8 reasons to invest in a powerful student information system

Let’s take a closer look at the top benefits of student information system software.

1. Create time for you and your staff
2. Boost productivity
3. Keep students and parents informed via an online portal
4. Streamline communication with automated email
5. Schedule classes and share timetables
6. Seamlessly process payments
7. Access data-driven reports
8. Receive automatic upgrades as software evolves

1. Create time for you and your staff

A student management system is designed to simplify your day-to-day admin tasks, freeing up your staff so they can spend more time delivering exceptional service to your students. By eliminating time-consuming and paper-based processes, you can boost efficiency across multiple areas of your business, giving you back extra hours to spend on more important tasks.

2. Boost productivity

Modern student management software is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for your staff to navigate and learn, without needing to go through labour-intensive training. Customisable dashboards give each member of staff a snapshot of their priorities, increasing productivity and reducing the time it takes to complete tasks.

3. Keep students and parents informed via an online portal

A dedicated customer or parent portal is one of the biggest benefits of a student management system as it both empowers parents to manage their accounts and keeps them updated on their child’s progress.

Accessible via a laptop or mobile, an online portal enables parents to book their child into a class, set up automated payments, update their child’s health records, view course information, see past achievements and download progress certificates. This not only allows the parents to feel involved in their child’s learning but also means you can keep them updated without having to speak to individual parents on a daily basis.

Students management software will automatically sync the data from your central system to the online portal - another big time-saver for your business.

4. Streamline communication with automated email

Some student information management systems have inbuilt communication tools that enable you to send personalised emails to parents or students, such as lesson booking confirmations, outstanding invoice reminders and achievement completions. More time-sensitive information, such as last-minute cancellations or assessment dates can be triggered via SMS, saving your staff from having to reach out to students or parents individually.

Some parent portals also include a notice board which you can update via your SIS and display on the portal homepage.

5. Schedule classes and share timetables

Trying to organise classes using pen and paper or a spreadsheet is time-consuming and has more potential for human error. Software designed for student information management makes lesson scheduling and timetable creation a breeze. You can also roster your staff and add students to classes in just a few clicks.

Timetables are viewable to students and parents in the portal but some software providers can also link your timetable to your website, making it easier for prospective students and parents to find a preferable day and time before enquiring about the class.

6. Seamlessly process payments

One of the biggest drawbacks of not having management software is the time it takes to manually process fees, send invoices and track payments. By introducing a student information system, you can encourage parents to set up a direct debit via the portal, removing all manual handling (as well as the inconvenience of queuing). You can then trigger emails to send once an invoice is paid, if fees are overdue and if the payment failed.

7. Access meaningful reports

Real-time insights are crucial to helping you make more informed business decisions. Student information system software revolves around data, enabling you to run reports across different areas of your business, such as bookings, finances, staff rosters and student achievements. You can then easily analyse the data and identify trends to see what’s working and what can be improved.

8. Receive automatic upgrades as software evolves

SIS providers understand that the industry is constantly changing and regularly enhance the software to meet your growing business needs. These updates are automatic and rarely disrupt your day. Upgrades also strengthen the system’s security which is increasingly important in this tech-driven world and keeps your sensitive data safe.

Before you invest in a student management system, carry out some research first and book demos with a shortlist of providers to make sure the software ticks all your boxes. Some, like Udio, will then offer a 30-day free trial so you familiarise yourself with the functionality and decide if it’s a good fit for your school. Get started with a free consultation.