4Matrix Users

[ICTLady]

I know there are a few 4Matrix users on here. We've been using it for about 9 months and are just about finding our feet. The analysis is excellent but I've found that getting the right data in the right places has been very much a two-steps-forward-one-step-back process, with many mistakes, swearing and delete-it-all-and-start-again along the way.

 

Would anyone be interested in sharing knowledge and best practice, both in terms of administering the software and also how it is used in your school?

[gazskeltz]

Hi,

 

I will always be happy to help! Been using 4Matrix for just over a year and, although it has it's irritating bits (doesn't all software...) we love it. Results day was devine...

 

Regards

 

Gary

[timetableman]

We really enjoy using 4Matrix, however I do understand your frustration, of the "close it down, re-open it", reimport and try again issues. However I wouldn't be without it!

 

The positives of 4Matrix are as advertised it is really good, but there are some niggles...

 

The biggest problems we have 4Matrix, is

1) MIS ID isn't available on every export screen - This is a huge frustration when you want to throw some data into excel and do some fun things with it.

2) The VA target setting screen is flaky, very flaky. - I have lost count of the JIT runtime errors from this screen.

3) (minor) Screen resolution - When running our training on 1024x768 monitors in the ICT lab we struggle to fit everything on the screen

4) 4M have the understandable view that all staff should do things on screen - printing is an afterthought. However our SLT want EVERYTHING on paper on file as well. - Bulk printing isn't possible for most reports.

5) No web version - this is ok at the moment - but all staff have iPads and as we also have SISRA the 'use at home' is limited to the terminal server. - We use both as there is BIG gap 4M and SISRA in terms of cross-over.

 

In terms of admin, we have one person who is responsible for getting data into 4Matrix (me). We have Active Directory integration so no-logins required - one less barrier to uptake - we have two factor auth for Windows, so we're happy with this arrangement.

 

Chris at 4Matrix technical support is excellent should you have any problems.

 

If I were you I would persevere with 4Matrix, just remember to get your data correct on the spreadsheet before importing. AND keep a copy of your data your importing don't just discard it.

[SouthCoastSaint]

One thing I find frustrating are the subject ticks when you are in Admin. I used to think I was doing something wrong when every subject I clicked on had the same 5 or 6 subjects ticked - eg Art ticked for all subjects. I was previously told this is a bug and the subjects screen has changed a fair bit with the new update. However I still had ticks where they shouldn't. Have duly removed them, will wait to see if they return.

 

Our wish list is to display LOPs for all subjects, not just Maths and Englush. Transition Matrices are coming and will encourage greater staff use I think.

[ICTLady]

Thanks all.

 

I think my main frustration with it is the fact that as Admin, you write directly to the database. So one false click and your data is foobarred. I made the mistake of clicking the wrong button while attempting to merge two subjects, meaning that I merged all of their suggestions - totally NOT what I intended and non-undoable. I'm a bit more confident with it now, and making far fewer mistakes, but in the early months I found it far too easy to mess up and have to delete my series and start again.

 

I had a big breakthrough this Autumn after a long chat on the phone with Chris - I agree, @timetableman, he is excellent. I found the Admin guide frustratingly vague and consequently pretty useless - I guess they have to be, to cover all MIS-es and all possible end user scenarios. But there were some really simple things that I had missed or misunderstood, and it took a long conversation with Chris to iron those out. I feel much more confident with it since then. A user forum a la Supportnet would be fantastic.

 

Do you use the Flight Path? I haven't had time to look at that in much detail yet.