Why Scheduling Software Use is Rising in Higher Ed

Institutions are keen to make every effort to support the wellbeing of their communities. At the same time, they need to continue towards meeting educational goals. This is where advance scheduling software is playing an essential role. The technology is enabling circulation of equipment and other resources to continue while ensuring the right social distancing and hygiene checks are always in place.

Here’s how it’s proving so successful:

1 Equipment hygiene is easier to maintain

Time pads in the reservation schedule ensure the necessary intervals apply between each equipment use for cleaning or quarantine. So, there’s always sufficient time between users to ensure the equipment is clean and safe to re-use.

2 Students reserve equipment online

Students are able to book the resources required remotely for an agreed timeslot. There’s no need to attend campus first or discuss it with staff to make a reservation. As students can be self-sufficient in reserving the items they need, this also saves staff hours that can be spent on other tasks such as preparing equipment and keeping it clean.

3 Social distancing is always supported

Limits can be placed on checkout/ins throughout each day, with controls to stagger, so peak times and crowds are avoided in the store. This stops students turning up simultaneously and forming a line, so you never risk exceeding your max capacity at the checkout desk.

4 Fewer staff needed behind the desk at one time

A clear overview of the day ahead enables staff to prepare checkouts in advance. This way staff are more organized and checkouts are faster, for quicker throughput at the desk. Where this may usually have needed more than one staff member, it should no longer be the case. With often limited space behind the desk, it’s a safer way to work.

5 Equipment availability is always understood

Real-time availability information ensures there are no wasted trips to checkout items. Together with advance reservations, it means it’s easier to plan ahead and limit trips and time on campus.

6  Quick response to changes in services

Checkouts and check-ins are easily rescheduled or cancelled if needed in the software, with all automatically notified. This way, if the store needs to change its hours or close, it’s much easier to keep everyone informed.

7  Students know what they need

An online catalog with images help students reserve the right kit for their assignments first time, keeping checkouts simple and fast. 'Frequently booked with' features also help them to get this right. It’s much less likely they’ll need to think about accessories and cables at the last minute and cause a bottleneck at the store.

So what’s the outcome? With advance scheduling software like Connect2, students access all they need to complete assignments. Foolproof processes are in place to ensure equipment is always clean. Meanwhile, checkout/in times are carefully controlled to minimize risk around coronavirus transmission. The result is that learning and project work can continue where it might have otherwise suffered unfortunate delays.

If you're reviewing how best to manage resources safely or need to enforce a new health and safety policy, please get in touch for further information on our connect2 scheduling software solution. Email enquiries@connect2software.com or call +1 646 583 2215