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About Cornerstone LMS
All-in-one system of learning that brings together learning, growth, skills, and capabilities into a personalized, curated experience.
Cornerstone is the most innovative and easy to use of all the systems we have tried.
End users complain that it is too big and too hard for them to navigate.
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Filter reviews (221)
Cornerstone LMS - Great product!
Pros:
I like that CSOD is an integrated HRIS system. It has a great end-user experience and a nice interface.
Cons:
Some of the file size limits are an issue. and some of the functionality does not work as one would assume. However, there are a lot of tools and resources to find ways to make the functionality work for your company.
Alternatives Considered:
You get what you pay for
Comments: It's been slowly improving. I would say that our experience is limited as so many functions are outside of the Learning Module. We purchased a smaller version and I think it shows as we are continuously struggling to make it suit our needs the way we want.
Pros:
I think that the recent changes have made the system more user friendly, but it is still not the most clear system. It manages transcripts fairly well.
Cons:
I assume (as I was hired after implementation) that you need to request it, but our permissions are more limited than I would like. We can't run reports like utilization metrics, or who is in what security role which really limits our abilities. We also don't have backend design privileges and as a web developer that is infuriating. I would say usability is less than desirable as there are HTML issues, and Transcript functionality confuses people. There isn't a natural or logical way to set up accommodation requests even when using custom forms, which in my opinion is a very bad issue. We of course have text in the email, but it's insufficient and has caused issues.
Alternatives Considered:
LMS with a lot of Capabilities
Comments: We want to drive users to go into the LMS so that they can utilize all of the learning thats offered. With Cornerstone releasing Learner Home it was a great way to get users into the system because it reminds them of Netflix which is fun.
Pros:
I like that Cornerstone is constantly releasing new tools and features to enhance the LMS. They really listen to their customers and take in all advice to make necessary upgrades. The software is easy to navigate and use. Making ILT sessions and events is straightforward. I also like how you can add badges to a learning object so that way learners feel good when they accomplish something. Also, the reporting capabilities are great and there are a number of reports you can generate to analyze how the system is being utilized.
Cons:
The Quiz functionality of the system is not good and not easy to use. Its not modern and every test you make has to be out of 100. Also, you can drag and drop questions in whatever order you want them to be. The tool is limited and needs to be upgraded for easier use.
Alternatives Considered:
Cornerstone LMS not great for complicated builds
Comments: My experience is both good and bad. Good in that I have gotten used to the way the product works and can maneuver well. Bad in that its tedious work and there are areas where streamlining is needed.
Pros:
Cornerstone was an improvement over the LMS platforms we were using 5 years ago. It handles large amounts of learning objects and dynamic assignments well if its simple. It doesn't like complicated assignments. The system works well with a simple set of learning objects assigned to a simple group with a due date. If you need to build a complicated group (one with many parameters), it may not work as well. Also the removal of items is a challenge when you are removing from a large number of transcripts.
Cons:
the administration of cornerstone is not straight forward. There are a lot of nuances that come up when you are completing various activities. There is also the inconsistencies with various screens throughout. In some areas you can click check all or uncheck all to select multiple objects. In other areas you cannot and have to click individually, which is time consuming.
Solid HRIS system with a strong LMS
Comments: Overall, Cornerstone is a solid and robust system. We run into very few issues with it. It has helped us reach our global workforce and manage learning within our organization.
Pros:
Cornerstone offers one of the better LMSs that I've managed in my career. They continue to update the system with new features and evolve it with emerging technology like machine learning and mobile compatibility. It supports all of the content we use and user management is relatively painless. Each area of the system integrates with the others. This allows for a very cohesive performance management suite.
Cons:
The weak spot of Cornerstone is their customer service. It has been a pain point for several years. They say they are working on improving it and sometimes they do, but it still has a long ways to go. I also wish the system had more robust mobile compatibility. This is something they have been working on, but they are behind some competitors. They also need further support for multimedia, specifically video.
Great Product!
Comments: Great experience and great value for the product.
Pros:
I love the integrated Cornerstone suite of products for ease of use with system management. We started with the implementation of Performance Management and it was so easy for our managers and employees to adopt, and we have recently moved over to Cornerstone LMS, which has been great.
