Implementing a Learning Management System

The Situation

One of the largest benefit management funds in the nation, providing comprehensive benefits to a large number of workers and their families, was looking to launch a learning management system platform to allow for a consolidated online and in-person approach to assessment, registration, consultation, and coursework for their eligible members, their families, and students. The ideal platform would provide support for their onsite personnel, allow members, families, and students to register for workshops and courses, and assist with the management of financial, employment, and educational data migration. Additionally, the implementation timeline was to be dictated by the management fund’s imminent relocation to new office space.

The Strategy

Sachs Policy Group (SPG) was engaged to help the fund develop the vision, parameters, timelines, and implementation plan of this new system. The project plan, after much discussion and input, consisted of a two-phase approach. SPG led the creation and development of multiple request for proposals (RFPs) to solicit bids from qualified vendors to implement both phases of the platform. SPG played an integral part in the selection process, helping to narrow the search and ultimately select a final vendor.

SPG provided a wealth of support, including but not limited to:

  • Working closely with executive leadership to identify the company’s vision and goals of the system and its implementation guidelines.
  • Identifying the appropriate and necessary system functionalities, to ensure a seamless transition and configuration across multiple departments within the company.
  • Developing comprehensive RFP narratives that encapsulate the needs and goals of the organization, as well as highlight integration efforts of current legacy systems; and
  • Assisting with the execution of a two-phased approach to the system roll out across multiple systems, departments, and teams within the company.

The Impact

By working with company leadership and developing comprehensive RFPs, the company was able to hire a vendor to implement and develop the new system that will be used for multiple functions across the organization. Currently, the company has completed live rollout of the first phase of the systems implementation, which included the integration of current legacy systems, the migration of data, the enhancement of member platforms, and the training of staff on the new platform. The second project phase is underway, with SPG leading the mapping and planning of further expansion and enhancement of the remaining functionalities within its existing system.

The system itself has already shown its worth; creating efficiencies within the company that were absent prior. As company staff, as well as clientele, gain familiarity with the system’s robust functionality, SPG will continue to assist with further updates and enhancements.