Over time, the needs of learners, educators, and administrators change, and the technology itself advances, leading many to question the efficacy of their current platforms. However, recognizing when it’s time to migrate from your old LMS to a new one can be challenging.
This blog aims to shed light on those pivotal moments by presenting 7 clear signs that indicate a pressing need for LMS migration.
At its core, LMS migration ensures that an organization’s e-learning content, along with its associated user data and compliance history, is transferred to a new platform without any loss or disruption.
As technology advances, many organizations are finding their older LMS platforms are no longer suitable for their current needs and future strategic goals. So, when is the right time to consider migration?
Let’s delve into the seven telltale signs that suggest it’s time to migrate from your old LMS.
The first thing users notice is the look and feel of an application.
If your LMS seems reminiscent of the early 2000s, it’s not just an aesthetic concern. An outdated UI can make the platform less intuitive, leading to a steeper learning curve and reduced user engagement. Modern LMSs focus on a clean, responsive, and intuitive design, enhancing the user experience.
With the rise of mobile technology, learning on-the-go has become the norm rather than the exception.
If your LMS is not optimized for mobile devices, you’re missing out on a significant chunk of user engagement. Modern learners demand flexibility. An LMS that isn’t mobile-friendly is simply not future-proof.
Valamis delivers continuous learning directly to you, wherever you are, for a comprehensive on-the-go learning experience.
Data drives decisions. If your LMS doesn’t provide comprehensive, customizable, and easy-to-understand reports, you’re in the dark about course performance and learner progress.
A modern LMS provides robust analytics and reporting tools, enabling organizations to derive actionable insights.
Integration is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
An old LMS that can’t easily integrate with other essential tools like CRM systems, webinar platforms, or content repositories can bottleneck your operations and limit scalability.
Check Valamis and its integration capabilities
Is your LMS vendor slowly pulling back on support or discontinuing updates? It’s a clear sign that even they are moving on.
Staying with such a platform will not only stall innovation but might also leave you vulnerable to security threats. Look for a vendor with a clear development roadmap and plans for the product that will align with your future needs.
As your organization grows, your LMS should be able to handle the increased number of courses, users, and data.
If you’re facing frequent downtimes, slow performance, or other scalability issues, it’s a warning sign that you might have outgrown your current system.
Are you spending more on workarounds, third-party tools, or custom solutions to make your LMS meet your needs? Over time, these costs add up.
Migrating to a modern LMS might seem like an upfront investment, but in the long run, it often proves more cost-effective.
Further reading: Complete Learning Solution: 8 Benefits of Having All-in-One Platform
The duration of an LMS migration can vary widely based on numerous factors.
Here are some of the main factors that can influence the timeline:
Given these factors, LMS migration can range from a few weeks to several months. Here’s a general guideline:
However, it’s always wise to add a buffer to any estimates. While it’s tempting to rush migrations, taking the time to ensure everything works correctly in the new LMS is crucial for long-term success.
A pre-migration checklist can help streamline the process and avoid potential pitfalls.
Here’s a comprehensive LMS pre-migration checklist:
Remember, every organization’s needs will vary, so this checklist should be adapted to fit specific requirements. The key is thoroughness and clear communication throughout the migration process.
Following the planning list above will create a solid starting point for your migration, however the key to success will be the support provided by your new vendor. As an example, Valamis has both a delivery and a customer success team to support customers with migration from both the technical project management side and strategic L&D goals. Read more about our method.
Valamis handles migration in four clear steps: Solution concepting, Development, and Launch, followed by ongoing Support and Maintenance.
A high-level estimated schedule of the implementation is on average 2 months according to customer’s goals. Valamis customers receive access to their new platform well before implementation is complete so that they have the advantage of hands-on training early on.
There is then a pilot launch stage where the new platform is given to a smaller group of learners and internal stakeholders for further testing and “look and feel” user experience feedback.
It is important to remember that launching a new LMS is only the beginning of the journey and further to a success go live a dedicated Valamis Learning Solution Partner will be on hand to support your team in growing and scaling the platform.
Talk to our experts to get more personalized information about the migration schedule and the Valamis solution in general.
The answers to these questions can provide valuable insights and guide both L&D professionals and CEOs in their decision-making process regarding LMS migration.
If the current system falls short in multiple areas, it’s a clear indicator that it might be time to explore new options.
Boosting learning engagement goes beyond just captivating content and gamification. Our holistic approach combines numerous features and methods to inspire and motivate learners.
LMS migration refers to the process of transferring data, courses, user profiles, and other essential elements from one Learning Management System (LMS) to another. It’s often pursued when upgrading to a more advanced system or moving away from an outdated or unsupported platform.
Reasons can vary but often include seeking enhanced features, better user experience, cost savings, improved support from LMS providers, or the need to accommodate a growing number of users.
The duration can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of data, size of the organization, extent of customizations, and other factors. Proper planning and communication can help streamline the process.
While there’s always some inherent risk in data migrations, following best practices, ensuring thorough backups, and testing can significantly mitigate the chances of data loss.
It’s crucial to start with a clear list of requirements and desired functionalities. Engage stakeholders, consider current pain points with the old system, and perhaps even run a pilot test with the new LMS before full migration.
Often, yes. Even if the new system is intuitive, providing training ensures a smoother transition, helping users feel confident and reducing potential frustrations.
Absolutely. Organizations often prioritize specific courses or data sets, either archiving or discarding older or less relevant content. This can simplify and speed up the migration process.
Preparation involves multiple steps, such as identifying key stakeholders, establishing clear migration objectives, backing up data, and ensuring you have the necessary technical support and resources.
It’s possible. The new LMS might have different integration capabilities. It’s vital to list all necessary integrations beforehand and confirm compatibility with the new LMS vendor.
It’s advisable to have a post-migration support plan in place. This could involve support from the LMS vendor, a dedicated internal team, or third-party experts to address issues and provide solutions promptly.
The world of online learning is rapidly changing, and your LMS should not only keep pace but propel you forward. Recognizing these signs early can help you make a timely decision, ensuring that your learners get the best experience and your organization remains competitive.
If you see one or more of these signs in your current system, it’s high time to consider a migration. Remember, in the world of digital learning, staying updated isn’t just about leveraging the latest features; it’s about ensuring continued growth and success.
Our comprehensive checklist helps you determine whether your company is ready to invest in a new corporate learning solution or make a change to its current strategy. You’ll gain valuable insights into your organization’s strengths and weaknesses by assessing critical areas such as learning goals, employee engagement, and technology infrastructure.