SIMS Support Companies

[petben]

Does anyone use companies other than Capita for SIMS support? I have been asked to investigate cost and service level comparisons. A cost saving yes, but I am concerned of another companies ability to submit patch requests or provide high level support on mission critical components - exams, finance, personnel etc.

 

Does anyone have any good or bad things to say about 3rd parties they use?

 

Thanks

[LosOjos]

FAIR WARNING: I work for an SSU (SIMS Support Unit)

 

Totally understand your concerns about using an SSU, you would think that the best support would come direct from Capita. However, in my experience this is not the case. Although we as an SSU do occasionally have to escalate to Capita (i.e. if there's a genuine bug in the software), this is rare and as we represent a large number of customers, it is arguable that when this happens we have a bit more "clout" than an individual customer may have (of course there's no way I could prove that)

 

Based on my own experiences, the support from a good SSU is unbeatable. It's why I decided to go and work for one!

[speckytecky]

I'm told that the Devon County Council IT offshoot SCOMIS has a very good rep for both services (which include SIMS) and cost.

[TMBS]

We use LEAMIS in Leicestershire which as always worked well as they know our school setup. With recent cuts the support has not been as good though...

[eraser]

http://www.keystonemis.co.uk/ - have a good reputation in the East Yorkshire area

[Chuckster]

Here's a PDF from Capita that lists companies that support SIMS, FMS et al.

 

https://www.capita-sims.co.uk/sites/default/files/2017-08/SIMSSupportUnit_2018.pdf

[Esteban_Child_of_the_Sun]

It can also be worthwhile looking for an accredited SSU. (I believe there are only 35 of these in the country last time I looked)

[JAC1]

Depends where you are based. SIPS IT in West Bromwich are absolutely fantastic.

[MicrodigitUK]

We switched about 6 months ago from direct support with "Capita" to "Schools ICT Services". I would say yes service is much better (skilled people who have helped quickly resolve issues) and a fraction of the cost. Win Win

[atcoates]

We use Scomis for all my schools and we're in Portsmouth. Support is excellent.