Beyond Core, Beyond Limits—the Comprehensive LMS Ecosystem

In our discussion about LMS core function and its limits, we’ve touched on the enterprise solution of employing an IT team to build out LMS functionality. Though this approach is too often cost-prohibitive, the underlying work of linking at different levels is a sound approach. Extending this approach in an LMS-neutral way is what the Xvoucher Learning Exchange achieves

For example, Xvoucher can connect four to ten LMSs at any given time to orchestrate all the activities between them—even activities that were previously managed externally. It simplifies access to training resources while promoting growth in multiple sales channels.

Learning Management Systems and Xvoucher Work Together

Xvoucher isn’t a competitive LMS, it works with LMSs to extend the reach of all users within the complex learning ecosystem—keeping them from being isolated in their consumption or delivery of learning resources and giving them full access to the ecosystem as a learning exchange. In its simplest terms, Xvoucher allows users to go from a single point (one LMS) to many.

The only other option for attaining this level of connectivity would be to build an internal system. Not only is building such a system cost-ineffective, it may not be achievable in some cases. For example, one content provider may not want to join forces with another content provider due to competitive products. Xvoucher provides a flexible and secure way to efficiently transact business by safely connecting the entire learning ecosystem.

New Functionality for Learning Ecosystems

Beyond supporting the LMS, Xvoucher satisfies a variety of needs that LMS platforms were never designed to consider.

• For a sponsor or certifying body, Xvoucher steps beyond the role of member relations. It gives sponsors the ability to automate processes and connect previously disjointed outside processes by setting up rules. For example, rules can be created that allow sponsors to dynamically connect external continuing education activities back to a certification, without manual processes, allowing a business value to be assigned to those events and enabling participant records to be automatically updated.

The learning exchange can also help sponsors provide a wide range of approved products and services while accounting for prerequisites or other limitations; thereby giving the candidate or training partner flexibility to choose the best fit for their needs based on learning style, geographic location, or other variables.

By connecting the entire learning ecosystem, Xvoucher can also enable sponsors to work together, allowing candidates to achieve complementary certifications within a single process, rather than the current myopic approach.

• For a training partner or channel supplier, Xvoucher makes it easy to set up and manage a customer-specific learning marketplace. The marketplace can be customized based on country, demographic, vertical, contract and other variables, allowing targeted product promotion while also streamlining the training resources that enterprise training managers or candidates have permission to buy.

The learning exchange also allows channel suppliers to provide diverse offerings from various suppliers and sponsor organizations. With a more comprehensive product marketplace, suppliers can choose the best product for the situation, even mixing and matching within a course to create more focused training. On the back end, Xvoucher manages all fulfillment processes as well as any necessary updates from certifying bodies.

• For enterprises, Xvoucher simplifies the complicated process of accessing learning materials. By plugging into the learning exchange, managers and candidates enjoy a single point of access to multiple learning products. It even allows managers to distribute training to individuals, groups, or as part of a program for better control of assignments and to help ensure CE compliance. Licensing management around procurement and delivery is automatically updated.

While learning management systems will always play a vital role in the learning ecosystem, Xvoucher Learning Exchange offers a way for players in the entire system to access different knowledge bases, increase efficiency, grow business, and limit waste—a comprehensive solution.

In case you missed it, read parts 1 & 2 of our Series on LMSs:

LMS Part 1: The Quest for the Comprehensive Solution

LMS Part 2: Limitations Outside the Core

Interested in having Xvoucher help manage your Learning Management System?