Online training platforms for companies: Why you should invest in an LMS today
What is an online training platform, and why are they a great solution for businesses?
An online training platform is a digital learning environment where companies can centrally manage and share knowledge, and automatically document learning progress. It replaces traditional classroom training with flexible, scalable, and location-independent learning processes. For medium-sized and large companies in particular, It offers efficiency, uniform standards, and measurable results for employee, customer, and partner training.
In the following section, you’ll learn how online training platforms differ from face-to-face formats, and what advantages they offer in everyday corporate life.
Quick links
- Advantages of an online training platform
- LMSs vs. course marketplaces like Udemy
- Who can benefit from having an LMS as an online training platform?
- Selection criteria for online training platforms
- Three proven online training platforms for businesses
- How do you introduce an online training platform at your company?
- The bottom line.
- FAQ—Frequently asked questions
What are the advantages of an online training platform for companies?
An online training platform (LMS) is not just a digital replacement for face-to-face seminars, but a strategic tool for boosting efficiency, ensuring quality, and scaling knowledge transfer. Studies show that companies that use digital training solutions achieve measurable benefits such as improved learning performance, time and cost savings, and long-term knowledge retention.
83%
of HR managers say that training is important for attracting talent
24%
of companies achieve higher employee performance with personalized learning platforms and custom training strategies.
Source: eLearning industry
42%
of companies say that digital learning has led to an increase in sales.
Source: shift
How does an LMS differ from online training platforms like Udemy, Memberspot, and LinkedIn Learning?
Not every online training platform can be considered a professional learning management system (LMS). While platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning act as open course marketplaces, LMS solutions offer companies full control over their learning content, user management, and data security. A genuine online training platform for companies is customizable, GDPR-compliant, and suitable for both internal and external training scenarios.
Comparison of online training platforms: LMSs vs. course marketplaces
An LMS is not just a simple course library; it’s the foundation of your digital learning strategy. It enables you to offer structured, secure, and brand-aligned training that is tailored precisely to your company’s requirements. There are several key differences in functionality between an LMS and a course marketplace as an online training platform for companies:
Target group
LMS: Companies with a focus on employees, customers, and partners
Course platform: Individuals and self-learners
Content:
LMS: Your own, custom learning content
Course platform: Courses offered by external providers
Control over content:
LMS: Full control over structure, timeliness, and quality
Course platform: No option to change content
Branding and design:
LMS: Aligned with your corporate design with white label options
Course platform: Platform provider’s uniform brand design
Data protection and hosting:
LMS: GDPR-compliant, often hosted in Germany or the EU
Course platform: Often international providers with US servers
Learning analysis and reporting:
LMS: Detailed evaluations, certificates, and proof of learning
Course platform: Limited or no reporting functions
Access management:
LMS: Roles, permissions, learning paths, and group management
Course platform: Individual accounts only, no corporate structure
Licensing model:
LMS: Enterprise license or SaaS model
Course platform: Single-user or subscription models
Use case:
LMS: Courses for employees, customers, and partners
Course platform: Personal development
For which target groups and use cases is an LMS an effective online training platform?
An online training platform is suitable for much more than just internal employee training. Modern learning management systems (LMS) support a wide variety of target groups, from employees to customers and partners. The benefit: They offer central learning structures, standardized content, and measurable learning outcomes across all areas.
Employee training platform
The classic use case for an LMS. Employees complete mandatory training, product training, and soft skills training flexibly online.
Example: A manufacturing company offers annual digital safety training with automatic reminders and documentation.
Learning platform for onboarding new employees
New colleagues learn everything they need to know about the company, products, and processes at their own pace.
Example: A retail company provides new store managers with a digital induction plan that includes videos, quizzes, and practical examples.
LMS for customer training
Companies want to convey knowledge about their products, software, and services to their customers. as this both reduces their support costs and boosts customer satisfaction.
Example: A software provider trains customers on how to use its tools via an online academy.