Cons:
Not much! It was a great value for a wonderful product. The implementation was a lot of work to coordinate internally for our company wide team, but it was worth it.
Cornerstone OnDemand Response
3 years ago
Hi Kristen, we appreciate you taking the time to provide a review for Cornerstone! I'm glad to hear that you see the value in Learning & Performance. Our products are made to compliment each other and set you up for success. Implementing talent management products can be overwhelming and I hope you felt supported by the Cornerstone team during the process. If there is anything we can do to help, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Thank you for being a valued customer!
Cornerstone, prioritizing the customer
Comments: If you are looking for a system with an active community willing to help other companies this is the perfect product for you. Cornerstone holds a user group meeting every quarter in major cities which gives an opportunity to network with other companies and help each other how with challenges you are currently fixing. During these meetings we receive live training and a walk through of what other features will be developed in the future.
Pros:
A major pro is the customer service that cornerstone provides. They have rapidly developed how they consume cases in order to provide timely responses. They also provide in-depth documentation, webcasts, beta groups and live trainings around every release cycle of new features. Cornerstone really allows the clients to drive the future of their system.
Cons:
I wish their was more opportunities for customization. For example you are able to create custom pages but you are restricted to Cornerstone's layout and HTML/CSS scripting.
Alternatives Considered:
The most flexible tool I've seen
Comments: Overall after careful analysis we have remained with Cornerstone as they provide the most flexibility and options to train our diverse workforce.
Pros:
There is a tremendous amount of flexibility in the tool to address various audiences. We are able to use our PeopleSoft user data to funnel what is seen by whom, assigned to whom, etc.
Cons:
With the flexibility comes a lot to learn. It takes quite a while to become proficient in all the areas of the tool.
Alternatives Considered:
Cornerstone Review
Comments:
Overall one of the best systems in the market.
Will handle almost any use case and most of every org learning needs.
Pros:
Very robust Greate with automation Greate for compliance tracking Flexible for admins to configure
Cons:
Usability issues for end-user sometimes (too many clicks to get to the learning) Lack of some key features like Vimeo, MP3, and HTML learning item types.
Great Bones, Needs Some Work
Comments: Overall we are happy with CSOD Learning, but there is so much more that can be improved. Their support has also gotten better over the last few months, but it is still severely lacking in quality.
Pros:
There is a great underlying structure to Cornerstone Learning. The functionality is there and they are some very powerful features to help with automation and managing learning for your organization.
Cons:
The presentation is not great. The front end is serviceable, but the back end needs some coordination and simplification to be a really great product. They are addressing some of this with Xplor, but since it's an additional cost, be prepared for that.
Alternatives Considered:
Trying out a new LMS!
Pros:
This program offers a lot more options than our previous Learning Management System, including more interaction for employees. It is also easier to include other resources.
Cons:
There was a large learning curve and we had several different supporters of our transition, which made it difficult to build a partnership and learn from the support we were provided since we had to catch up our newly assigned client manager.
Alternatives Considered:
Robust Features and Ability for Customization
Comments: As a new administrator to CSOD there was a big learning curve to full understand and apply the features within the organization.
Pros:
I like the fact that you can create custom pages within the system.
Cons:
That your options and ability of what you can custom or modify is limited and/or not documented
Cornerstone OnDemand
Comments: Our business use for this was tracking regulatory training for roughly 12 trainers in the health care field. This is also where people could sign up for in-person training whether that was a leadership class, CPR, etc. We were starting to use it for succession planning - although I feel we could have just used PowerPoint. We didn't use it for performance although we looked into it.
Pros:
This is a flashy LMS. It looks great to the user. For a large organization, this was helpful with tracking regulatory trainings and more. It has all the bells and whistles.
Cons:
The reason I would never recommend this to a colleague is because of the price and admin functions. First, the price. We were shown from the beginning, everything the system could offer, which we obviously loved, but shame on us for not asking additional questions. What we saw and what we got were different. For additional pricing, we could add on. Even customer service hours were charged. In the end this costed triple what we originally thought. Furthermore, my second issue was the admin functionality. It was extremely complicated. We had 12 trainers working on the back end to get it implemented, on top of that we eventually hired 3 full time employees to work on the admin part for upgrades, running reports, etc. That is obviously another cost. As much as the system was user friendly... It wasn't worth the cost when there are plenty of learning management systems that are user and admin friendly, for less.
