10 LMS Features for the Best Training Compliance

Pharmaceuticals and medical devices are part of one of the most regulated industries in the world. If you work in this industry, you know it is critical to maintain compliance despite changing regulatory requirements from around the globe. Employee training is key, but managing and tracking that training (especially in a global organization) is challenging.

A learning management system (LMS) is a software solution that enables you to create, organize, manage, deliver, and track all employee training in one place. The right LMS will centralize training modules globally and help you easily track completions, so you can be confident that your employees are getting the training they need to keep you in compliance.

To make sure you get the right LMS, here are 10 key features to look for:

1. Role based training: The ability to assign training modules based on the role of the individual will ensure that everyone in a specific role gets all the training they need.

2. Grouping training modules: When you can group modules into packages (that you can then assign to a role), then deployment and maintenance is much easier.

3. Assessment tools: The system should have a variety of assessment tools available (such as quizzes and exercises) so you can ensure the material is understood.

4. Alerts and notifications: Once you’ve created and assigned your training modules or packages, the system should notify the end user that the training has been assigned (and remind them when it is overdue.)

5. Tracking offline training: When compliance training is delivered live (instructor-led), you need the ability to mark the training complete in the system.

6. Reporting: Helpful standard and customizable reports give you insight into your training progress and compliance readiness.

7. 21 CFR Part 11 compliance: Electronically stored training falls under the purview of 21 CFR Part 11, so the system should be compliant to protect training records from theft, loss or damage.

8. SCORM and xAPI compliance: There are a variety eLearning products and tools that may be used in conjunction with your LMS in the future, so you want the system to play well with others.

9. Integrations: Look for the ability to integrate your LMS with other systems in your organization, such as your SOP system or Active Directory (to allow single sign on) .

10. Multiplatform accessibility: In today’s work environment, employees work on a variety of platforms (including mobile devices), so you need an LMS that does, too.

In pharmaceutical and medical device organizations, employee training is critical to staying compliant with ever-changing global regulations. Adding the right LMS to your training function can make deployment and tracking of that training easier, while providing accurate insight into your organization’s progress toward your training goals. That’s why a good LMS is the key to the best regulatory compliance.