There are three major aspects you should consider when you begin vetting training-software services:

1. get to know the company and the product,
2. verify performance analytics, and,
3. decipher any hidden costs.

Know the Product
All your employees will be using this system, so it’s important not to thrust something on them that doesn’t meld well with their existing workflows. Take advantage of any opportunity to test, test, test.

Get a good look:

• Free trial: Take advantage of a free trial, if one is offered
• Live demo: Ask for a live demonstration, and, while you’re at it, ask to see real client examples
• Use your content: Take any existing learning materials and apply them to the systems you are vetting
• Practice: By building and sharing content in your test account, you can start to see how well reporting and management tools function, while testing their limits

Aside from enjoyable content, tracking and reporting are the crux of any stellar training process. Spend time the analytics and reporting to decide what metrics work best for your company; then, begin to map these metrics back to ROI. Again, always compare multiple software options, and get feedback from other stakeholders at your company before you pull the trigger.

Verify Performance
Ask for testimonials or introductions to other clients to get third-party opinions on product performance (this will also give you the chance to glean tips and tricks for pro users). Case studies from your prospective vendors will provide benchmarks for results you can aspire to.

Decipher Hidden Costs
Are all the costs associated with vendor X evident? If not, ask for a complete list of expenses that will arise:

• What is the pricing model?
• Do you pay by number of lessons or users?
• What is limited (and what is unlimited)?
• What are the payment terms?

The true cost of an online platform also heavily depends on the return on investment. According to a report done by the Aberdeen Group, companies had improved financials year-over-year, increased productivity, and higher employee retention via upgraded employee training. New hires that received proper and thorough training were 69 percent more likely to stay at least three years.

Now is the time to start looking for more effective and efficient ways to train your employees. I suggest considering an online platform for building, sharing, and tracking your learning materials. As long as your company takes into consideration the hidden costs, the ease of the software, and proper performance analytics, the benefits will far outweigh any old methods.

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Max Yoder is CEO of Lesson.ly, employee training software