Extended enterprise learning has become essential for businesses looking to enhance the skills and knowledge of their non-traditional learners such as partners, customers, contractors, and suppliers. It extends training beyond internal employees to external stakeholders, thereby creating an inclusive training ecosystem that can yield significant benefits such as better customer service, increased loyalty, and more effective supply chain management. To ensure a smart extended enterprise learning solution that is both effective and efficient, here are six key factors to take into account:

1. Compatibility with Multiple Platforms:

A smart extended enterprise solution must be compatible with multiple platforms to ensure that all learners can access the materials. This often means that the platform should work well on both desktop and mobile environments, giving users the flexibility to learn at their pace and place.

2. User-Friendly Interface:

The interface of the learning platform should be intuitive and user-friendly to accommodate learners with various levels of technical literacy. Navigation should be straightforward, making it easy for users to find courses, track progress, and access support when necessary.

3. Customization and Scalability:

The solution needs to be customizable to address the specific needs of different groups within the extended enterprise. Scalability is also critical, as the platform should be able to accommodate growth in user numbers without compromising performance.

4. Integration Capabilities:

To deliver seamless learning experiences, an ideal extended enterprise solution must integrate well with other business systems such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), and HRMS (Human Resource Management System). This integration allows for better tracking of learner activities and aligns training efforts with business objectives.

5. Compliance and Reporting Features:

A smart-learning solution must have robust reporting features to monitor user engagement, progress, and completion rates. Additionally, it should facilitate compliance with various industry standards and regulations by offering features like certifications or audit trails.

6. Quality Content Delivery:

Lastly, the quality of content delivery is critical. The solution should support various formats like videos, interactive simulations, quizzes, and gamified elements to cater to different learning styles. Additionally, it should provide a consistent experience where content is kept up-to-date and relevant to the users’ needs.

These factors are vital in creating an extended enterprise learning solution that not only delivers educational content but does so in a way that’s engaging, measurable, and tailored to a diverse audience outside the core employee base.