School ERP verses Stand Alone Applications

(This report is based on the survey with Schools EDPERP systems are specially designed for inter module
officers handling school ERP and Other software ininformation sharing. Since all module use the same
school)Definition of School ERP: A single softwaredatabase and business logic all the modules can
managing all aspects of schooling without redundancyinteract with each other seamlessly.4.
and proper inter module data exchange. The data isStand Alone: Data security is generally an issue with
managed centrally.The moment we think about schoolstand along software as the data base is directly
automation we think of multiple software, one for fee,accessible by the users. There are always chances
another software for library and so on. Carefullyfor accidental or deliberate loss of data.ERP: Generally
looking at the school we will easily conclude that athe data is only accessible only through the software
educational institute is a complete city within itself. Weinterface in a controlled manner. The server is not in
have functionality starting from HR to finance and a lotdirect access of the users. So critical information is
of other issues. From school inventory, tuck shop,always intact.5.
examinations we have to manage a lot. So trying toStand Alone: Central backup for the entire system is
implement automation individually leads us to dealingnot possible.ERP: Backup can be managed centrally
with multiple software and multiple vendors and awith a great ease.6.
situation where we have basically annualized ourStand Alone: Different approach and interfacing for
school system with computers.Stand alone softwaredifferent modules.ERP: Generally similar interfacing
for school can not only be very difficult to manage butapproach for all modules. Makes it easy for the top
also can add a lot of redundancy in data entry andlevel management to interact.7.
ambiguity of information within same organization. E.g.Stand Alone: Physical movement of data is required
when a student takes admission we have to enter thefor reporting.ERP: Multiple access point can eliminate
name in various software that we are using like library,physical movement of reports and other data.8.
fee, examination section software and so on. SoStand Alone: The dependency level even for routine
basically there is a lot of redundant work in this case.information is higher in stand alone applications.ERP:
On the other hand there may be a case when aRoutine information issues are generally available with
student already taken TC from the school is stillrequired users without dependency.9.
reflecting in the Library software or the other softwareStand Alone: No possibility for developing a common
implemented for various other modules. In absence ofbusiness logic.ERP: Runs on a common business logic
a centralized software the procedure of gettingfor the institution.10.
clearance from various sections for the students stillStand Alone: Easy to implement.ERP: The
remains tedious and time consuming.A properlyimplementation period is a bit lengthy.11.
planned single point integrated system (School ERPStand Alone: Low initial investment but higher recurring
Education ERP) can facilitate zero redundancy, interexpenditure in terms of man hrs and usage of
module information exchange and thereby a lot ofstationary for sharing routine information.ERP:
savings in the form of time and manual efforts.Comparatively high initial investment but low recurring
Following comparison report is on softwareexpenditure in man hrs and information sharing
implementation at various.Stand alone School softwarethroughout the institution.Based on the implementation
versus School ERP software1.at various schools like Delhi Public School, St. Annes
Stand Alone: Redundancy of data entryERP: NoSchool, Rashtriya Indian Military College (Dehradun)
redundancy2.Welham Boys School, and VDJS (Hissar) and Bhartiya
Stand Alone: Ambiguity of information as differentVidya Bhavans we have produced the comparison
software may show different values for samebetween two different approach for school
thing.ERP: No ambiguity as the data is served fromautomation. Most of these schools have upgraded
central location. Same logic of processing keeps awayfrom stand alone software to a full fledged ERP for
any such ambiguity.3.schools.I work for Dreamteam Network Solutions (P)
Stand Alone: No inter module communication. ForLtd., and I am in charge of promotions. Our company
example there will be no way for the library softwaredevelops softwares for schools, colleges and
to know if the caution money for the library is collecteduniversities.
at fee counter for a particular student.ERP: School