Few words strike fear into CTOs and CIOs like “Management Information Systems.” Critical, complex, and often cumbersome, choosing the right MIS is vital for smooth school operations and reducing staff workloads.

Regardless of the MIS your school chooses—be it SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom—Skolon seamlessly integrates and simplifies data management. With 18 MIS options in the UK, effective integration is key to optimising school operations and improving outcomes.

Why does data integration matter in schools?

Efficient and effective data integration is integral in school environments for a myriad reasons; such as keeping records of attendance, assessment and safeguarding. In addition, several key components that factor into data integration include:

Enhancing data driven decision making

With integrated data, well-informed decisions can be made quickly, based on the real-time information that’s available from across the school.

Maxmising cost savings

Using a single MIS for multiple purposes is a strategic way to remain cost-efficient. Integrations help reduce expenses further by minimising the duplication of tasks across different systems, such as data entry. By reducing the need for multiple subscriptions or systems, schools can invest more in resources that directly benefit pupils and staff. That said, if you do have variants or multiple instances of the same MIS, Skolon can bring it all together without the need of costly projects to change the MIS.

Improved pupil outcomes

When data is consolidated and accessible, staff can gain a clear view of each pupil’s needs. From identifying those who may need additional support to tracking achievements and engagement, integrated data can guide teachers and support staff in delivering tailored interventions, leading to better educational outcomes and a more personalised learning experience.

The challenges schools face with MIS integration

Managing multiple MIS platforms can pose significant challenges for schools, often leading to inefficiencies that hinder smooth operations. Here are some of the most common issues schools encounter compatibility challenges, as well as data silos, which occur when information is isolated across systems that don’t communicate, making it challenging for schools to access a complete view of data and slowing decision-making.

Furthermore, educators, administrators, and support staff often have to juggle multiple logins to retrieve information from different MIS platforms, leading to lost productivity and increased workload. In addition to this, it also presents a security risk for schools, with data published in the UK Government’s 2024 report, highlighting that 52% of primary and 71% of secondary schools have identified breaches or attacks in the last 12 months.

How Skolon makes data integration simpler and more effective

Centralised access

Whether your Trust is using one MIS or multiple MIS systems, Skolon simplifies data management and user provisioning by consolidating all the data into our centralised, secure hub that your IT team can manage effortlessly. Our secure hub allows you to review shared attributes, troubleshoot issues, and implement fail-safe measures to ensure smooth operations.

Automated data syncing

Skolon automates data syncing across platforms, minimising the need for manual data entry and ensuring that information remains up-to-date and accurate.  This automation reduces errors but also lightens the administrative load on staff, who no longer need to update records in multiple systems. By keeping data consistent across platforms, Skolon allows schools to rely on accurate, real-time information when making decisions.

Seamless compatibility

Skolon is designed to be compatible with leading MIS platforms like SIMS, Arbor and Bromcom, enabling schools to integrate these systems without extensive configuration. Compatible with Skolon, OneRoster is a widely-used standard for data sharing, helps streamline the process of connecting different educational tools and systems, ensuring a smooth and cohesive user experience. This seamless compatibility ensures that Skolon can be quickly implemented alongside existing systems, providing schools with the flexibility to adopt new technologies without additional complexity. By removing technical barriers, Skolon makes it easier for schools to focus on delivering better outcomes for pupils.

Keep your school running smoothly

IT leaders, CIO’s and admin staff alike need reliable and efficient data integration. With Skolon, schools can streamline MIS data, enhance security, and reduce staff workload, making it easier for school communities to thrive. By simplifying access to essential data, Skolon ensures school teams spend less time on technology—and more time on teaching and learning.