SIMS newsimsdatabase

[APS]

Hi all, I'm just setting up SIMS on a private computer so that I can get use to some features. And when I log into the Attach Database, I type in my login details e.g username, password, database location. Now then, I've created a database but for some reason when SIMS comes to the database configuration, it freezes about half way into it, I don't know why. However, back to the attach a database. I select the pre installed database which is called newsimsdatabase. That attaches and is successful and when I log into SIMS then it says ''you must run the configuration utility before you can use this application''. I log into sims with the username sysman.

Any ideas on what could be wrong.

I would of thought of because the ''newsimsdatabase'' was pre installed and already came with sims, I thought it would have had some example data on it.

If you can, please let me know

Thanks.

[superfletch]

Nope, newsimsdatabase is literally blank, it is simply a database structure with the correct tables and so on, there's no pupil/staff/school data whatsoever - for that sort of thing you need to be on supportnet with LA access to the training datasets really.

 

If memory serves the config utility sets up stuff like - is the school primary/secondary/special/independent, DfE number etc

[vikpaw]

I thought you got this sorted last month..?

Didn't the same procedure that you used on the network do the trick?

If it's a test setup, you could load your data onto the install, just be very mindful of the security of the private computer, where it's used, who has access etc.

[APS]

Yes, last month I had SIMS of Capita, the installation disk. Now SIMS is running good at the school, but I would like a sample data to practice on and get use to some of the features in SIMS. I cannot do it in the workplace as the network managers will not let me have full access to the database because of the data law and security.

[matt40k]

I'm afriad what your trying may not be possible. SIMS is a complex system and creating a new SIMS database is difficult task. Saying otherwise would be insulting to the many people who have dedicated their careers to it. If you are a third party who is looking at supporting it, you'll need a direct support agreement with Capita, you'll get a copy of their training database which the Capita training team has spend countless hours creating over the years, the alternative path is to "partner" with a school and use them as your guinea pig. Without knowing your end goal it's difficult to give specfic advise. What do you want to get out of this sample data? Are you looking at supporting SIMS? Or just how to manage SIMS from a techy point of view?

[APS]

I just want to get to know the tech side of SIMS, and trying out different features. Thanks for the advice.

[plexer]

If you want to get to know if then I'd guess that CAPITA offer schools training on it and you need to get your school to arrange for training, however your role at your school is confusing as you mentioned before being the head so I'm sure you could arrange these things yourself.

 

Your posts are very suspicious as it make it look like you are trying to access SIMS without good reason.

 

Ben

[vikpaw]

Yes, last month I had SIMS of Capita, the installation disk. Now SIMS is running good at the school, but I would like a sample data to practice on and get use to some of the features in SIMS. I cannot do it in the workplace as the network managers will not let me have full access to the database because of the data law and security.

 

I am struggling to believe the veracity of your claims now, because previously you stated that you were the Head Teacher. As head teacher you should know about the issues with the data law and security and be mindful of them and the network managers should at least be able to help you with your request.

Please PM to identify yourself and send me an official school email address that we can verify.

[APS]

I'm the head teacher of a small school who has one IT network manager. I understand that it is almost impossible to have a copy of the SIMS training dataset, and yes, I'm fully aware of the data protection laws. No need to worry, I have arranged support now for me to get use to the different SIMS features etc. Thanks anyways. Also, I do have a standard supportnet account which was created by my local authority . Thanks anyways.

[plexer]

I'm the head teacher of a small school who has one IT network manager. I understand that it is almost impossible to have a copy of the SIMS training dataset, and yes, I'm fully aware of the data protection laws. No need to worry, I have arranged support now for me to get use to the different SIMS features etc. Thanks anyways. Also, I do have a standard supportnet account which was created by my local authority . Thanks anyways.

 

So rather than do what has be requested so that we can validate your claims and allow you to continue to post and request information on Edugeek you have decided to gloss over that and do nothing?

 

It's not impossible at all but there are standard procedures you need to follow and as I said Capita offer training.

 

Ben

[MattMitchell]

I think the thing to remember is that you don't manage sims by accessing the database directly; you have to use the tools provided so that all the data is managed correctly behind the scenes.

 

It's not as straightforward as you'd think! For instance, just to pull together an analysis of assessment, conduct and attendance data, I have to join together around 20 separate sims reports, which are based on more underlying tables than that.

 

A lot of what sims does is extremely complex, and accessing individual parts would be liable to break something!