IEP Writer

[StewartKnight]

I've just been given SIMS IEP Writer, to install on a laptop that doesn't connect to the network.

Does anyone know if it has to sync with the SIMS database at any point (or constantly)?

[plexer]

Nope not at all the programs just been bought by Capita/Serco

Ben

[Michael]

When you say Sims IEP Writer do you mean this?

We have a site license for IEP Writer 3 which works fine with 2000/XP, however it doesn't communicate with Sims.NET.

Learn How Publications are pleased to announce that we are a Premier Partner of Capita Education Services. We are working together with Capita to achieve closer links between IEP Writer 3 and SIMS.net.

Currently they are two seperate applications, however I am guessing in the future that IEP Writer 3 will become a module of Sims.NET.

[andy]

Don't know loads about it, but if you are using SIMs, IEP Writer does, or can, get some data from there. How it works if your laptop is offline, I don't know.

Not much help sorry.



Andy

[pete]

Currently they are two seperate applications, however I am guessing in the future that IEP Writer 3 will become a module of Sims.NET.

It can pull data from SIMS (as of 3.7.1.2) and you can attach the IEPs to records (using the Document Server), but it's a pig and <user>"Completely different to the old way we used to do IEPs"</user>.

Consequently, I'm not sure whether SEN are actually using it.

[laserblazer]

I am the sole ICT Tech. for a school with 150+ computers and due to illness, I am also the primary first-aider. So I have a lot of distractions, which is my excuse for putting our v3.9 (I think) install disk down somewhere! I don't suppose anyone could oblige me with a copy. I shouldn't need the access key because I have been using the one of the 3.7 disk, which I still have. PM me if you can help. Thanks.

ps. Great site.

[laserblazer]

Still not found the disk and Learn How want £100 to replace it!!! Their argument is that we have a site licence and could supply it to another school. Previously, one of their sales people told me that the disk is uniquely configured for each school and that was the reason for the high cost but they seem to have changed their minds about that excuse. The word rip-off comes to mind.

It seems that Learn How are part of Capita and not just working closely with them. I would suggest you make backup copies of all Capita related products. If you are considering IEP Writer and I would suggest looking at doing your own thing using Access. It will probably work better.

As I have installed it on local drives, how easy would it be to simply copy the IEP folder to new machines?

[woody]

I've never tried copying just the folder, but I can't see why it wouldn't work. As for £100 for a replacement disk, I would make a complaint higher up. That's rediculous, if you wanted to let someone else use you license, you could do them a copy of that CD quite easily!

Write them a letter and complain officially. I would be surprised if they didn't give in!

[laserblazer]

Just copying the IEP folder onto the new machine seems to work ok. I will write a letter of complaint though and copy it to our local MP.

I'm now engrossed in producing a working strategy for IEP Writer and trying to appease all concerned. I'm not sure this is an ICT Technician's job but nobody else has the skill to do it. So that's my evening sorted as it needs to be done for a meeting tomorrow. No wonder I missplace stuff!