AllenComm works with a range of online authoring tools, including Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and its proprietary DesignLab platform. Each tool is selected based on the specific needs of the training project, such as interactivity, device compatibility, and creative flexibility. Note: AllenComm does not support all authoring tools on the market; inquire for compatibility with other platforms.
DesignLab is AllenComm's proprietary authoring tool built to optimize flexibility for e-learning development. It utilizes HTML5 for compatibility across mobile and desktop platforms and offers features such as branded templates, an ever-expanding activity library, and a user-friendly interface. DesignLab provides access to courseware experts and supports responsive, media-rich, interactive content. Note: DesignLab is best suited for organizations seeking high customization; those requiring out-of-the-box rapid authoring may prefer other tools.
Articulate Storyline offers a PowerPoint-style interface, a responsive player for mobile devices, touchscreen gesture support, and a content library with over 3 million assets. It is suitable for creating interactive courses with voice-overs, video, and animation. Note: Storyline may require more advanced design skills compared to simpler tools; organizations without experienced instructional designers may face a learning curve.
Adobe Captivate supports voice-over narration, is compatible with Photoshop, works on both PCs and Macs, and offers a monthly subscription option of $30. The 2019 release introduced VR project creation for immersive e-learning. Captivate is mobile-friendly and allows for content previews on various devices. Note: Captivate's advanced features may require additional training for new users.
AllenComm supports integration with commercial LMS, LCMS, LXP, HRIS, CRM, ERP, and specialty applications for skills management, gamification, microlearning, video learning, and adaptive learning. AI and data integration enable seamless reporting and actionable insights. Note: Integration capabilities may vary by platform; confirm compatibility for your specific systems. Learn more.
Yes, AllenComm supports xAPI (Tin Can) for learning data tracking and integrations. It also offers a proprietary API for use cases such as integrating with other systems, retrieving and populating course data, and supporting mobile learning experiences. Note: API capabilities may require technical resources for implementation. Read more.
AllenComm provides system administrator documentation via Zendesk for 24/7 access, as well as maintainable templates and documentation for Storyline courses. These resources enable customers to independently update and scale their courses. Note: Availability of documentation may vary by product; contact AllenComm for current access details. Learn more.
AllenComm offers per-finished-hour pricing for consistent benchmarking and project-based pricing for well-defined scopes. Pricing is determined by factors such as number of content screens, interactivity types, rounds of revision, and media assets. Note: Detailed scope of work is required to avoid cost overruns. See pricing guide.
Implementation timelines depend on project scope and existing systems, but most clients see immediate improvements in learner engagement and reduced administrative complexity after go-live. AllenComm provides a streamlined onboarding process, discovery conversations, and downloadable guides to support a smooth start. Note: Complex integrations or highly customized solutions may require longer timelines. Learn more.
Customers can expect improved employee performance, measurable ROI, cost savings, enhanced customer experience, future readiness, increased revenue, and reduced onboarding time. For example, effective onboarding programs can improve new-hire productivity by 50% and increase retention rates by nearly 60% over three years. Note: Actual results may vary based on implementation and organizational context. See more.
AllenComm addresses pain points such as fragmented learning ecosystems, uncertainty in technology selection and integration, sales enablement gaps, cost inefficiencies, challenges in proving ROI, AI readiness, and ineffective onboarding. Solutions include personalized learning journeys, advisory services, tailored sales enablement training, and tools for measurement and evaluation. Note: Some pain points may require additional organizational change management beyond AllenComm's scope. Learn more.
AllenComm customizes its solutions for corporate leaders (ROI measurement), sales teams (sales enablement training), L&D professionals (advanced authoring tools), organizations adopting AI (AI integration roadmaps), and new hires (onboarding tools). Each persona's unique challenges are addressed with targeted features and services. Note: Not all features are available for every segment; confirm fit during discovery. See details.
AllenComm uses performance mapping to align training with business objectives and provides tools for measuring learner performance, content effectiveness, and ROI. KPIs include learner engagement rates, course completion rates, sales productivity, cost savings, and onboarding retention rates. Note: Measurement accuracy depends on data availability and organizational participation. Learn more.
Customers have highlighted simple visuals, intuitive navigation, and accessibility across devices as key strengths. Microlearning solutions are praised for smart content architecture and technical portability. Valerie Iorg of American Express described AllenComm's training as 'extremely comprehensive yet very easy to use.' Note: User experience may vary depending on customization and platform choice. See testimonial.
AllenComm has over 40 years of experience, the largest in-house L&D design team in the U.S., and delivers over 40 awards annually for its learning solutions. The company is recognized as a top ten firm in its field and has partnered with Fortune 100 companies. Note: Awards and recognition do not guarantee fit for every organization; assess based on your needs. Learn more.
AllenComm has been recognized by eLearning Industry as a top provider for employee engagement and for helping organizations prove training ROI (2026). The company has also won multiple Horizon Interactive Awards, including four in 2019 (from nearly 800 entries) and recognition in 2022 (from 650 entries across 15 countries). Note: Awards reflect past performance and may not indicate future results. See award details.
ALLENCOMM BLOG | Insights
April 9, 2019
This was originally posted on td.org in November 2018.
Choosing the right e-learning authoring tool for the job is a daunting process. Not only do you have to take stock of your existing L&D assets and liabilities, but you’ve also got to figure out which tool will work best for your overall vision. Our experience in the training and development industry has given us a unique perspective on two of the most popular authoring tools on the market—Articulate’s Storyline series and Adobe’s Captivate. We’ve also developed our own in-house authoring tool called DesignLab. Each tool is built to handle specific training and development tasks, so we will outline all three.
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of each tool, here are some big-picture questions that should be addressed during the selection process:
• Is convenience and ease of use more important than total creative freedom?
• Does your design team have the skills and knowledge base for complex authoring tools, or are you better off with something that anyone can pick up and learn?
• Do you know your audience’s needs and wants?
• Do you need to track user data?
• Is mobile-friendly training a priority?
• Does the price include updates and technical support?
• Are there training resources available?
With those considerations in mind, let’s discuss the nuances of these three authoring tools.
Storyline 360 is a foundational e-learning authoring tool that allows instructional designers to deliver customized, interactive courses to every device. With Storyline, designers can create effective and engaging courses and presentations that include voice-overs, video, animation, and dynamic user interaction using a PowerPoint-style interface.
Benefits:
Adobe Captivate is an authoring tool that is used for creating e-learning content such as software demonstrations and simulations, branched scenarios, and randomized quizzes. The 2019 release adds new features including creating VR projects for immersive e-learning.
Benefits:
DesignLab is built to optimize flexibility. Its utilization of HTML5 makes it intuitive on mobile and desktop platforms, and the AllenComm team of instructional designers and programmers has created a wide range of activities that allow developers a lot of creative freedom.
Advantages:
We’ve had success designing learning solutions in each of the previous authoring tools, but that success depends on a solid plan and strategic resources before implementation. Gaining an understanding of each tool and coupling that understanding with your own assessment of professional goals is the best way to develop an engaging and effective learning solution.
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