Timetables

Smart Software includes a powerful and easy-to-use timetabling system.

Like the old peg-boards that many schools still use, our timetabling system gives you control. In fact, the entire system is based on the logic of the peg-board, and uses the same techniques that experienced timetable builders have used for years.

However, simply duplicating a peg-board timetable on a computer denies the very advantage of having it on the computer in the first place. Smart Software harnesses the power of the computer to aid the timetable builder in practical and useful ways, without sacrificing control.

The timetabling system prevents problems from occurring. Conflicts are always prevented, and you can control when things may or may not occur, as well as the distribution of single and sequential periods. With Smart Software, you don't waste time checking the validity of the timetable, or fixing problems.

One of the most difficult and time-consuming tasks on the peg-board system is to move things around. Any change may result in a chain of others. Our timetabling system includes a solution finder, which can evaluate moves millions of times faster than a human being. All you need to do is choose which solution to apply.

Smart Software also includes an automatic packing function, which helps you by quickly doing the obvious and tedious work. It is often able to solve the entire timetable, but it won't compromise your decisions or the limits you placed on it. A working timetable often requires compromises to be made - Smart Software allows you to choose where to be flexible.

There are a number of other features that allow you to override final placements, allocate staff or rooms to floating activities, swap periods around, and so on.

Once the timetable is done, printing the whole timetable or individual timetables for students, staff, classes or rooms are a breeze. A variety of other lists and statistics are also available, such as class lists and lists of free or booked resources per period.