LMS.org’s Wisetail LMS Review

Wisetail is a social LMS that’s making some big waves in the eLearning industry. The system is solid with breathtaking design elements and practical features that were crafted with the end user in mind. Configurable widgets, gamification, social communication tools, built-in reports, and seamless integrations are just a few of the tools offered by Wisetail.

Wisetail LMS Puts a New, Independent Face on eLearning

If you haven’t heard of Wisetail LMS yet, you probably will soon. The company has created an eLearning solution that is guided by the needs of their clients. The minds behind Wisetail have set out to prove that a tech company can be built in a more traditional fashion without outside capital. Simply put, they want to have the best product on the market and provide the best service to go along with it.

What Do You Get with the Wisetail LMS?

Wisetail offers an extensive list of features that are highly configurable. Additionally, the site can be branded specifically to match each client’s brand. Those who decide to give Wisetail a try will find features like:

• • Home pages with Widgets
    Administrators can create unique Home Pages thanks to Wisetail’s use of widgets. The various features available on Home Pages are called widgets and can be moved, added, or removed. Examples of such Widgets include: “Featured Content” which allows admins to feature specific content, “Who’s Online” which shows users currently on the site, “Recent Posts” which shows the most recent activity in the various social aspects of the site. There is also a Links widget with custom thumbnail images, Announcements, and much more. A custom name can be applied to each widget to match the look and theme of the page.
  • User Profiles That are Personal
    Wisetail lets users put a face to each learner who use the system. Each user profile can have as much or as little information as the company wants. A photo can be added along with hire dates, location, contributions, logins, points earned, and more. Profiles images and names also show up in social interactions throughout the platform.
  • Learning Library
    The learning library provides a space for all educational content. The “My Content” filter allows the user to review content that’s required for them based on their job role or other profile field. Categories and tags add another way to find content based on the needs of the employee.
  • Training Courses and Modules
    Training courses and modules can be built by admins via a course authoring tool. Each can contain a variety of different media types and resources including documents, videos, checklists, SCORM-friendly content, embedded video and more. Access restrictions can be set on content so that users will only see content that they are allowed to see. Tests and quizzes can be added for each module or for the entire course. Further, content can be restricted so that it can only be accessed when the user is at work.
  • Blended Learning
    The Wisetail LMS can facilitate blended learning which is a combination of traditional online learning and in-person training (also know as Instructor Led Training in some circles). Admins can create Observation Checklists so that trainers can evaluate users in-person. Additionally, admins can set up and manage in-person training events through the LMS.
  • Handpicked Requirements
    The admin can control all requirements associated with a course. A user’s forward progress can be restricted and they can be required to complete classes as well as other tasks like downloading a file or watching a video before they are able to complete a particular course or module.
  • Gamification
    Wisetail offers engaging gamification features that keeps employees interested and engaged. Point are applied to every activity—both formal, required tasks and informal voluntary activities—within the system to encourage participation. The Admin chooses point quantities so that tasks they deem to be more important carry more weight. Points can be displayed on user profiles.
  • Admin Levels & Permissions
    Different levels of access can be provided to different admins. A global admin can be assigned for access to all features and functions. Local admins can be assigned limited responsibilities and permissions. Other roles can be created like observers or instructors who can utilize more features than the average employee without allowing more access than is necessary.
  • A New Way to Blog   
    Wisetail offers a communication stream functionality they call a NOW@, which are another way to share information with the organization’s community. NOW@s work like a mini blog, where users can post announcements, information, updates, and other content. Experts can be given an online platform to share knowledge with a group or everyone. Formats include idea board, Q&A, and FAQ.
  • Multiple Homepages
    Users who manage multiple brands can utilize Wisetail’s multiple homepage capability. A new homepage can be setup to match a specific brand. Only employees who work with that brand can access the brand’s homepage. This option can also be used to create custom homepages for other purposes, like document repositories for user guides or specific department homepages.
  • Convenient Reports
    Wisetail includes built-in reports so users can easily access data any time they need it. The system includes 17 reports that fall into 3 main categories: global reports that show site activity, content reports that focus on courses and modules, and user reports that show data for individuals. Reports display well on mobile and data is filterable, searchable, and sortable.
  • Amazing Visuals
    Wisetail excels when it comes to design. The interface is highly configurable so it can be crafted to the user’s needs. While every site looks unique, each still offers a user-friendly design with space for beautiful images and icons. The user truly feels immersed in the brand when visiting a Wisetail portal.
  • High Quality Content via Wisetail House Media
    Quality and culture is a big part of the Wisetail focus, and it really shows in their in-house created content. Wisetail House Media—the media production department within the company—has created original video content that features a variety of footage from breathtaking vistas to intimate portraits of craftsman and more. It’s a far cry from the standard office training video and features elements that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.
  • Seamless Integrations
    Wisetail supports integration with an impressive collection of third party products. Users can connect with YouTube, TED, Weejee, Vimeo, Lynda.com, PeopleSoft, ADP, Paylocity, Paycom, TalentReef, PingIdentity, Okta, HotSchedules, and many more.