Alternatives Considered:
A learning experience
Pros:
Range of functionality and ease of implementation. Does more than most LMSs out there. Initial setup and integration was outsourced and great whilst support lasted.
Cons:
Expensive and some features hidden behind paywall. Customer support varied dependant on who your CSM was.
Alternatives Considered:
Cornerstone Learning Module is very good and continues to make excellent changes!
Comments: Cornerstone allows us to have a simplified system while collecting employee data on their training. Mandated courses can now be assigned and be able to be tracked for completion. My experience overall has been very good and I would suggest this software for other businesses.
Pros:
I like that it is fairly easy to use for most people even those that aren't tech savvy. I also like the fact that they strive to make things better with each release. In the five years that I have been with them, they have come a long way in making some wonderful changes.
Cons:
The implementation still remains as being a horrible experience. We had a great product leader but were left confused with many of the processes. We also choose to implement way too fast, so if given the chance again it would be great to implement a bit slower.
Alternatives Considered:
Great LMS
Pros:
Excellent UI and End User experience. Great product and customer teams, quarterly updates that always add meaningful, high quality new features.
Cons:
Lots of configuration, you really have to know what you want to achieve, rather than just take it off the shelf.
Cornerstone OnDemand Response
3 years ago
Hi Matt, thank you for taking the time to leave a review! I'm so glad you see value in our product and internal teams. We strive to give our customers the best experience possible and quarterly updates are part of that. We want to keep innovating and listening to what features you want to see. Configuration makes the product unique to each customer but it can be a lot. We are always here to help and answer questions. We want everyone to be successful. Thank you for being a great customer!
A quality LMS and performance management product
Comments:
I've been an administrator for Cornerstone (CSOD) for about 2 years now. We use the Learning and Connect modules and we have added Observation Checklists from the Performance module. I've previously managed 5 other LMSs in both corporate and education settings. I can honestly say that CSOD is one of my favorites, however, it's not without frustrations at times.
Pros:
-There's been little to no unscheduled downtime.
-They have a quarterly release schedule, which is packed with useful features and updates and then bug fixes/maintenance windows EOW.
-The LMS module works well with most SCORM compliant courses. An issue I struggled with while managing another competitor. We mainly use Articulate Storyline 1 & 2, but it also works well with tutorials that we've purchased from third parties.
-Reporting is powerful and available real-time.
-The enrollment tools allow for a single enrollment or dynamic/scheduled enrollments.
-I really like the customization offered in the portal. Welcome and custom pages have just enough flexibility to allow for creativity, yet are still easy to use. There are also settings for the menu and branding, which allow you to create a unique experience for you audience.
-The system has played well with our nightly user feed from SAP.
-I manage several user roles that allow me to effective manage the rights of various users throughout the system.
-CSOD has revamping several areas of the system to give them a more modern look and feel.
-Additionally, they have a mobile app that just recently received an update that updated its UI.
-Their user conference is one of the best I've ever attended.
Cons:
-Their Global Product Support is sub-par and has been ever since I started managing the system, despite what they call "growing pains" within their structure that they are supposed to be addressing. Not a very good excuse and it is tiring working with them at times.
-Although their mobile app is decent, they seem to introduce a new bug with every release and they only update the app quarterly, so my users have to live with the bug for 3 months before it is patched.
-Their integration with WebEx for vILT just broke last year and it took them 8-10 months to patch it.
-There overall message is that they are a tech company that is fun and nimble like Google or Facebook, however, with their fast growth, they feel like they are moving the direction of SAP and Oracle.
CSOD Review
Comments: We have been working with CSOD for almost two years. Of all the modules CSOD has to offer, the LMS is probably the best. CSOD offers some great resources to get your questions answered however, their Global Product Support for more technical questions/issues is terrible. They have made an effort to improve that team recently however, it has a long way to go. I mentioned it above in the cons section - if you plan on using multiple modules be aware that each module seems to have been developed in a silo effort & there is no consistency throughout.
