SM-Reports: Answer 7

How long is required to produce a set of reports?

How fast do your teachers type? How many other jobs does the reports person needs to do in addition to using SM-Reports? It is not really possible to answer this question as the time saved can vary dramatically.

From the time the program is purchased and the report templates are finalised, a reasonable period is to allow 6 weeks before the first set of reports must be given to students. It is recommended that the first time reports are done with SM-Reports, that only one academic year be produced . This is to allow the procedures for using SM-Reports to be tested and refined before a complete set of school reports are produced.

	Action
Week 1	Install SM-Reports on the network server, or on stand alone PCs across school. Create Setup diskettes that staff can use to install SM-Reports at home. Import school data into SM-Reports and check it for accuracy.
Week 2	Enter the outcomes and set up the report definition. Create and test the work file.
Week 3	Train staff. Give staff access to work files so they can enter information into their classes.
Week 4	Due date for completed work files. Update the SM-Reports database with the work files. Create a work file for the year adviser. Year adviser enters information into the work file and the SM-Reports database is updated from it.
Week 5	Print draft reports for checking. Teachers and year adviser correct and add missing information.
Week 6	Print final reports.

This is a guide only, to get a better estimate you could ask SMPCS for a list of schools in your area who use SM-Reports and they can give you a time frame based on their experience.