Keeping SIMS.net updated WRT census

[Julian1]

I've been tasked with making sure our SIMS.net system is up-to-date with regard to census patches (I don't actually have to apply them but I have to make sure they have been done if or when needed). Trouble is, I have no idea what this entails. Can anybody tell me how I would find out that a patch is needed? Is there a SIMS web page that I could check for this kind of information? Any other advice/recommendations? Thanks.

[Linfit]

The updates which come out Spring Summer Autumn contain any changes to the database required for the following census - so the summer update will contain any changes required for the Autumn Census.

Other than that there are no real patches to apply unless you find an error in your data which needs clearing up, and if that needs a patch you will be inolving your support unit.

 

You likely will have to update the fileset required to validate each census though - there are often multiple version of these released up to and sometimes after the census date itself. Your support unit should provide these or you can get them from the Capita website - there is usually a support topic related to the next two upcoming census periods which will carry links to the download and instructions: they are very straightforward to import.

 

Of course all moot at the moment as the Spring Census, which I have just realised as I type this, was due tomorrow, has been cancelled.

[Julian1]

The updates which come out Spring Summer Autumn contain any changes to the database required for the following census - so the summer update will contain any changes required for the Autumn Census.

Other than that there are no real patches to apply unless you find an error in your data which needs clearing up, and if that needs a patch you will be inolving your support unit.

 

You likely will have to update the fileset required to validate each census though - there are often multiple version of these released up to and sometimes after the census date itself. Your support unit should provide these or you can get them from the Capita website - there is usually a support topic related to the next two upcoming census periods which will carry links to the download and instructions: they are very straightforward to import.

 

Of course all moot at the moment as the Spring Census, which I have just realised as I type this, was due tomorrow, has been cancelled.

 

Thanks. So is my support unit the Capita chap who drops in from time to time to update the software? What is meant by "the fileset"? Is it a script to update the database? Last question: do I need a "myaccount" login to access the correct part of the Capita website or is open to all? Thanks.

[Linfit]

You should get a myaccount login regardless - that gives you access to sometimes useful information and news, although its one of the worst sites you will ever have to use.

The fileset is actually an xml file which is imported into SIMS using the Tools>Setups>Import Fileset routine.

It contains the rules which are used to check that the data in the census return is complete and consistent when the return is validated. Its actually produced by the DFE not by Capita, so there are often delays in releases and sometimes inconsistencies which require updated versions to be imported.

If you have a "Capita Chap" who is updating the software then it sounds like you are getting your support direct from Capita. We are lucky that we have a very good local support unit so we use them - but many schools use Capita directly.

Its odd though that they would come on site - updates these days are usually automated.

[pete]

FYI, the Summer Census has been cancelled:

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-reducing-burdens-on-educational-and-care-settings/reducing-burdens-on-educational-and-care-settings

 

They're still deciding if Autumn will go ahead.

[Julian1]

You should get a myaccount login regardless - that gives you access to sometimes useful information and news, although its one of the worst sites you will ever have to use.

The fileset is actually an xml file which is imported into SIMS using the Tools>Setups>Import Fileset routine.

It contains the rules which are used to check that the data in the census return is complete and consistent when the return is validated. Its actually produced by the DFE not by Capita, so there are often delays in releases and sometimes inconsistencies which require updated versions to be imported.

If you have a "Capita Chap" who is updating the software then it sounds like you are getting your support direct from Capita. We are lucky that we have a very good local support unit so we use them - but many schools use Capita directly.

Its odd though that they would come on site - updates these days are usually automated.

 

The IT support is outsourced and they are supposed to apply the fileset, but they forget sometimes so it's my job from now on to remind them. Frequently the census data get rejected, I assume because the filesets haven't been applied. The "Capita Chap" doesn't call in often. Thanks for the explanation though, no one seems to have a very complete picture here and if I speak to the outsourcing firm the meter is always running.

 

I do have a myaccount login but for some reason it doesn't always work. I know I'm putting the right credentials in because they are stored in my browser, but I only get authenticated after numerous tries and after having been locked out several times.

Edited May 14, 2020 by Julian1

[Linfit]

The IT support is outsourced and they are supposed to apply the fileset, but they forget sometimes so it's my job from now on to remind them. Frequently the census data get rejected, I assume because the filesets haven't been applied. The "Capita Chap" doesn't call in often. Thanks for the explanation though, no one seems to have a very complete picture here and if I speak to the outsourcing firm the meter is always running.

 

Its easy enough to apply the filesets yourself - get a MyAccount login and the latest fileset is usually linked from the hot topics on the main page.