Timetabling software - NT6 - alternatives?

[ieuan99]

Hi

 

I'm aware there are other threads on here from a few years ago but wondered if there was any up to date opinions of timetabling software.

 

I'm just about to take over timetabling in my school and have been dipping my hand in since next years timetable has proven to be very complicated and Nova T6 has really struggled to meet the needs of our curriculum plan. I understand it might be coming to the end of its life, but who knows when.

 

Does anyone use other software - I've seen mention of timetabler - but previous posts mention issues with importing into Sims and manually having to do this - unless in the past few years they've improved this.

 

Any advice greatly received in preparation for next year!

 

Thanks

[vikpaw]

+1 for Keith Johnson's Timetabler - it has a really good integration with SIMS, I've not heard of many people having issues with it. I've used it with Engage and that has way more issues with the import, though most of them were due to our unusual curriculum structure.

 

It's such a dark art, that I wouldn't let import issues put you off. If you can get it to build what you want in a way that works, then that's 90% of the burden removed. The last two years regardless of where the timetable was built I've found it much easier to manually import anyway. Yes, it's longer than a simple one click import or a wizard with matching, but a bit of repetitive clicking is nothing compared to the hassle of not getting a decent TT designed in the first place.

 

I don't usually have to do the timetabling myself, just resolve issues when they occur so from my point of view, I'd say if NT6 isn't cutting the mustard, Timetabler is the way to go. You're pretty late in the game to start now, so I'd get cracking. They have a free trial download with a work-through guide so you should quickly see if it is capable of what you need and they have a pretty good support team in place with lots of resources. I'm pretty sure there is even a discount if you're leaving NT6.

[oldtimer]

We support over 200 high schools using SIMS, all but a few use Nova and from what we see it is very flexible and fits almost all requirements. Most issues with curriculum plans we see are due to a lack of understanding of how Nova works, there is no real substitute for attending the 4 day course if you are going to get the best out of it.

It is also worth remembering that a Nova curriculum plan gives structure in academic management which makes managing class and course memberships much more efficient. That can mean a lot of time saved over an academic year.

[ieuan99]

Thanks for this - I’ve run the trial of Timetabler - now just to persuade the boss to pay for it!

[MkII]

I didn't think there was a free trial of timetabler any longer? I must've been looking in the wrong places!

Nova has been rubbish in my humble opinion. It only gets in the way. I have to translate a working plan to it, because Nova can't do any of the working out itself. It's a pain in the bum having to chase around the tabs to get things placed. Switching between tabs half the time dumps you into a different group. Pain and more pain.

[vikpaw]

I didn't think there was a free trial of timetabler any longer? I must've been looking in the wrong places!

Nova has been rubbish in my humble opinion. It only gets in the way. I have to translate a working plan to it, because Nova can't do any of the working out itself. It's a pain in the bum having to chase around the tabs to get things placed. Switching between tabs half the time dumps you into a different group. Pain and more pain.

@mark - the downloadable demos are all tutorials with a guided workbook to give you a flavour of the full package - https://www.timetabler.com/download/

[Bev]

I've been using ASC Timetables for the last 10 years, it's very easy to use and works well. You can set up different rules quite easily, so if you always want Maths in the morning for example you can force that.

 

THe only thing I can't do is import it into SIMS. If someone can point me to some help on how to manually setup the timetbale in SIMS I'd be appreciative.

 

http://www.asctimetables.com/

Edited September 11, 2017 by Bev

[ChrisH]

I use timetabler as well, because it's easier for me to visualise things when placing lessons, as I can see what classes/blocks are what and I don't have to hover over things all the time.