Learning Management System 

(LMS)

Glossary of HR Terms What is a Learning Management System (LMS)

What is an LMS?

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a digital platform used to deliver, manage, and track employee training and development programs. It provides organizations with the tools to create e-learning courses, assign training modules, monitor progress, and assess knowledge retention.

Why it matters

Continuous learning and upskilling are critical for employee performance, compliance, and retention. An LMS makes it easy to standardize training, scale learning opportunities across different locations, and provide personalized learning paths. It also ensures organizations meet compliance requirements for industries where mandatory training is essential.

Where it fits in the HR stack

The LMS sits within the learning and development (L&D) layer of the HR technology stack. It often integrates with the HRIS for employee data synchronization and with performance management systems to align training goals with career development objectives.

Make your LMS smarter with people insights

A learning management system delivers content. Plum ensures it delivers impact. By adding behavioral insights into how each person learns and grows, you can align training with individual strengths and motivators. The result is more engagement, better retention, and lasting growth.

Enhance your LMS with Plum

Common use cases/Examples

  • Onboarding new employees with structured learning modules.
  • Delivering compliance and safety training (e.g., workplace safety, anti-harassment policies).
  • Offering professional development courses and certifications.
  • Tracking completion rates and assessing learning outcomes through quizzes and analytics.
  • Creating personalized learning paths aligned with employee growth plans.

Examples of companies that use it

  • Large enterprises like IBM, Microsoft, and Deloitte, which use enterprise-grade LMS solutions (e.g., Cornerstone OnDemand, SAP SuccessFactors Learning) to manage global training.
  • Universities and educational institutions offering online and hybrid courses through platforms like Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard.
  • Mid-sized companies and startups leveraging platforms such as TalentLMS or Docebo to provide scalable employee training without heavy infrastructure costs.
  • Highly regulated industries (healthcare, finance, aviation) that require strict compliance training and tracking.

FAQ

Yes. Most modern LMS platforms are cloud-based and mobile-friendly, making them accessible anytime, anywhere.

LMS platforms focus on delivering and tracking structured training, while Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) emphasize personalized, learner-driven experiences.

ROI can be measured through training completion rates, reduced compliance risks, improved employee performance, and cost savings compared to in-person training.

Yes. Integration ensures employee data is synced and training is aligned with career development goals.

Many LMS solutions include certification and credentialing features to track employee qualifications.