Online academy for partner and sales training
Sales partners, retailers, and external service providers receive uniform training wherever they are in the world and whatever language they speak.
Example: A machine manufacturer regularly trains international retailers on new product lines.
Online training platform for compliance and mandatory training
Legally mandated training courses on topics like data protection, occupational safety, and anti-corruption can be rolled out efficiently via an LMS.
Example: A corporation automatically documents which employees have completed their GDPR training.
Learning systems for knowledge management and continuous professional development
An LMS also serves as a learning library where knowledge can be accessed at any time.
Example: A bank hosts internal tutorials and best practice videos centrally.
What criteria should I use to select the right online training platform for my company?
Choosing the right online training platform is crucial to the long-term success of your digital training strategy. It’s important that the solution is not only technically sound, but also fits your learning culture, processes, and target groups.
Overview of important selection criteria for online learning platforms
User-friendliness: Intuitive for both administrators and learners to use—no lengthy training required.
- Functionality: Learning paths, certificates, gamification, social learning, reporting, multiple languages.
- Integration: Connects to HR, ERP, or CRM systems via interfaces (e.g., API, single sign-on).
- Data protection and security: GDPR-compliant hosting, ideally with servers located in Germany or the EU.
- Scalability: Flexible licensing models that grow with your business.
- Design and branding: Customizable appearance that aligns with your company’s corporate design.
- Content compatibility: Support for common standards like SCORM, xAPI, and LTI.
- Support and service: Availability, training, and quality of support provided by the vendor.
- Cost model: Transparent pricing structure (user licenses, modules, term).
- Analysis and reporting: Measurable learning progress, certificates, export functions for audits.
Tip: If you want to look over all the criteria in detail, see our checklist for selecting an LMS. It contains a complete overview with evaluation criteria, comparison fields, and tips on how to find the right online training platform for your company.
Checklist
Recommendations of three proven online training platforms for businesses
No one learning platform will suit every company. That’s why it’s worth taking a look at three proven systems that work for different requirements and company sizes: Knowledgeworker Share, Eurekos, and Cornerstone Learn. These are among the most popular online training platforms in the DACH region and offer solutions ranging from fast implementations to corporation-wide learning management.
Knowledgeworker Share
The online training platform that gets you started quickly
Knowledgeworker Share is a lean, easy-to-use online training platform for companies that want to implement training quickly and easily. It offers all the key functions in a clearly structured interface. Implementation takes just a few days or weeks, and the administrative effort required is minimal. Ideal for SMEs that want to get productive quickly.
Eurekos
The flexible and scalable online training platform for growing requirements
Eurekos combines broad functionality with user-friendliness and a flexible cost structure. The licensing model is based on active users, so companies only pay for what they actually use. The system’s powerful interfaces, automated processes, and multilingual capabilities make it easy to integrate into existing system landscapes. It’s suitable for both internal training courses and partner/customer training.
Cornerstone Learn
An enterprise learning platform for international companies
Cornerstone Learn is a comprehensive enterprise LMS that combines learning management, talent development, and compliance tracking. It offers maximum configurability, deep integrations, and advanced reporting capabilities. This makes it particularly suitable for large organizations that want to manage learning processes globally and evaluate them centrally.
Which online training platform is right for my company?
All three training platforms are powerful and reliable, but differ in terms of their target audience and complexity. If you’re unsure which of the three LMSs meets your needs, use our LMS finder to get a recommendation that suits your company in less than 5 minutes.
How do you introduce an online training platform at your company?
The introduction of an online training platform is a strategic project that combines technical, organizational, and communications aspects. Clear planning is crucial at every stage—from defining the objectives to the technical implementation and rollout. This ensures that the learning platform not only works, but is also actively used.
Step 1: Define your goals and requirements for the online training platform
Set out what you want to achieve with the platform: more efficient training processes, better traceability, international scaling, compliance… Also define who you’ll be training (employees, customers, partners) and which learning formats are relevant. This basis will help you select functions and licensing models down the line.
