Introduction:

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s crucial for keeping our industry gears turning smoothly: understanding the difference between Skills Management Systems (SMS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) for skills. Whether you’re on the shop floor or in the corner office, knowing which skills management system can boost your team’s productivity and skillset is key.

So, let’s break it down! 

Understanding the Basics: 

First things first, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. A Skills Management System is like your personal manufacturing coach. It helps you track and develop the specific skills needed on the manufacturing floor. Think of it as a tool that knows your team’s strengths and weaknesses and guides you on what to improve. 

On the flip side, a Learning Management System is more like a comprehensive online university for your team. It offers a wide range of courses and training materials, not just limited to manufacturing skills. It’s your go-to for overall learning and development. 

Benefits of a Skills Management System: 

• Tailored to Manufacturing Needs: SMS is all about specificity. It zeroes in on the exact skills and training needed for your manufacturing processes, ensuring your team is top-notch in what matters most.
   
• Real-Time Skill Tracking: Imagine knowing at a glance who can handle that new CNC machine or who needs a bit more training. That’s the power of SMS – keeping track of skills in real-time and which skills to prioritize to increase your workforce mobility. .
   
• Boosts On-the-Floor Efficiency: By focusing on critical skills, SMS helps reduce time wasted on irrelevant training, making your team more efficient and ready to tackle specific tasks.

Benefits of a Learning Management System: 

• Broad Learning Opportunities: LMS isn’t just about manufacturing; it’s about expanding your team’s horizons. From leadership skills to software training, it offers a diverse learning palette.
   
• Flexible and Accessible Learning: With an LMS, your team can learn anytime, anywhere. It’s perfect for fitting in some learning around those hectic manufacturing schedules.
   
• Tracks Learning Progress: LMS systems often come with nifty tools to track how your team is progressing through courses, giving you a clear view of their development journey.
   

Which One Should You Choose?

Now, here’s the million-dollar question: which system is right for you? Well, it depends on your team’s needs. If you’re looking to target the development of critical skills and want a system that’s all about the nitty-gritty of your daily operations, go for an SMS. But, if you’re aiming for broader development and diverse learning opportunities, an LMS might be your best bet.

Just about every LMS focuses on generic skills and allowing employees to build their career paths. Although these features are quite useful, it is not what we need on the shop floor.  

Conclusion:

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, staying ahead means constantly evolving and learning. Whether through a Skills Management System or a Learning Management System, investing in your team’s growth is a win-win. So, assess your needs, weigh the options, and get ready to rev up your team’s skills to full throttle!