and branding

Additional LMS functionality 

  • Share learning materials or resources such as documents, eLearning, video and audio
  • Support a flexible structure that allows different combinations of user groups to be created such as by location or job role
  • Provide an intuitive and user friendly interface for learners
  • Automatically generate registers, sign in sheets, evaluation forms and certificates

Which tool is best suited to training?

Without doubt a CRM is powerful and a necessary tool to manage relationships and expand a business. It is a great tool for managing pipelines, enquiries and capturing all relevant information, but the benefits are limited. The downside is that a CRM operates very differently to a learning management system. By opting for a CRM alone, many companies can miss out on the wider functionalities available with an LMS.

Download free whitepaper for a complete overview of LMS and CRM functionality differences. 

There are hundreds of business systems and technologies that may assist in training. This blog focuses on the differences between an LMS and a CRM system.

Today, technology is essential 

Expanding a training business without the aid of technology can be almost impossible. Competition is fierce and the internet provides fast access for prospective clients to conduct initial research for a suitable supplier, make enquiries, and in many cases make a booking. 

LMS vs CRM

A learning management system (LMS) tracks every step of a training journey, giving management an insight into the real success levels of corporate training.

Alternatively, a CRM helps you manage your relationships with existing and potential customers, which provides a fully integrated solution from the sales cycle right through to customer management. 

Shared CRM and LMS functionality 

  • No data duplication of contact information, communications, documents or order history
  • All emails notification, reminders and confirmations are recorded in one place
  • Segment existing customers or import mailing lists to target with relevant courses, loyalty discounts and amazing offers
  • Create engaging email using customised templates for campaign messaging and branding

Additional LMS functionality 

  • Share learning materials or resources such as documents, eLearning, video and audio
  • Support a flexible structure that allows different combinations of user groups to be created such as by location or job role
  • Provide an intuitive and user friendly interface for learners
  • Automatically generate registers, sign in sheets, evaluation forms and certificates

Which tool is best suited to training?

Without doubt a CRM is powerful and a necessary tool to manage relationships and expand a business. It is a great tool for managing pipelines, enquiries and capturing all relevant information, but the benefits are limited. The downside is that a CRM operates very differently to a learning management system. By opting for a CRM alone, many companies can miss out on the wider functionalities available with an LMS.

Download free whitepaper for a complete overview of LMS and CRM functionality differences.