Step 2: Plan the technical implementation and system setup
Decide whether you want a cloud-based or on-premise LMS. Look for interfaces to your HR, ERP, or CRM systems and set up single sign-on (SSO) to simplify access. Plan user management, rights, and roles before you start. Implementation support from your provider or partner saves time and prevents errors.
Step 3: Prepare and integrate your learning content
Import existing content (SCORM/xAPI) or create new courses with an authoring tool like Knowledgeworker Create. Ensure you have a clear structure, consistent design, and interactivity. The better the content is tailored to your learning objectives, the longer the learning outcomes will last.
Step 4: Pilot phase and rollout of the online training platform
Start with a pilot group to test technical processes and the user experience. Collect feedback, optimize processes, and then gradually expand the project to other departments or countries. A phased rollout increases acceptance and minimizes risks.
Step 5: Communication and change management within the company
Provide information about the new learning platform, its benefits, and learning opportunities at an early stage. Use internal communication channels to generate enthusiasm and motivate people to learn. Appoint learning ambassadors or multipliers who actively support knowledge transfer within the company.
Step 6: Performance measurement and continuous optimization
Use the reporting and analysis features of your online training platform to regularly evaluate learning progress, completion rates, and feedback. Add content, adapt learning paths, and continuously improve the user experience. This will make learning a permanent fixture of your corporate culture.
Your route to a successful online training platform
If you’re ready to take the next step and introduce an online training platform for your company, we’re here to support you as an experienced partner.
We can assist you with the implementation, configuration, and training management for your online learning platform—from selecting the right system to successful operation.
Get a no-obligation consultation or book a live demo. Together, we’ll find the learning platform that best suits your goals and resources.
The bottom line.
An online training platform is much more than just a digital tool—it’s the key to modern, efficient, futureproof training. Compared to in-person training, companies save time, money, and resources while creating a consistent, scalable learning experience. Whether you use it for employee training, customer training, or partner programs, a professional LMS gives you structure, control, and measurable results.
Which system is right for your organization depends on your goals, size, and processes. While some platforms are particularly quick to get up and running, others boast flexible scalability and comprehensive enterprise functionality. It’s important that the solution fits into your learning strategy—technically, didactically, and organizationally.
As an experienced eLearning partner, we can accompany you every step of the way—from selection and implementation to training management. This will make your online training platform a real success factor for both your personnel development program and your corporate strategy.
FAQ—Frequently asked questions about online training platforms for companies
The costs depend heavily on the size of your company, the number of users, and the range of functions you need. While small businesses often start with just a few hundred euro per month, large organizations may invest several thousand euro. Many providers offer flexible licensing models or active-user-based billing.
You can create learning content yourself using an authoring tool like Knowledgeworker Create or Articulate 360, have it produced by external partners, or buy it in as ready-made standard courses. It’s important that your platform supports common standards such as SCORM or xAPI so that all your content imports smoothly.
Depending on the system and scope, the implementation time can vary from a few days to several months. Lean systems like Knowledgeworker Share are usually ready to go within a few days, while enterprise solutions such as Cornerstone Learn require a more comprehensive implementation process.
Yes, many modern learning platforms are hosted in the EU and meet all your GDPR requirements. Ensure that your provider offers hosting locations in Germany or Europe and provides you with data processing agreements.
Absolutely. Many companies use their learning platforms to train not only their own employees, but also their customers, retailers, and partners. Systems with multi-client capabilities and white label options enable you to create individual portals and brand experiences for each target group.
That depends heavily on the system you choose and your own infrastructure. We’ll support you with the implementation and administration of your online training platforms so you can operate them without an in-house IT team.
An LMS centralizes all your company’s learning activities: administration, implementation, reporting, and certification. This saves you time, creates transparency, and ensures a consistent learning experience across all locations and target groups. An LMS also ensures auditability, which is essential for large companies and regulated markets.
Communication is crucial. Provide information about the benefits at an early stage, make success visible through certificates or gamification elements, and involve managers as learning ambassadors.
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