Timetable Software

[crc-ict]

Dear all,

 

Might not be quite the right forum, but I'm looking for recommendations for timetabling software.

 

We are a large Primary, but are looking at more of a secondary-type model of timetabling, so need quite a bit of flexibility and powerful features to make best use of our staff and resources.

 

Any suggestions from the group for software to look at, or avoid?

 

Thanks.

[TLARWise]

Your best bet is probably https://www.timetabler.com/

 

The other main alternative is NovaT6 but that is part of SIMS. I don't know if it is available as a seperate entity anymore but even if it is it is likely to be a lot more expensive than Timetabler.

[RootsSchImp]

What MIS are you using? In my experience most TT software is much of muchness (I've used Nova T6, Timetabler, Facility Scheduler and Bromcom eTimetable) so having some that makes it easy to export the MIS is a factor worth considering.

[noelmm]

Our SLT currently like Keith Johnson however we are trying to steer them towards Bromcom eTimetable as we use Bromcom for our MIS.

[vikpaw]

Which MIS you have and compatibility is a big factor along with who will do it and any preferences.

 

If more than one person is going to do it then you need flexibility to allow that but it’s not a huge issue. Most work offline.

 

I would say Keith Johnson is the most widely known and favoured and has the benefit of really good support and guidance which is key if you have peculiarities. There are also a combo of free workshops and third party run training, some of which can be pre-purchased at a discount.

 

The trial is free to download and work through so get your timetabler(s) to give it a go. An hour of work through is really useful. The manual is like a bible.

 

Other software favoured elsewhere includes ACS, GPUntis (German and favoured quite a bit in Europe), Prime, Mimosa, and some free ones you can Google. I’ve only encountered the first two in the field, aside from spreadsheets and archaic Dos programs from the early 90s.

 

Your MIS may have a tool built in, they aren’t always great and I know many people favour Timetable.

 

It’s worth signing up to their mailing list / newsletter regardless of whether you use them because they have great tips throughout the year to prompt you to do the planning, e.g. sort out options, plan new staff etc.