PeteLambert

There is a lesser known feature of the A2C migration application that allows the use of multiple centre numbers. Essentially, the access key provided by the Awarding Organisation has the details for the authorised centre embedded within it. The A2C Migration Application only allows a single access key per Awarding Organisation, so to support multiple centres you will need to contact the Awarding Organisation to request a "Multi-Centre Access Key" that contains both centre numbers. I am not sure how two SIMS systems would cope with them both having the inbox and outbox configured to the same location. If I had to guess, I would assume that they only pick up EDI files with the appropriate centre number, however I could not be sure. If you have any further questions, let me know.

Integration with SIMS is not straightforward. I have built many systems for our clients that integrate with SIMS (including a catering system) and have had teams say things like "it shouldn't be this difficult" and "we must be doing something wrong". When you eventually get it working, expect something to cause you a headache in the not too distant future. The fact is, businesses like Groupcall and ZiNET would not have products that are as successful as they are if this problem didn't exist. You sound like you are undertaking a reasonably sized development project, so my advice would be to go ahead and get a partner licence from SIMS and try it out. From memory, it's only a few thousand pounds, so it may be worth it to satisfy your curiosity. Just don't expect too much. You should also try the other options. You'll learn something and will only burn a handful of days. On your point about having the skills yourself, the problem is not really a technical one. There are a load of weird edge cases and rules that existing suppliers have built into their products over a number of years. You'd be discovering these yourself, probably in a live environment. Good luck.