Choosing the Right Web Based School Management Software for Your Institution

Choosing the right web based school management software for your institution is not an easy job to accomplish. There are too many things to consider, from the experience of the provider, availability of useful features, simple to operate, multi-functionality and of course it's pricing. Don't just start using any web based school management softwarefor your institution without knowing their features and functions. It must fulfill your needs and help you managing your institution in the best way possible.

With the proliferation of ICT, there are more than 500 school management software available in the market, and it's very tough for schools to find the most perfect one among them, which best suited for their needs. Many times, schools had to abandon more than three software before finally getting it perfect.  Having seen so many changes in this software, it is incumbent to provide you with the easiest way to look for when embarking on your web based school management software quest so as to not repeat the mistakes of others.

In order to not repeat those mistakes and ignore being a victim of adopting countless systems with no results wasting your money and time, don't rush in adopting any solution you come by. Take your time and carefully read out these steps before choosing any web based school management software.

 

1. Time to time Up gradation/Updates

The rate of development of ITC is taking place with considerable speed. With the introduction of new technologies and software, new user requirements always keep changing time to time.While choosing web based school management software, it is essential to adopt a solution that will keep exploring and consistently getting better with time. School management software that are often updated, taking into consideration the trends in new technology, usually meet this criteria.

 

2. Flexibility

Better methods are always adopted in order to improve the school system. When your school starts using some software, it is necessary to understand the level of flexibility that comes with it.

"The software must adapt to changes in the school rather that the school adapting to what the software offers. Choose the software that is flexible and maintaining all existing data from very first day of your school's establishment."

 

3. Reliability

Tested and trusted school management software is always first choice. As a school owner, I will like to know how long others school have been using that software. Has it been reliable at the most critical time and solving their needs? These are some important questions to consider.

Another important factor is the evolution of the application. Has this software been serving schools accordance to needs of the society and changing era? Can the software evolve to fit the growing needs that the society expects of our students? These are the basic questions that need to be answered.

 

4. Long Term Support

Many school managements may have had a bad experience with some school ERPs. When the school needs a critical update or support, the designer of the software will be nowhere available. He has either gone for studies or got a job in some other company and is no more supporting that school erp.  

"Ensuring that the software is from the well-established company that is experts in designing software and school software is a key for them. In that way, you are not risking your records and becoming dependent on an individual or reverting back to primitive ways of operation."

 

5.Web-Based Solution

Depending on your needs and availability, it may be more effective to host your school management software offline or online. Both methods have their pros and cons. If your school is facing problem with the internet connection, then offline model will be more effective since the software will not be dependent on internet connection. The importance of online model is that the software can be easily accessible from any part of the world, making it possible for parents, students and teachers access from home.

 

6. Scalability

At starting, when you start using web based school management software, you may have small number of students and staffs. As the school grows, the numbers also keep growing. So the number of users will also increase as number of staffs and parents that will access the software will increase. If the software was not designed to scale, it will become unusable. The best way to determine if a solution is scalable is to look its track as mentioned earlier. Have a look at the school size of existing clients and the time period that the software has been in use.

 

7. Easy to Use

User friendly school management software is the top most priority for any school these days. When you have very complicated software, teachers may find it hard to operate, and instead of making the work easier it complicates it.  

 

8. Impact on Learning

The primary objective of every school is to provide the best way to pass knowledge to its students. Any Web based school management software that is not positively contributing to the school's knowledge base hinder its growth in all aspects. Theses are the things you should keep in mind while choosing a quality Web based school management software so as to avoid costly mistakes.

Source : articlesbase.com