The client
A US-based, multinational telecoms conglomerate working across broadcasting, telecommunications and entertainment. Over several decades it grew largely through targeted mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
M&A success depends heavily on onboarding. The stretch from late-stage due diligence through acquisition and integration carries real risk: when cultures, identities, processes and systems clash, value is destroyed.
What was the challenge?
The client needed to consolidate several LMS platforms into one. Its M&A team was moving away from another learning vendor as part of a wider vendor consolidation, and the old platform was scheduled for retirement. The go-live window was under four weeks.
"This was a worrisome period because we were leaving one vendor and moving to another." (Project lead)
"We only had 3 weeks to get it done ahead of go-live in week 4 when our old platform would be shut down." (Project lead)
They chose us for the platform's robustness and scalability, its flexibility, and our commitment to tight deadlines.
How was it delivered in three weeks?
- We started preparatory work ahead of time, outside standard PO and contract timescales, so procurement couldn't cause delays.
- A custom, stand-alone instance on the client's own domain was ready in three days.
- Buffer time was built in for the client's L&D team to migrate content.
- The platform was customised and live in three weeks instead of the four available.
- One-to-one support ran through real-time video calls and "show and tell" sessions.
For the M&A teams, the platform now covers:
- Risk: compliance, security, legal and process training before acquired staff join
- Change: everyone understands the plan, timelines, processes and goals
- Culture: new ways of working that keep what made each business distinctive
- Integration: removing duplication and sharing best practice
- Transition: training in new processes, SOPs and systems to reduce anxiety
- Engagement and retention: surveys, reviews, appraisals and pulse checks
What were the results?
- Two LMS vendors became one, with streamlined contract and training management.
- Significant savings in training and administration costs.
- Faster time to competency for acquired staff, who complete compliance and onboarding sooner.
- Six more business units now use the platform, with Procurement and Contracts teams next.
- The platform averages two support tickets per 100,000 users per week.
What the client said
"Everyone appreciated the 121 training calls and high availability of the Create LMS team as needed."
"The LMS platform is remarkable with only 4 things to learn."
"Every expectation exceeded."
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