by Mohana Radhakrishnan

Most training leaders agree that one of their top three challenges is obtaining accurate, reliable data about the effectiveness of their training programs. We've found that the first step in overcoming this challenge is actually to produce less data, and more intelligence.

Cost and activity measurement is valid in some regard. But many training leaders struggle in this area, knowing the data they bring to the executive table has limited strategic value. This includes statistics such as total training hours delivered, total learners trained, and the quantity of classes conducted.

In most cases, organizations face twin challenges - unsophisticated LMS reporting capabilities, and data that's limited to whatever resides in the LMS. In other words, the data they need to produce more valuable business intelligence is hiding in disconnected data sources. That's because training departments rarely capture some of the most useful information for their reports.

One strategy to overcome the first obstacle is to work closely with the various business units, because they typically gather critical performance data. For example, you're likely to find appropriate performance metrics, quota attainment data, and employee evaluation scores-all of which is valuable.

Comparing that information with training participation patterns will likely provide evidence that helps quantify the impact of your training programs.

For the second issue - dealing with fragmented data distributed throughout disconnected databases - there are three possible solutions:

(1) Migrate data into a single system. Usually, this is an unrealistic option, especially for large corporations.

(2) Build connection points between specialized systems . Assessment data typically resides within an assessment tool database (LMS or HRMS). And various functional groups in your company may have their own performance or evaluation-focused systems. The challenge is how build and maintain viable connections to gather all the critical data needed for a complete reporting picture.

(3) Build data marts or similar repositories . This means consolidating all necessary data from multiple systems into a single database, enabling you to build reports from a central resource. This is usually the easiest and most cost-effective solution.

To learn more about this concept, and to find out more about how to optimize your learning technology, download the white paper: Secrets of Successful Learning Systems.

If you need more advice on how to increase the efficiency of your learning organization, feel free to contact me.