Retailers know that it’s notoriously difficult to create a consistent learning experience across all sites. More so than most other industries, retail organizations are likely to have tens, hundreds, or even thousands of branches across one or multiple countries, meaning that it’s very easy for inconsistencies to creep in, which can negatively affect performance and customers’ experience of the brand.
This was a challenge for Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent retailer of new and used books. Powell’s operates five bricks-and-mortar stores, including their flagship 1.6 acre “City of Books,” and powells.com.
Identifying the learning technology challenge
Powell’s Books’ previous homegrown learning management system was implemented in the early 2000s, and was no longer fit for purpose. It could only launch Shockwave File-based training, leaving their LMS virtually unusable and facing obscurity as browsers started to phase out the technology. The vendor who originally created this LMS had also gone out of business, leaving Powell’s Books with no way to fix these issues, so they knew that they needed to start again from scratch—this time with a much more flexible, future-proof solution.
Open source, open learning
When Powell’s Books started narrowing down their options, they quickly realized that an open source learning management system would be the best option. Robin Fruitticher, director of L&D at Powell’s Books, said, “I evaluated a number of platforms but after a lot of research I decided I wanted an open source solution. The world of online training is shifting rapidly and I felt that an open source solution gives us the greatest ability to stay current on the technology as the industry changes and didn’t tie us to one company.” This is what led them to open source experts eThink Education, who, based on Powell’s Books’ LMS wishlist, ultimately recommended Totara Learn.
Creating a sustainable solution
eThink Education got to work with Powell’s Books right away, tackling each of the goals on their LMS wishlist, one at a time. This led to a robust, well-thought solution which ticked all of Powell’s Books’ boxes. Totara Learn’s HR Import functionality allowed them to seamlessly transition between solutions by moving learner data from their old LMS to their new one without any hassle, and everyone was organized using hierarchies and user groups for access to personalized content.
A fresh approach to reporting ensured that managers get the information they need about their teams and individual employees. The certification process was also automated to save time, with the system automatically sending employees a notification when they needed to complete more learning. The course completion editor and course history functionality allows Powell’s to keep more accurate records of learning, which is particularly useful for tracking the in-person element of their blended learning program. The final part of their Totara Learn platform was creating an ecommerce solution to enable Powell’s to open up their learning offering to an external user base of people outside Powell’s who also work in the book industry.
Realizing the benefits
Moving from their legacy LMS to the open source Totara Learn has been truly transformational for Powell’s Books. Powell’s now has the power to give learners personalized learning plans, including different content libraries for managers and employees. Totara Learn’s open standards, supporting LTI, SCORM, xAPI and more, facilitates easy integration between content and the learning platform. This has enabled Powell’s to implement a best-of-breed learning strategy, combining content and courses from a wide range of sources. Training across the organization is now streamlined and focused, and supports rather than distracts from their day-to-day work.
Want the full lowdown? Take a look at the Powell’s Books customer story.
This article is sponsored by:
