Arlo Training Software Review for Association Executives

Arlo Training Management Software Review for Association Executives: Streamline Professional Development

Running professional development programs shouldn't feel like you're trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Yet, many associations find themselves in a circus act, trying to coordinate instructors, process payments, track compliance, and deliver courses in every format imaginable. Enter Arlo Training Management Software, your trusty ringmaster, ready to tame these operational lions with a platform designed for structured learning programs—essential for associations serving professional communities without breaking a sweat.

What category is this software found in?

Arlo operates as a Training Management System (TMS), distinct from Learning Management Systems. An LMS delivers online, self-paced content; a TMS manages operational logistics of instructor-led training. An LMS serves as your digital classroom; a TMS operates behind-the-scenes managing scheduling, instructor assignments, venue coordination, and registrations for live training across formats [1].

Summary of Arlo Training Software

Founded by John Mitchell in 2007 to simplify training operations [2], Arlo serves 70+ countries, processing over $1 billion in training transactions with 40,000 courses currently scheduled [2]. Customer Jill Snell notes: "Arlo's reporting tools offer real-time insights into course performance, attendance, and learner engagement that help prioritize high-impact decisions that drive growth" [3].

The Purpose Statement of the Software

Arlo eliminates administrative burden, preventing exceptional learning delivery. The platform consolidates registration, communication, payment processing, basic CRM, scheduling, and reporting [2], helping associations "serve members" by simplifying training logistics and operations [4].

What Makes Arlo a Fit for the Association Market

Associations operate where member education generates mission impact and non-dues revenue. Many struggle with event tools not designed for recurring programs, CRMs unable to handle instructor management, and disconnected accounting.

Arlo provides purpose-built functionality for continuing education, certification programs, professional development, and technical training. The Vancouver Island Construction Association automated registration and scaled training delivery after implementing Arlo [5].

The platform serves associations that deliver recurring courses, manage instructor rosters, track continuing education credits, offer public and private training, and generate significant education revenue beyond AMS capabilities.

Most AMS platforms handle basic event registration but lack ongoing training depth. The SmartThoughts Tier framework [6] notes Tier 2/3 AMS systems rarely provide instructor scheduling, multi-session management, waitlist automation, and training-specific CRM that robust education programs require.

What are the Functional Goals of the Software?

• Course Management – Recurring templates, multi-session programs, instructor/venue coordination across formats

• Registration & Payments – Automated workflows, customizable forms, payment processing, invoicing, waitlists

• CRM – Contact records, training history, lead capture, audience segmentation, organizational relationships

• Communications – Automated confirmations, reminders, instructions, surveys, certificates

• Website Integration – Embedded course catalogs or standalone branded solution with real-time updates

• Reporting – Custom reports on trends, profitability, utilization, attendance, financial performance

• Integrations – Wicket,Moodle, Salesforce, Zoom, accounting/marketing software, thousands via Zapier [1, 7]

Where Does Arlo Fit in the Association Technology Ecosystem?

Arlo complements rather than replaces an AMS. Your AMS handles member database, dues, chapters, and basic events. Arlo specializes when educational missions require operational depth.

Typical pattern: maintain member database in AMS, sync relevant data with Arlo, manage training logistics through Arlo, leverage specialized education reporting.

This makes sense when education generates $500,000+ annually or complexity exceeds AMS capabilities. Per SmartThoughts [6], associations typically operate 4-12 enterprise systems. Strategic specialized investments dramatically improve functional efficiency.

Bottom line: occasional workshops fit AMS modules. Professional development businesses with dozens of annual courses need Arlo's depth.

Who are some likely competitors in the Association Market?

Many LMS platforms (Moodle, Absorb, 360Learning) focus on content delivery rather than operations, while event platforms (Cvent, Eventbrite) aren't optimized for recurring education programs. Arlo occupies the sweet spot for mission-driven professional development. Here are several likely options that may come up in a software search:

• TalentLMS – Cloud LMS with training features; strong on eLearning delivery but less specialized for instructor-led training operational logistics

• Administrate – Training administration software for training providers; comparable depth; strong corporate training reputation

• accessplanit – UK-focused, award-winning TMS; similar functionality; particularly strong in compliance-heavy industries

• Training Orchestra – Enterprise-level TMS for large-scale operations; deeper scheduling functionality but potentially excessive for mid-sized associations

• EventsAir – Comprehensive event platform with training capabilities; excellent for conferences but may lack training-specific operational depth

Training Management Software is not widely recognized in the association sector. In other words, it is not a prevalent technology product within this field. However, there are numerous scenarios where it could be crucial. It might be worth considering if the circumstances are suitable. It could be the key acronym you need!

What is the Price of this Software?

Arlo combines per-administrator licenses with per-registration fees:

• Professional Plan: $179/administrator/month (annual billing) [8]

• Enterprise Plan: $240/administrator/month (annual billing) [8]

• Registration Fees: $1.80 per paid registration, $0.90 per free registration [8]

Annual payment provides 10% discount. Arlo offers 14-day free trials [9]. A mid-sized association running 100 courses with 2,000 paid registrations might expect $15,000-$25,000 annually depending on administrator licenses needed.

In the end, it is recommended to contact the software vendor directly for the latest pricing information, as structures vary based on organizational needs, integration requirements, and regional considerations.

What Do Peers Say About This Software?

Strengths from Verified Reviews:

Capterra users consistently praise intuitive design. One Education Management professional states: "The platform is easy to use (very little technical expertise required) and all of the tools have greatly reduced the manual work associated with processing registrations and communicating with class attendees" [10]. Ease-of-use averages 4.6/5 [10].

G2 reviewers emphasize comprehensiveness. A technology coach shared: "Arlo is putting all of the tools training providers need to be successful under one application. Knowing that everything will work well together is a time save and a godsend" [11]. Responsive customer support and knowledge base resources receive frequent positive mentions.

Software Advice users note: "Great reporting, very reliable, customer service and the team at Arlo are always looking forward. There are constant updates to improve an already amazing system" [12]. Automation capabilities—particularly for confirmations, reminders, and certificates—consistently impress users.

Areas Requiring Attention:

North American users note support coverage gaps during U.S. business hours since teams operate from New Zealand and UK [13]. Some report integration challenges with North American platforms, though Arlo's Zapier integration addresses many connectivity concerns [13].

G2 users desire more customization, particularly for third-party training partner communications [11]. Some Capterra reviews mention automated emails occasionally landing in spam folders, requiring deliverability configuration [10]. One critical Software Advice review characterized implementation as difficult [13], though this appears an outlier among predominantly positive feedback.

Analyst Expert Analysis and Reasoning by SmartThoughts

Arlo represents an established solution addressing association training operational challenges. Sixteen-plus years of operation [3] and international adoption suggest product maturity—critical for member data and revenue operations.

Strengths: Training management focus aligns features with association needs. Combining operational logistics with business functions addresses fragmentation. Consistent product investment and integration breadth (Moodle, Salesforce, Zapier) position Arlo within complex ecosystems.

Considerations: Geographic support structure requires attention—New Zealand/UK roots mean U.S. real-time support may have limitations. Volume-based pricing creates budget challenges for rapid growth, though cost aligns with revenue. Leadership transition (recent CEO search [14]) warrants monitoring for product roadmap and strategic direction impacts.

Market Position: Arlo occupies valuable territory for education-focused organizations. Not appropriate for minimal offerings, but for certification programs, continuing education businesses, or skill development generating substantial revenue, Arlo's specialized capabilities merit consideration. The platform excels when associations need instructor management, resource coordination, and training-specific analytics beyond general-purpose systems.

Final Conclusion

Arlo Training Management Software represents a mature, focused solution for associations whose education programs demand operational sophistication beyond standard AMS capabilities. For Association Executives evaluating whether your current systems can handle training complexity or if specialized best-of-breed tools better serve your mission, Arlo merits careful consideration.

If you're an Association Executive seeking independent evaluation of whether Arlo or alternative training management systems align with your organization's educational needs and technology ecosystem, SmartThoughts provides objective, unbiased analysis to inform technology decisions.

For additional software reviews and association technology insights, visit: https://www.smartthoughts.net/association-software-comparison-resources/association-software-reviews

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