Pros:
1. Quarterly releases with a transparent road map 2. Offers a Client Portal to connect, ask questions & make suggestions, which actually gets used & is useful 3. Scheduled down times are limited 4. Recent updates have added a more modern UI/UX
Cons:
1. Global Product Support 2. Global Product Support 3. Global Product Support 4. If you plan on using CSOD's other modules (e.g. Performance, ATS, etc) keep in mind that there is no consistency & the UI/UX will be different depending on where the user is in the system. Although you cannot consider this a con of their LMS.
Best LMS/LXP out there
Comments: Excellent- we are consistently improving automation and reporting, and continue to win national training awards with CSOD in the background.
Pros:
I have been in the HRIS world for awhile, and touched many different products. CSOD has been one of the best, the logic and function makes sense, it is intuitive, and the improvements always bring excitement and enthusiasm to the group. Looking for amazing dynamic software - that can handle either a push or a pull type learning experience, you have found it.
Cons:
GPS - struggles. Developers tend to QC live with the early adopter and client community... they are truly Agile in that sense. GPS is undergoing change, and it has improved drastically in the past 2 years- there is a lot of work left to do.
CSOD LMS - product review 2021
Comments: CSOD is offering us the solution for an LMS tool that is deployed almost worldwide within our organization and due to the customization level we have reached we can offer it to the branches with different license types: for Regulatory basis only, for Digital activity or full package containing also ILTs.
Pros:
The entire documentation (OnlineHelp, release notes) , community and forum is well structured and easy to find an information or use case. Also, the Product academy is offering us support to get the recognized CSOD certifications.
Cons:
some of the improvements we suggested were not prioritized; Some actions we raise to GPS support are marked as billable working orders even if sometimes it is related to a tool issue.
Great learning management system for the future of work
Pros:
I like that they are adding new features to adapt to the future of work (skills and AI driven recommendations). They have worked with us closely to understand our needs and help us find creative solutions. We are now able to identify skills gaps in different teams and departments and share this information with business leaders to inform learning strategy.
Cons:
There are still some kinks to work out as Cornerstone evolves their platform. Their skills and AI capabilities are very early in their development, but they are open to feedback and are rolling new capabilities out consistently.
Alternatives Considered:
A potential game changer for the learning and development industry
Comments: Has helped in creating a modern next gen learning solution in the company
Pros:
Some of the newer features which supports digitized content
Cons:
Some of the archaic features such as the primitive tool used to download evaluation or feedback results
Clunky from the instructor view
Comments: We need a system that is easy for customers to access along with instructors and administrators. Maybe its the way we have it implemented, but analytics from attendees and engagement is non exisitent
Pros:
The calendar of my sessions is nice. And having my certificates in one place is good too. Also like being able to download a roster copy
Cons:
reporting from an instructor standpoint is limited (only can get the roster). Would be good to see who has taken previous related courses or been in one of my sessions from within the system
Really need a reliable LMS for company needs
Comments: I would enjoy more training on every functionality that we may not know that we are using.
Pros:
We hold all learning transcripts on the LMS. We build courses and assign all learning to every employee. We love the reporting function and constant updates.
Cons:
It is hard to get the right information when you need it immediately. If you join a call for questions, most of the times it is full and you have to wait until the next day. The person who sells it to you doesn't support you after.
Great LMS and support!
Comments:
Cornerstone OnDemand is used in our company as a global learning management system. It is now implemented globally across all markets and regions. We want to use Cornerstone OnDemand a as one stop shop for our employees for any type of learnings. So all learning content we have, was or will be migrated to Cornerstone OnDemand.
We are only using the learning cloud. The functionality which exists now is covering most of our scenarios. It also covers specific factory and pharma requirements. We still have a lot of requirements for future enhancements. We believe Cornerstone OnDemand (CSOD) can do better in reporting and needs to redesign some older modules (like Exams and Evaluations). But in general we are satisfied with CSOD's functionalities.
Pros:
Great customer support and client approach. Very professional product management team Cornerstone OnDemand's functionality covers most of the requirements from different industries for both white and blue collar [workers]. Good possibility to configure solution. Delivering new enhancements with every release (quarterly).
Cons:
As Cornerstone OnDemand becomes bigger, it is difficult to deliver enhancements with the same speed. Cornerstone OnDemand needs to increase number of developers to keep same level of enhancements, quality and speed.