Managing training programs can be a daunting task. From organizing logistics to handling registrations and payments, there are numerous moving parts that need to work seamlessly. That’s where a Training Management System (TMS) comes in. A TMS is a purpose-built solution that streamlines your training administration process, making it easier for both your employees and customers. In this article, we’ll explore the key features of a TMS and how it can revolutionize your training business.
What features are included in a training management solution?
A comprehensive TMS should offer a range of features that cater to both back-office administration and front-of-house customer experiences. Here are some essential features to look for:
Back-office administration features (to make your employees’ lives easier)
- Organize course logistics and resources, such as scheduling courses, presenters, and rooms.
- Automate manual tasks, like sending registration confirmations, reminder emails, and surveys.
- Manage finances, including capturing orders, accepting online payments, and issuing invoices.
- CRM and record management, storing customer information, training history, financials, and sales interactions.
- Reports and business intelligence, providing data-driven insights for informed decision-making.
Front-of-house features (to make your customers’ lives easier)
- Website integration to build a customized website or integrate the TMS into an existing site.
- Online registration, allowing for seamless and stress-free registration and shopping cart experiences.
- Customer portal, providing a self-service portal for registrants to manage their training.
Arlo’s top 5 TMS features
As a leading provider of TMS solutions, Arlo offers a range of powerful features that can transform your training business. Here are Arlo’s top 5 TMS features:
Website
Arlo’s smart website technology allows you to create stunning websites that save time, reduce costs, improve search visibility, and boost sales. Whether you choose to integrate Arlo with your existing WordPress website or start from scratch, Arlo offers seamless connectivity between the backend and frontend, ensuring up-to-date course information, online registrations, mobile-friendly experiences, and easy navigation.
For more detailed information, check out: The Ultimate Guide: How to Create & Optimize a Training Provider Website
Course management
Each training course has its own lifecycle with various tasks that need to be managed. Arlo’s TMS helps you effortlessly navigate the three stages of course management: planning, delivery, and follow-up. Some examples of how Arlo can assist you include:
Planning
- Find and schedule presenters and venues.
- Set course prices, capacities, and session layouts.
- Automate administrative tasks like room bookings and catering orders.
Delivery
- Automate communication with registrants, providing course details, materials, and reminders.
- Generate name labels and certificates.
- Simplify invoice issuance and empower registrants to manage transfers, cancellations, and refunds.
- Enable course presenters to communicate with registrants and manage attendance and grading.
- Manage certification and licensing, including tracking points, issuing renewal reminders, and verifying credentials.
- Provide a self-service portal for registrants to access information and help themselves.
Follow-up
- Automate follow-up communications, such as thank-you emails and survey invitations.
- Create marketing campaigns and reminders for renewals or advanced courses.
Online registration (aka checkout)
The checkout page is the final step in converting website visitors into paying customers. Arlo’s TMS ensures a streamlined online registration process to minimize dropouts and cart abandonments. With Arlo, you can create custom registration forms, accept payments via multiple methods (credit card, invoice, bank transfer), offer discounts, and add optional extras like books or catering. The flexibility of Arlo’s checkout options allows you to cater to the unique needs of your audience, including group bookings and registration limits.
Customer relationship management (CRM)
A robust TMS should include a purpose-built CRM that allows you to manage customer information and track interactions. Arlo’s CRM enables you to store relevant data for contacts and organizations, manage sales leads, track account relationships, and review registration history. If you’re transitioning from a different CRM, Arlo offers easy data import functionality to ensure a seamless transition. Additionally, Arlo integrates with popular CRM platforms like Salesforce, allowing you to retain existing workflows and processes.
Reporting
Arlo’s reporting tools offer valuable business analytics and intelligence, empowering you to make data-driven decisions. With a wealth of data at your fingertips, you can gain insights into key performance indicators and identify trends and opportunities. Arlo’s TMS provides short-term and long-term outlooks through live data dashboards and customizable reports. By setting parameters and filters, you can analyze registrant satisfaction, course profitability, budgeting, and more. Automated reports make it easy to track progress and share insights with stakeholders.
Integrations to complete the puzzle
While a TMS streamlines many aspects of your training business, integrating it with other software platforms can further enhance efficiency. Arlo offers native integrations with various systems, and for more comprehensive integration needs, we recommend tools like Zapier. Here are some essential building blocks to consider for your tech stack:
- Accounting system: Seamlessly manage transactions and bookkeeping duties through an integrated accounting system.
- Advanced CRM: If you’re a larger organization, consider a dedicated CRM with advanced capabilities to synchronize and track customer interactions.
- Learning Management System (LMS): Expand your training offerings with self-paced eLearning content accessible anytime, anywhere.
- Webinar delivery: Reach a wider audience with remote learning options delivered live online.
- Marketing tools: Create engaging newsletters and campaigns to drive registrations.
- Online survey tools: Gather customer feedback quickly to improve user experience.
For more information on technology for training businesses, check out this article.
In conclusion, a comprehensive Training Management System offers a range of features to streamline your training administration process. With Arlo’s top-notch TMS and its powerful features, you can revolutionize your training business, save time, reduce costs, and grow sales. Whether it’s website integration, seamless online registration, effective CRM management, insightful reporting, or integrations with other software platforms, Arlo has you covered. Take the leap and elevate your training business with Arlo’s Training Management System.