None of us likes to admit that we aren’t coping with the workload. But it is a real issue in our industry, where new and unexpected demands are put upon L&D teams. We are passionate about people. We see the huge benefits of providing a comprehensive online training capability to our organization. Most of us are not technical experts, however. Developing online training courses takes a huge amount of time and expertise – if we want it to be done well. Are we, L&D professionals, also graphic designers and data analysts? Probably not. So, give the right tasks to the right people by choosing to outsource and handing over to a training solutions provider, and reap the rewards…
1. Outsource To Save Costs
Let’s be honest; most people reach to eLearning outsourcing partners to save money. A huge part of your business case is around the financial benefits of a highly-skilled workforce. If you’re having to expend time and effort in training in-house L&D staff to create online training material, are you saving money? There are many ways that eLearning outsourcing can reduce costs. But be warned; it isn’t a magic answer to reducing costs, especially if you don’t research your training solutions provider thoroughly. Make sure they have the expertise you are looking for and choose carefully. Let’s take a look at the cost-saving reasons why you should consider a training solutions provider.
Negotiating Licensing
The scale of eLearning outsourcing partners can mean that you are able to benefit from decreased licensing costs. Although you may need to compromise on the features you require for your eLearning development tools.
People Costs
Training your in-house staff can be more expensive than outsourcing, particularly if you need to provide backfill for L&D activities.
User Support
Another example is when in-house development is more expensive. In this case, outsourcing support can provide a better service. This is because handing over to a training solutions provider means that user errors will be reduced, and issues will be handled more efficiently.
Time-Saving
Training solutions providers that are using rapid eLearning development techniques can offer distinct cost savings on eLearning development time. The key time-saving element is that a training solutions provider already has the experts in-house. They are at the forefront of eLearning trends and future technologies. They can support you with graphic design, curriculum, evaluation, and software. As a result, the time between eLearning content development and delivery should be drastically reduced.
2. Outsource To Enhance User Experience
If your participation rates are low, you may have an issue with the User Experience. Online training can be very frustrating for an employee if there are software bugs or issues with the online training content. Therefore, online training content maintenance plays a central role in increased user satisfaction.
Custom Content Creation
A training solutions provider can help you develop more effective online training content, more rapidly. Plus, you have the ability to tap into their expertise to ensure that your employees get all the information they need. Without running the risk of causing cognitive overload or boring them with extraneous steps or skills.
Maintenance Of Online Training Content
Good housekeeping is an essential part of online training. Nothing creates disillusion with online training more than out-of-date content. A training solutions provider can upkeep your online training content and make revisions when needed. Furthermore, they can track user engagement and other key metrics to ensure that online training resources still align with learner preferences and L&D objectives.
Updating Software
eLearning outsourcing partners are well adept at keeping up with the latest software trends and updates. Software updates can become a low-priority item on a stretched L&D task list. They can also consult you on which platforms are worth the investment, and which can be omitted from your current toolbox.
Language Translation
Another example of economies of scale, training solutions providers tend to have better connections and experience with online training material translation. Improved eLearning translation leads to far better training adoption. They should also be considered for eLearning localization projects. For example, you need to deploy online training in a specific market, complete with compliance resources which pertain to that region.
3. Outsource To Improve Reporting
Reporting can be something that drags L&D team performance down. Constantly responding to ad-hoc requests, or providing insufficient LMS reports based on poorly-maintained data, can frustrate admin and stakeholders alike. A training solutions provider can provide expertise in reporting, such as deep-dive into performance data to improve online training content or course delivery.
Identifying Skills Gaps Through Course Data
Data analysis is the bread-and-butter of eLearning outsourcing partners. Not only can they ensure you are continuously improving design techniques and content, but they can also boost data accuracy. Furthermore, they are able to recommend improvements based on employee engagement and key performance indicators.
Customized, Scheduled LMS Reports
Scheduled LMS reports can transform the way your LMS administrators and stakeholders use your online training solution. Self-service, automated LMS reporting is a powerful tool in engaging employees with the online training process. A training solutions provider can ensure that the right LMS reports get to the right people while there’s still time to act on the info.
Outsourcing online training maintenance and development can be a demanding task. If you require partnerships with more than one training solutions provider, it can become very difficult. Maintaining a cohesive set of values across all streams is often an administrative minefield. Try and keep it simple: Find an eLearning outsourcing partner who can help you with your top-priority outsourcing tasks. Invest in your in-house staff for tasks that are development opportunities for your L&D team. A combination of outsourced technical support and design with in-house Project Management and online training content delivery can work extremely well. If you want to deliver your L&D strategy for online training, research your eLearning outsourcing options very carefully. Last but not least, work on building and managing a good relationship where you can each learn from the other eLearning partner.
