We Suggest - Only the Best Software

How to Evaluate a Campus Management Software for

India?

“An Expert’s View”

SoftwareSuggest.com

Selecting the Right Software for your Educational Institute

So, you have decided to invest in an integrated solution which will assist you with the handling and management of the diverse activities of your educational institution. What next? You step out into the digital world only to find the market brimming with various campus management solutions each screaming to be the best and a step ahead its competitors. How will you decide which one is the one made for your institution? What are the criteria which must be met by the vendor? What are the key features your system should have?

The process of selecting the right campus management system that best serves your needs is as crucial as the process of implementing the same. There cannot be a more devastating scenario than a one where you spend considerable time and money in trying to implement a solution only to find that it does not fit your bill. So, right goes the saying here, ‘Look before you Leap’.

Here, we present you the fruit of our research work which will guide you through the entire process of the selection of the right software for your institute.

“Selection of the right solution is as crucial as the

implementation.....”

Selecting the Right Software for your Educational Institute

Features of Campus Management System: Must have Features and Nice

to have Features

Campus management systems (CMS) comprise a wide array of solutions. A typical campus management system identifies the consolidation of various data management system's educational institutions deploy to run their operations. Most vendors in the market put forth a dizzying array of features which lure the customers into believing that the particular software is more rewarding as it has more features. However, most of these features may not be what your organization needs.

So, you need to sit down with your alumni, students and administrative staff to identify your needs and classify the options into two categories: Must have and nice to have.

Must have features of a campus management system are the ones which have primarily motivated you to take the costly and difficult decision of implementing a software for your campus.

“Classify your needs into Must have and Nice to have features.....”

 

Nice to have features are the bonus items which will help you make your choice when you get stuck while deciding between the systems which have made their way to the final list.

Features of Campus Management System: Must have Features and Nice

to have Features

Electronic Student Record

The first and the foremost criteria which must be fulfilled by your software is doing away with student files and maintaining an integrated record of the student including health, information, performance, assessments and achievements.

Web based software

Any campus management system should be cloud based, allowing accessibility from anywhere including phone. Students, parents and administration should be able to view information and share their views anytime and from anywhere.

Fee Management

Sending out reminders with SMSwhen the fees are due, putting up notices on the website regarding the amount to be paid, keeping a track of arrears and fine amount, printing online receipts are some features which any clever campus management system would boast of.

Examination management

Any competitive CMS will effectively design examination schedules, assign supervision duties, print question papers and check attendance.

Assignment & lesson planning

CMS is no longer mere storage of cold facts. With improved assessment techniques and student performance metrics, software now ensures better lesson planning, improved course management and customised assignments based on individual needs.

Electronic admission system

This again is a compulsive feature which ensures online application forms, checking the credibility of each application, evaluation and selection of candidates on the basis of merits and achievements.

What are the Must have features?

What to look for in your CMS?

The mentioned features are not complete and comprehensive list of the array of must have features which make up a competitive Campus Management system. CMS systems these days are consolidated platforms which integrate various aspects of an educational institution keeping track of all business functions, including accounts payable, human resources and alumni support and student support, services like attendance, course management and parental communications. By giving an opportunity to parents, teachers, administration and students alike to post their reviews and feedback on the website, these solutions ensure prompt and immediate action thus taking the institution a step ahead in this competitive environment.

Reception

Service 

  Printing ID Cards

Event Calendar  

  Online Exams

Video Conferenc

e 

  Email & SMS

Finance & Accounts  

What are the Nice to have features?

Google Apps

Integration of the system with Google docs or Google calendar gives the customers a win-win situation. Storing of various documents like school policies and assessment results in one place for a single glance is something which any educational institute would like to have.

Vehicle Management

Having a record of all the school vehicles along with the list of students using the bus facility is a helpful feature. The CMS can also keep a track of the route followed by each bus and also the students using the particular route.

Event Management

Designing a time table for various events like parent teacher meeting, annual function, sports day, exhibitions and various other events when done manually is quite time consuming. Since the CMS software would have all the data handy in its system, it should be able to allot time for various events flawlessly and to everyone’s convenience.

Video Conferencing

This feature enables better communication between the students as well as the parents and teachers and administration. Students can also take extra online classes to help them grasp their lessons better.

Online Examinations

For students, who cannot be present for their exams, the system can design and manage online exams. The institute can also provide online courses for out station students.

Visit

SoftwareSuggest.com

For the list of

Best Campus Management Softwares

Or

Talk to Our Experts for The Best Suggestions

Get Reviews, Suggestions & Selection Tips for Softwares at our Blog