The University of Staffordshire is pushing forward in its digital transformation journey by adopting TechnologyOne’s Timetabling & Scheduling solution, a SaaS tool designed to enhance resource management efficiency. Following the university’s 2018 migration of its finance and administrative functions to Oracle Cloud ERP, the primary goal is to improve the student and staff experience by providing real-time updates to timetables and room bookings, as well as to automate scheduling processes through advanced algorithms.
Streamlined Scheduling and Resource Management
This SaaS tool implementation includes the mobile-enabled Timetabling & Scheduling solution, which integrates class timetables, resource booking, and exams with students’ personal calendars. This feature extends to equipment and meeting room bookings, enabling students and staff to schedule meetings efficiently. The solution’s automation capabilities simplify the management of classes, exams, and room bookings, making it easier for the university to handle these tasks.
A significant component of the project is the introduction of Resource Booker Touch (RBT), an interactive panel placed outside rooms to display schedules. The integration of RBT with TechnologyOne’s Resource Booker and Timetabling & Scheduling solutions signifies a noteworthy step forward in operational efficiency. The project showcased a collaborative development process between TechnologyOne and the University, illustrating a strong partnership aimed at customizing the software to meet specific needs.
Enhancing IT Infrastructure
Raheel Nawaz, the University’s Pro Vice Chancellor for Digital Transformation, emphasized that the transition to the SaaS-enabled Timetabling & Scheduling platform continues the university’s push toward improved IT infrastructure, which began with their move to cloud-based services in 2018. This transition has rationalized capital expenditure, optimized space usage, and enhanced the delivery of IT systems, providing numerous benefits for both students and staff.
Leo Hanna, Executive Vice President at TechnologyOne UK, underscored the significance of customer collaboration in software development. He expressed enthusiasm about continuing to support the University of Staffordshire’s journey to digital excellence, highlighting the importance of this partnership in achieving their goals.
Practical Benefits and Future Implications
The University of Staffordshire is making significant strides in its digital transformation by implementing TechnologyOne’s Timetabling & Scheduling solution, a cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) tool aimed at improving resource management. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort that began in 2018 when the university transitioned its finance and administrative functions to Oracle Cloud ERP. By adopting this new tool, the university aims to enhance the experience for both students and staff.
One of the primary objectives is to offer real-time updates to timetables and room reservations, ensuring everyone is informed promptly of any changes. Additionally, the solution seeks to automate scheduling processes using advanced algorithms, which will streamline the management of resources and optimize the usage of available spaces. This move not only modernizes the university’s operations but also aligns with its broader goals of leveraging technology to foster a more efficient and effective academic environment.