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Hi All So when we moved away from SIMs, there was the debate in learning a brand new timetable application, when there was already pressures in learning a brand new MIS system which in our case was BromCom. So I decided to stay with Nova as a standalone - but I also learned that they charged an extortionate amount just to keep this application - but it meant that there were not as many pressurea. Integration worked fine but a year later we have moved to WTimetable. It is a slight different method in constructing the timetable but as we get more familiar will strengthen our processes and workflow. I must also say, that the application itself is really good and with upcoming developments with AI will be even more powerful which is what we are looking forward to.

That's really interesting as I wonder how many schools will have to make other major cutbacks in other areas - especially in Year 1 while schools are transitioning across. On top of this I know some schools who are also facing major challenges with Windows 10 becoming End of Life as well - and having devices that are non- compatible - so another financial challenge on top of everything else. It will be really interesting in where this goes

Given the latest announcements by government and now mounting pressures faced within education, it is really clear that there are some major challenges facing us all and an increased drive to use techology to find efficiences across our schools. https://schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-warn-of-staff-cuts-as-reeves-snubs-sector/ There is a mention of MIS systems within this article and we all know that efficiences are not faced immediately as it takes time to phase out other systems etc etc. Question is how long before implementing a cloud MIS solution do you see reall savings - or is it a big bang approach and just transition and shut off all other applications.

I have just been doing some research into this and very interesting resonses in this thread. e-Timetable is an old software solution which has now been developed into w-timetable (see link below) which is powered by AI and a true cloud based solution https://docs.bromcom.com/product-portfolio/timetable/ The others as suggested are stand-alone based applications which were developed a very long time and with demands and developments of cloud services - having a true cloud based tt soution may be the way forward.

With point 4, does it mean that anything over the £214K contract value has to follow procurement guidelines and anything below doesn't. I would have thought anything over £10k has to follow strict guidelines - given this is public funds. Or have I just misread it?

BromCom has taken a third authority in Wales according to the latest news by WhichMIS. This is a massive move for the company in them securing this within a short space of time and shows the direction Welsh LA's have chosen a product to fit their needs. Link below - any conments welcome. https://www.whichmis.com/bromcom-secures-its-third-welsh-authority/

From the previous post re costs, if it going to cost schools more to purchase the comms package and more expensive overall then would schools not have to undertake a vfm exercise and compare across the market space which makes sense.

Interesting from WhichMIS? that highlights points and concerns as below: “Best practice guidance suggests that schools should regularly review their MIS system to ensure it meets their requirements. Where they decide they need to change their MIS, it is suggested that do so through a compliant procurement process such as using a framework etc.However, since all three of the MIS systems being discussed here are owned by the same organisation, The Key Group, would this be seen as a new MIS procurement or merely an upgrade from one product to one with more functionality, in much the same way a school might decide to upgrade a product from one package to a higher one? Only the legal profession can answer that.We are also sure that there will be concerns around competition rules and whether this dominant position and the potential to further consolidate their market share might be construed as limiting competition by forcing these schools to move to Arbor. Again, a question for the legal profession.”

Dear All, I'm a little confused here as the person who was on the SIMs stand at BETT at that time made it clear - that it was being phased out and now I'm hearing it isn't. If cloud solutions is the way forward, then is it not better to have a full cloud based TT application like some of the other competitors

Hi psydii I found this really interesting read in line with what you said and probably thinking: 2020 article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/uk-schools-mis-software-5-things-ask-suppliers-before-phil-sanders/ and an updated review taken in: 2025 article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/uk-schools-mis-software-5-years-who-looks-safe-bet-future-sanders-jmdwe/

It was at an actual SIMS stand when they were launching NextGen and the person said that they were phasing it out along with FMS and will be non-supported. I dont know when though in terms of timeline as I have no idea what they have developed n NextGen

This popped up on my professional network and I thought it may be useful for anyone on this forum looking at MIS systems for the future. The MIS Masterclass: Selecting, Implementing and Optimising Your School's Management Information System. https://www.schoolsandacademiesshow.co.uk/mis-webinar

I have a question in relation to timetabling software. We still use Nova-T and I know this is going to be non-supported soon and I just wonder if there are alternative better solutions out there that work across different MIS systems - or I wonder if there is a new version of Nova-T being developed as a stand-alone product. I'm just looking at options and thinking of time in re-training etc given the person has been using Nova for 10+ years and didnt have a chance to see any at BETT this year. Thanks

No worries - it's good to have debate. It will be really interesting to see where this case goes because at the end of the day it's all about outcomes for schools. Let's watch this space..

Sorry pal. You've got this completely wrong. This is no shill account and the whole idea of a forum is for us all to have constructive criticisms. It's more about process than anything else - that's where I'm looking at this. And in terms of my other post - I've just joined this forum - so please don't judge. As far as I'm concerned and I really don't care who the companies are - any form of malpractice someone needs to be held to account.

I understand what you're saying but the question remains on the ethical standards of the process. If they used support services as a key metric then fair enough but it was much bigger than this. It'll be interesting to see where this goes next

Sorry- but I disagree with some of the thoughts posted here. If malpractice has been undertaken- then absolutely should those be held to account- especially if there are significant losses established. The actions to win this tender was not a fair and open process and underhanded which caused competitors to lose out. I get that there has to be a competitive edge here - but c'mon - show some fair and open practices here.

Absolutely : Scandal by the Access Group in now causing all sorts of issues that may affect people's lives. Knowing the finance is critical in schools at this moment and every penny counts - I can't see how any other schools or trust to have the confidence in using their software going forward as what else may arise from this.

This kind of issue should not be acceptable where schools are now suffering caused by software issues. It is quite clear that the Access Group should be held accountable for this as these are fundamental issues and for staff to suffer redundancies - Absolutely not acceptable. Errors like these should raise questions in the validity of the software across the education spectrum as their target market as it makes you think - what other glitches reside within the system. Click here to read this article Any other views welcome on this matter.