Is it possible for one centre to run two different MIS systems?

[Castledep]

Hi

Can somebody let me know the rules about MIS systems. Is it possible for one centre to have two MIS systems running at one time? We are about to combine with another centre that runs a different MIS system to us. Can we run our current MIS system alongside the other one or do we need to move wholesale to one system?

Many thanks for your help

[elsiegee40]

I can't see any technical reason for not doing so. However, timetabling and admin suddenly could become a whole lot more complicated. Then there's two lots of licensing you're paying for.

 

The sooner you are on one or the other the better

[Castledep]

Great thank you elsiegee40- I didn't know if there were any rules regarding the census that might insist on one MIS system. It will make life easier for the first couple of years if the two systems can run alongside each other. Thanks for your response

[Greg]

Running two will be a real pain, can't you merge into the new one.

You'll also need to make sure that you are licensed to use both.

[korifugi]

It will make life easier for the first couple of years if the two systems can run alongside each other.

 

The problem you're going to run into here is that literally EVERYTHING being input or changed will have to be changed in both - doubling the work required by anyone that has to do anything in the MIS.

 

As @elsiegee40 says - double licensing is also going to be an issue. MIS' are not cheap, and the money may be better spent on training (if you're worried about staff changing over).

 

 

Why are you looking to run both side by side?

[Banjo]

Hi - What's your definition of combine? Are you moving from 2 DfE numbers to just 1 number? If so, you will need to run just 1 MIS system to complete the schools/workforce census returns.

[ITJS2015]

If it was me I would have 1 using Virtual desktop interfaces/remote logins to a server where you have it as a windows 7 OS or windows 10 and the other sims server running as usual through a domain account.

 

Its probably the simplest way of doing for the time being other than trying to merge both databases into one.