pubgrub277

LosOJOs, Thats exactly how i've done the excel sheets (read the xml output for the data), the issue was the export from Sims.The process ive used is a .bat script to run command reporter first, open an excel document once it finnishes, the excel document has an auto_open macro that executes the analysis part of the code produces PDF's that are email to specific staff, then closes once complete. i arrive to work monday morning with last weeks data sheets already emailed to staff! Its a great time saver. Im currently moving alot of my templates to the same format/method. (but dont tell everyone, they need to keep employing me)!

i think thats always going to be the hardest part, the number of times i seem to end up saying "but have you read such and such sheet". Since we started using these ive had teaching staff asking if they can have an updated sheet if they enter some more attainment tracking, or if they've done set changes and want to see the impact on the groups. Never thought id see the day

I had the Beta of discover last year and have looked at the full release a little. It doesn't quite produce what we want. I have set up some very specific dashboards in excel to produce analysis and discover just doesn't get anywhere near what we can produce in excel. They only thing i'm really wanting to streamline is the link between the dashboards and the data in sims, hence looking at commandreporter. this is one of the samples ive produce, theres also a specific KS4 model and an individualized student sheet. It pulls together Behaviour, attendance and attainment by group (teaching class, year, reg group, SEN cohorts etc). I've had some good feedback from staff and they are actually using them to see whats happening with classes (which is nice, my work usually goes in a folder and forgotten by most). a new improvement has been the addition of reading ages and the range of age within the class.

That thread had prompted my post. Most of my work has been VBA in excel, hence the workaround for the date parameter ie. =today()-8 and =today()-1 to give a range of the last week. It has worked quite well for me but i do hate to have to use such a long winded work around the other method suggested for creating the param file is much neater but i'd also like to look at a better way of coding the production of the graphs and reports etc. I'm trying to produce something with visual studio that will automate the whole thing and allow a manual running of the reports/graphing so they can also be produce on demand or by members of staff, and include them setting parameters for reports as required.

I've seen a few posts on here regarding people using commandreporter to generate/automate running the reports and exporting .xml files. For a while now ive been creating a set of templates in excel to create graphs/student/department/behaviour profiles for students etc. command reporter is very usefull and plays right into my hands having based my excel template files on reading xml reports. I've got my head around the param files and using filters and have now got a batch script running as a scheduled task. The script essentially does the following: open and excel file with auto_open macro that >Works out the date range for last week for the report parameters > generates a prama.xml file for the command report (to make the date rang dynamic)> closes the excel file> Runs commandreporter> opens the excel template for the chart/profiling sheet i'm using> this then reads the XML output from the report and emails PDF's to departments/people etc in the template. Setting up the reports has reduced so many repetitive tasks but i think i could refine this further. I looking to code this further/simplifiy how I've done this and am think maybe .Net or something may help. Has anyone else gone down this route themselves or have people tended to buy in software from other vendors.

even with my chubby fingers it seems quite responsive. hardly any miss clicks.

We've mostly been running on wifi during the school day within school. Staff on duty can log BMR's and do attendance etc while around the school as well as check emails. Should having machines logged on prevent an SQl backup? I know updates will be prevented when having users logged on.

I have quite a close relationship with our ICT support team, Ive been here longer than they have, and as such they see Sims as mine. I carry out upgrades and have full access to the server. They deal with installs on desktops as part of the normal school image. Dont think they would dream of telling me about how something was going to be setup or what access permissions would be. We might discuss any issues but the final decisions for sims and data are mine.

We've recently had a couple of ipads purchased. We've installed logmein to give staff access to a normal desktop, giving them full access to all of the tools they need (email/sims/office/network folders). it also avoids any syncing/copying of data problems. So far so good and much cheaper than purchasing extra software addon's

I'm the data manager here and i dont mean to gloat but i have network admin rights not just full control of Sims. i've never found it difficult to justify why i need the access. I'm first line support for all things Sims (installs/errors/why wont it do this questions). My job spec states i manage all aspects of the data, the fact i hold the position of data manger implies i have a certain level of responsibility/accountability for my use/actions relating to all of the systems. Maybe my role is slightly different to other establishments. I could understand why an office admin/teacher might have their access restricted but not someone running the system.

I've used both Record link products. Writer and exporter and can highly recommend them.

We've notice a small improvement since we replaced our old dell box with a new machine. the 12gig of Ram has certainly helped.