It is important for business to look at and adopt seamless, cost-effective approaches to remain sustainable, competent, and profitable. Like any other business, the education sector also searches for actionable methods to address current and future needs and aims. A school ERP software possesses bundle of features that delivers all these benefits. But again, the question remains the same how to choose the best school ERP for my school? Here we go with our detailed guide with selection criteria! 

Understanding the School ERP System!

A school ERP system is a comprehensive software that streamlines and automates the various school workflows, with the aim of bringing enhancement in learning and teaching processes. The software provides a unified platform for integrating core functionalities like admission, fee management, exam management, payroll, etc. Apart from automating and enhancing these functionalities, the school management software also plays significant role in improving enrollment, communication, and learning experience.  

Why a School ERP System is a new-age necessity?

We all know that a school ERP system has become a necessity thing more than a fame object. To summarise this, let’s note down some key points where this product can bring the difference:

• The school ERP Software automates the workflows, resulting in better accuracy, efficiency, and faster accomplishment.
• The school ERP software brings all users- teachers, parents, students, and school staff on the same page, improving the communication and collaboration between them to aim on progress.
• The automation of workflows empowers the users to concentrate on their core tasks like teaching, learning, or designing visions, rather than being tangled in monotonous tasks.
• The school management ERP provides the granular data insights that helps to make informed decisions and make the necessary changes accordingly.
• Academic modules of a school ERP system can offer content creation and management in diverse forms to improve engagement of learners and simplify the learning process.

What is the prime constituting for best School ERP System selection?

Reading above benefits, it is obvious to get lure to have a school ERP system in the campus. But if you are facing series of questions like, how to select it, which is good for me, what should I look in my school ERP, then here are key constituents for the selection of school ERP: 

1. Institutional Needs Assessment:

The primary step in school ERP software selection process is assessing the institutional requirements. You may first list down the hassles you are facing during the workflows like admission, fee management, payroll, attendance, exam management, etc. This will create a concrete set of requirements from which some may be unique to your institute. Also, list down the requirement order in which they should be completed. You may find the gaps in improvement areas and ensure relevant feature has been added in the list to address it. This may help you to make a smart and informed decisions while selecting the best school ERP system for your institute.  

2. Scalability and Flexibility:

Every institute envisions for expansions and downscaling at some aspects. A school management ERP should accommodate your growth. The software should flawlessly handle the increasing number of classes, students, subjects, and staff without any compromise. You can take help of online forums to check how EdTech products expand or shrink with the requirements. This will help to finalize the scalable requirements so that you don’t need to invest in purchasing new software when your requirements fluctuate.  

In terms of flexibility, you should check whether the school ERP system supports blended learning or not. The software should offer flexibility in hosting applications in both online and offline mode. Looking at the availability of reliable and fast internet connection, schools may decide whether to opt for online or offline mode of operations. This can ensure the system’s potential to serve based on varying circumstances, enabling school administration to select the most appropriate mode.  

3. Think from the User’s perspective:

Your school ERP software has users of all levels in terms of usability, technical fluency, and system handling. So, while selecting the software, you must consider these factors for smooth operations in the future. The system should be easy to operate and should not require high-level technical fluency. It is a good idea to ask for a free look to check how these users can comprehend the system.  

4. Involve the Prime Users:

Even though a school management ERP is accessed by different users- parents, school admin, school staff, etc. Teachers and students are the primary users of it. Include them in the process to test the software. Let them explore the system and check out how the ERP accomplishes their routine tasks. Ask for their opinion and see if you get new inputs. Onboarding the teachers and students while selecting the best school ERP system, will end up in getting comprehensive inputs that can be sent to vendor in detail. Even some vendors offer customization, you can even ask for customization for exceptional workflows.  

5. Sieve the Offerings:

Many vendors offer a package of software that include multiple features. But remember, one size doesn’t fit all. So, make a wise decision while selecting a bundle by looking into you are paying price for features that you are really want to use. First make sure that all your mandatory requirements are being fulfilled at the given price. So, come up with a fine budget and features list you want to see in the school ERP software before entering in the market. Once you are ready with your homework, traverse the market, list out the trusted vendors, offer a deal, and finalize the product that fits into both budgetary and feature requirements.  

Ending Thoughts!

Never go in hurry while making the decision about selecting the school ERP system for the institute, as it is going to be a transformatory change. Consider the above key factors to make informed decision that meet your goals and requirements. Apart from these, there are several factors like going for cloud-based or on-premises, integration capabilities, customization, reliable vendor support that influence the decision.  

Vidyalaya always try to make this challenging phase simple with intuitive products that are perfectly suitable for Indian and global education sectors. Contact us for a free demo to get valuable insights!