The Apex Community
Users can access the Apex site, which is Wisetail’s closed community. Clients can come together to discuss best practices, ask questions, and learn about features and updates to get the most out of the LMS.

The Wisetail LMS Environment

Wisetail really shines when it comes to its learning environment. The interface is stunning and can be transformed to match any brand or theme the user needs. No two sites look the same, and yet all offer access to the LMS’s many features with a responsive interface. For learners using each site, the experience feels more human and inviting.
So many configurable options may seem intimidating, but the Wisetail team really work hard to make it as simple and hassle-free as possible for the client. While other products leave the user to their own devices, the team at Wisetail step up and provide hands-on guidance and advice throughout the design and implementation process.

Who Uses Wisetail?

Many of Wisetail’s current users are restaurants, retailers, franchises, and fitness professionals. Their clients do extend to companies the healthcare, corporate, for-profit online education and creative agency spaces (among others) as well, the system has the potential to serve just about any industry. It is a valuable tool for small businesses with 100 or more employees, yet offers impressive scalability for companies with over 50,000 employees.

Supported Devices & Platforms

Wisetail works on PCs, tablets, and any mobile device. The system offers full functionality on all platforms. Users can upload videos and photos and more using a mobile-optimized interface.

Wisetail Customer Service

Customer service is another strong point in Wisetail’s repertoire. Client Experience (CX) reps provide a direct link to the user. Users can also contact the team by email, phone or through a form on the website. A number of resources are available as well, including the Apex Live site which is the Wisetail LMS set up for the client community and offers training content and communication tools for clients. Users can also learn about updates or get answers with:

• Client newsletters
• User guides
• One-day regional conferences
• Two-day Colab in-person training

The Future of Wisetail

Wisetail has already made a strong impression with its unique culture and design. Industry experts have taken notice, which is why the LMS has earned recognition and awards including:

• #32 on Outside Magazine’s 100 Best Places to Work 2016
• Appeared on Fortune Magazine’s 50 Best Places to Work list for 2016
• Named #1 Fastest Growing MT Tech Company by Inc. 5000

A number of businesses already use Wisetail including Chopt, Soulcycle, Farmer Boys, Bar Louie, Smashburger, BJ’s Restaurants, Einstein Bros. Bagels, The Cheesecake Factory, Bonobos, and Sitka. The future is bright for Wisetail. It’s only a matter of time before more companies discover its many benefits and customer service offerings.

A Standout LMS

Wisetail is bringing some tough competition to the eLearning industry. There’s so much to love with no drawbacks. The system is well-designed, highly customizable, responsive, and adaptable. They offer impressive scalability as well as the type of service most organizations want but rarely find. They offer everything the user needs in one package rather than nickel and dime clients for basic things like support. Users can build the perfect environment for any industry or purpose without paying for development from the ground up. Wisetail is truly a standout LMS that will influence the direction of the industry and its users.