In 2016, it makes more sense to think of a LMS as part of a digital business ecosystem, rather than a standalone island destination. LMSs are integrated into many different types of applications to share data and drive business workflow. There are a variety of approaches to LMS integration. Vendors can:
Provide an open API library consisting of available scripts that a tech-savvy buyer can use to automate integration with client systems. Provide pre-built connection APIs that can be used to automate many of the integrations outlined in this section. Pre-built API connectors can be turned on by checking a box and entering the appropriate API “code” to link the two systems. Have a private API library or web services that require the LMS vendor to build and configure the integration. This is probably the least attractive option due to cost, but necessary with complex integrations. Use flat files (txt, csv) to transfer data via a secure FTP folder in batches at predetermined time intervals. This is commonly used for HRIS and ERP integration.
Tags: association learning • Buying LMS • Channel Learning • continuing education • Customer Learning • learning management system • LMS • LMS APIs • LMS CRM • LMS ecosystem • LMS integration