MShakeshaft

Absolutely - turning raw data into information and then into Business Intelligence is the way to go. A valuable reporting database will be key tool to provide that 'edge'.

Fantastic..... I am already on this path but and have fully automated some reports - for example KS3 and KS4 reporting with view to incorporating the Analysis, Distribution, Target Setting, Self Evaluation and Examination results. I am also working on building larger datasets and record complexes to contain all the data I will ever need - similar to a data warehouse with derived fields for quicker reporting and identification of interest groups. Have also created a dashboard with dials and bar charts to monitor school attendance. I want to go further and create by own data capture forms with protected fields so that FFT data is not overwritten (like on our recent Target Setting day).

It just seems to be the way the United Kingdom works - how can the country that developed the world's 1st computer, 1st nuclear power station, the transputer, pioneered heart transplants and the Jet Engine come up with Integris?

Even though these MIS systems allow you to 'do the job' in terms of storing data the reports are limited to say the least. There's no real analysis of the data and too much time is wasted on moving data around instead of using it to meet targets and drive up school performance - this is where I am really coming from. My experience is that people use data in different ways - therefore give them proper access to it and enable them to use the data to drive up performance and identify areas of concern.

I am new to Education as a Data Manager but have spent about 25 years in the IT industry as either a Software Developer or Information Analyst. My background has covered Systems Integration and Software Design for the Retail, Automotive, Insurance and Healthcare sectors (NHS). My point - I am utterly appalled at the atrocious standard of Computer Software, Data Management & Processing techniques used in School MIS Systems. We use Integris Classic which currently supports ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) access but the plan is to move our School over to the new Integris G2 system which doesn't support ODBC. Did I miss something?.....A new system with reduced data access....No ODBC (a worldwide recognised industry standard) Hold on a minute....I’m a Data Manager (or Data Consumer) how can I engage with my data and create reports? How ridiculous - organisations in just about every other sector (for example the NHS who have immense targets to meet and report) develop their reporting systems using SQL Server, ODBC and Microsoft Access Databases - in other words they use proper relational database management systems (RDBMS) technology instead of these dysfunctional Assessment Worksheets/Markbooks. Why not borrow good ideas from one of the world’s largest organisations!!! I hear you say: “But I don’t know anything about SQL or databases?” I reply: “Why are you a Data Manager then?” Question: Why are there so many people employed in Local Education Authorities (who know nothing about Software, Data Management or Data Processing Techniques) and deciding which MIS systems to deploy in their local Schools? Hold on a minute - DATA and DATABASE (I get it -- word association). That's right you got it!! DATA is best stored in a proper relational DATABASE - In other words the most suitable tool for the job. If you think about it - recording an array of subjects holding A-G type grade against a student record is not exactly rocket science – so why all the problems? Come on people it’s now 2010 – we have mobile communications, high capacity hard drives and memory, fibre optics, Laser printers and Bluetooth – so can’t we have a School MIS System which does the bread and butter? I hear nothing but complaints about Integris.... but not to single it out – I also understand that all its competitors have weaknesses. My challenge to you – give me 18 months, a small budget a couple of software developers and I’ll produce a School MIS Systems to knock the rest into touch at less than half the cost. From what I've seen so far you'd be better of with a Patient Administration System Students= Patients Teachers = Consultants Subjects = Specialties