Are you getting the most out of your LMS integrations? We wrap up what you need in your learning stack for maximum impact.
We’re using more tools than ever to achieve the best results in business.
But while these tools offer specialised functionalities, they often operate in silos, leading to fragmented workflows and data fatigue as employees juggle between platforms.
For L&D professionals, this can mean wasted time, duplicated efforts, and missed opportunities to deliver impactful training.
This is where LMS integrations come in.
By connecting your LMS with other tools in your tech stack, you can create a unified ecosystem that reduces tool fatigue, streamlines processes, and ensures data flows seamlessly across systems.
LMS integrations are not just about convenience, they’re key to unlocking a cohesive, efficient, and data-driven learning environment.
Keep reading to learn:
- What an LMS integration is
- 4 key benefits of LMS integrations
- Best LMS integrations you *need*
- Using LMS integrations with BuildEmpire
Let’s get started.
What is LMS integration?
LMS integration is the process of connecting your LMS with other software tools and platforms to create a seamless learning and administrative experience.
Instead of treating your LMS as a stand-alone system, integration allows it to “talk” to other applications such as HR systems, content libraries, video conferencing tools, or customer relationship management platforms.
For organisations, LMS integrations reduce manual work, improve data accuracy, and enhance the overall learning experience.
For example, when an LMS integrates with an HR system, new employees can be automatically enrolled in onboarding courses.
When it connects with video conferencing platforms, learners can join live sessions directly from the LMS without juggling multiple logins.
In short, LMS integration ensures that learning is not siloed but woven into the wider digital ecosystem of the organization, making training more efficient, personalized, and impactful.
What is the difference between an API and an LMS integration?
The difference between an API and an LMS integration lies in their roles and functions:
API (Application Programming Interface): A technical tool or protocol that allows two systems to communicate and exchange data.
It provides the foundation for building integrations but requires development and setup to create functionality.
LMS Integration: The end result of utilising APIs or other methods to connect an LMS with another system.
It’s the practical application of an API that ensures seamless data exchange and functionality between platforms, often pre-configured for user convenience.
In short, an API is the “how,” and an LMS integration is the “what.”
Benefits of using LMS integrations in your platform
By connecting your LMS with other tools and platforms within the organisation’s tech stack, you can streamline workflows, improve user experiences, and create a more cohesive and impactful learning environment.
1. Streamlined administration
LMS integrations automate many time-consuming tasks, such as enrolment, reporting, and tracking learner progress.
This automation reduces manual data entry and ensures you can focus more on creating impactful learning strategies rather than managing administrative details.
It also minimises the risk of human error, improving the accuracy of records and reporting.
2. Enhanced user experience
By connecting an LMS with tools such as Single Sign-On systems or collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, learners gain seamless access to training materials without needing multiple logins or navigating complex systems.
For L&D professionals, this ensures higher engagement and satisfaction levels, as learners are more likely to participate in training that is easy to access and user-friendly.
3. Centralised data management
Integrations with systems like HR platforms or CRM tools enable all learning-related data to be stored and accessed in one place.
This centralisation provides L&D professionals with a holistic view of employee progress, skill gaps, and development needs, which is invaluable for planning and measuring the success of training initiatives.
4. Breaking down data silos
LMS integrations help connect disparate systems across departments, facilitating the flow of information and collaboration between teams.
For L&D professionals, this is critical for ensuring that training efforts are aligned with the needs of the entire organisation, fostering a cohesive and unified workforce.
By leveraging these benefits, you can create more efficient, engaging, and impactful learning experiences that support both individual growth and organisational success.
Best LMS integrations to try
Understanding the different types of LMS integrations is key to unlocking the full potential of your learning platform.
These integrations connect your LMS with other tools in your organisation’s tech stack, creating a seamless and efficient learning ecosystem tailored to your needs.
1. Single sign-on (SSO) integrations
Allow users to access the LMS using the same credentials they use for other organisational systems, eliminating the need for multiple logins and improving the user experience.
2. HR system integrations
Connect the LMS with HR platforms to synchronise employee data, track training progress, and align learning activities with performance management and development goals.
3. Content library integrations
Provide access to external libraries of ready-made courses and materials, such as SCORM or xAPI-compliant content, to expand training offerings without creating everything from scratch.
Related: Check out off-the-shelf content
4. Customer relationship management (CRM) integrations
Link the LMS with CRM platforms like Salesforce to deliver customer or sales training, track learning outcomes, and manage customer-related data from a centralised location.
5. Video conferencing tool integrations
Connect the LMS with platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to facilitate live virtual training sessions, webinars, and collaborative learning experiences.
6. Analytics and reporting tool integrations
Integrate with advanced analytics platforms to generate in-depth reports, measure training effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions for future programmes.
Related: Complete guide to LMS analytics
7. eCommerce integrations
Allow the sale of courses and training programmes directly through the LMS, connecting with payment gateways and eCommerce platforms like Stripe or Shopify.
💡 Pro Tip
We can connect a checkout experience to your LMS via our new plugin. This works on any Totara LMS so you can sell learning content in a breeze.
Learn more about eCommerce in an LMS
8. Gamification tool integrations
Incorporate gamified elements such as badges, points, and leaderboards to motivate and engage learners within the LMS.
Related: Gamification examples and best practices
9. Social learning tool integrations
Enable collaboration and discussion through tools like Slack or Yammer, fostering a sense of community and interactive learning among participants.
10. Performance management system integrations
Align learning efforts with organisational objectives by integrating the LMS with systems that track employee performance, goals, and skill development.
Related: Check out Totara Perform
BuildEmpire LMS integrations
There are four simple reasons why you should choose us when setting up an LMS with integrations:
- Comprehensive tool connectivity: We know that organisations use various tools to manage personnel and learning. We make sure to build workable integrations to help you hit the goals you need.
- Single sign-on (SSO) implementation: To alleviate the frustration of managing multiple passwords, BuildEmpire offers SSO solutions. This means users can access all the tools they need, including their LMS with one single login.
- Customised integrations: Off-the-shelf solutions don’t suit everyone. That’s why we can develop bespoke integrations tailored to specific needs, ensuring optimal functionality and alignment with organisational goals.
- Secure data sharing via SFTP: Data security is key, so we make sure to use Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to enable safe and efficient communication between platforms, which eliminates the need for cumbersome data management practices.
We can support with a wide range of LMS integrations including standard setup with a variety of widely-used tools, including:
- Slack
- Dropbox
- HubSpot
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Jira
- Zendesk
- Salesforce
By partnering with us, you can enhance your digital ecosystems, improve learning experiences, and foster a more connected and efficient operational environment.
Related: Learn more about our LMS integrations.
Want to learn more about BuildEmpire and our platform? Check out what key features we can offer, or book a demo to see it in action.
