At first glance, the first option tends to be simpler and more cost-effective, as the company receives a pre-built learning management system from an external provider without worrying about maintenance or updates. However, custom development is often a wiser long-term strategy for larger companies due to several key benefits:
Customisation
Pre-built and cloud-based eLearning platforms offer extensive and adaptable features for managing the online learning process. However, no external platform can fully address the specific requirements and unique characteristics of every business. Only custom development from the ground up can ensure that all these individual needs are met.
Learn more about the benefits of a learning management system
Scalability
Off-the-shelf software can be a practical solution for immediate needs, particularly for smaller projects. However, as online learning sector expands, relying on pre-built learning management systems may lead to technical and organisational challenges within larger organisations.
Cost efficiency
Many believe that using ready-made software from a vendor is far quicker and more cost-effective than developing a custom solution from the ground up. However, this assumption no longer holds true. With modern no-code platforms, you can quickly build an MVP and test your ideas without breaking the bank.
You can compare the prices of adopting vs building a learning management system
Independence
Choosing a pre-built solution means a business inevitably depends on the technologies and offerings of the software vendor. Over time, this reliance can expose the company to various risks and restrict its future growth and direction.
Cybersecurity
Training processes frequently involve handling sensitive data tied to a company’s internal operations. Not all businesses are comfortable entrusting this information to third-party online learning platforms or cloud services. By developing a custom educational platform, a company gains control over data security according to its own standards.
In practice, the benefits of an eLearning platform are most fully realised through custom development. This type of platform can either be created by the company’s own IT team or in collaboration with a seasoned external vendor.