A Learning Management System (LMS) is a smart way to manage your training programs. If you’re struggling to track who’s learning what—or how well—it may be time to look at an LMS.
An LMS is software that tracks, delivers, and reports on training. It can manage in-person classes, e-learning, and on-the-job training. Most LMS platforms are cloud-based today. That means you don’t have to run them on your own servers.
Since the shift to remote and hybrid work in 2020, many companies have added or upgraded their LMS. They want to save money, meet compliance goals, and simplify their training.
Let’s take a big-picture look at what an LMS can do.
What is an LMS?
A Learning Management System lets you:
- Enroll learners
- Track training progress
- Measure results
- Deliver online and blended learning
- Create reports for audits or compliance
Some top LMS platforms in 2025 include:
- Moodle: An open-source LMS widely used in education and corporate training.
- TalentLMS: A cloud-based LMS known for its ease of use and scalability.
- Docebo: A robust, AI-powered LMS for enterprise-level learning programs.
- Cornerstone OnDemand: Offers LMS solutions along with broader talent and performance management tools
- SAP Litmos: A corporate training LMS with a strong focus on compliance and global scalability.
- Canvas LMS: Popular in the education sector, especially among K-12 and higher ed institutions.
Key Terms to Know
Learning Objects
These are the building blocks of your training. They include videos, text, quizzes, and more. You can reuse them in different courses.
Authoring Tools
These tools help you create training content. They turn your materials into formats the LMS can use.
Popular authoring tools include:
- Articulate 360: A popular suite of e-learning tools that includes Storyline and Rise for creating interactive and responsive courses.
- Adobe Captivate: A powerful authoring tool used to create responsive e-learning, simulations, and software demos.
- Camtasia: A user-friendly tool for creating video tutorials and training videos with screen recording and editing features.
- iSpring: An authoring toolkit that works with PowerPoint to build interactive e-learning courses quickly and easily.
- Elucidat: A cloud-based e-learning authoring platform designed for creating scalable, mobile-friendly courses for large teams.
Learning Content Management System (LCMS)
An LCMS is a system that stores and delivers content. It also supports collaboration tools like chat or discussion forums. Some LCMS platforms work together with an LMS—or include one.
Open Source vs. Proprietary LMS Software
When choosing an LMS, you’ll need to pick between open-source and proprietary options.
Open Source LMS Benefits
- Often free to use
- Fully customizable
- No vendor lock-in
Proprietary LMS Benefits
- Easier to set up
- Built-in support and updates
- Includes training and user help
Cloud vs. On-Site LMS
You can host an LMS in the cloud or on your own servers. Each choice has benefits.
Cloud-Based LMS Benefits
- No hardware to manage
- Automatic updates
- Scales easily with your team
- Lower upfront cost
On-Site LMS Benefits
- You control security and data
- No monthly fees after purchase
- Better for companies with strict IT policies
Most companies today choose cloud LMS platforms. They are faster to launch and easier to manage long-term.
The Most Important Part: Your Content
Even the best LMS can’t fix poor training content. Great content makes learning stick. Before choosing an LMS, ask:
- Do you need to update old training?
- Do you want content that works on mobile devices?
- Do your learners need something more engaging?
ProEdit can help with custom training content. We design and build courses, e-learning modules, videos, and instructor guides.
Need help choosing or setting up an LMS? Let’s talk about your training goals and build the right solution.
Sources:
LMS Buyer’s Guide — Docebo’s comprehensive breakdown of what to consider when evaluating LMS platforms.
The Top 20 LMS Software Solutions — G2’s user-driven rankings and reviews of LMS software.
See also:
ProEdit’s Course Development Services — Need help? We have you covered.
History of E-learning — A concise timeline of how e-learning has evolved over the decades.