With Pathlore, BMW Adds Horsepower to Training

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 27 -- Pathlore Software Corporation announced today that BMW Great Britain (BMW GB) has purchased the software maker's learning-management system (LMS) for 14,000 users both in BMW GB and in its dealerships across the United Kingdom. Pathlore's LMS tracks and reports on corporate training delivered over the Internet.

"Among other things, the Pathlore LMS is already producing savings by enabling dealers to make course bookings for their staff online," said Christine Anderson, systems operations manager at BMW GB. "Dealers can also use the system to receive individual, emailed reports on their employees' progress."

Anderson added, "They can check course availability, confirm course bookings, and register new staff on learning programs -- all in real time. All of this greatly increases the administrative efficiency of the system."

In terms of learning, rather than administration, the LMS can launch e-learning materials to anyone who is registered on the system. The LMS also can track each learner's progress, update their training records and deliver online tests, to assess their strengths and weaknesses as well as their knowledge and understanding.

According to Anderson, this will give BMW GB an indication of the levels of skills and competencies at all levels throughout the organization.

"We can now target BMW's training development budget more efficiently and effectively by investing in new training offerings that target known gaps in needed skills and competencies," said Anderson. "Moreover, we know who has which skills and how to make the best of them."

According to Anderson, this also allows BMW GB to locate individuals or subject matter experts who have the required skills and competencies to collaborate on special projects, or help in cross-training individuals who need the skills that these subject matter experts have.

Before the installation of Pathlore LMS, BMW GB was only able to track the results of its face-to-face training and note who had logged on to participate in the company's interactive business television (IBTV) broadcasts. This could provide nowhere near the quantity or quality of management information that is now available to the company via the LMS.

"Not only is Pathlore's system proving popular among BMW GB staff," said Anderson, "but our dealers tell us that it is doing what they want it to do -- in terms of self-service bookings and cancellations, and providing the management information they need in order to monitor training activities."

About Pathlore

Founded in 1995, Columbus, Ohio-headquartered Pathlore develops software that manages, tracks, and reports on corporate training. Customers use Pathlore's products to increase sales, comply with government regulations, and adhere to quality initiatives. The privately held company's client roster includes Delta Air Lines, NEC America Inc., PNC Bank, Southwest Airlines, more than 100 hospitals and healthcare providers, and government agencies in over 30 states such as California, Ohio, and Texas. Pathlore also has offices in Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. More information about Pathlore can be found at www.pathlore.com.

Pathlore is a registered trademark of Pathlore Software Corporation. All other registered and unregistered trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.