Q&A: BROMCOM Cloud-based MIS: making the switch


maybe other schools, as you outline which features are required and which solutions you would like to explore. Currently ESS SIMS requires a 12 week notice period, which gives you plenty of time to prepare and begin onboarding discussions with your new provider. During your notice period with ESS, the Bromcom onboarding process can take shape. Commencing with an initial discovery call with our onboarding team to outline timeframes, requirements, and plans to manage any risks. From the point of your initial onboarding discovery call, the whole process can take on average a minimum of 8 weeks for primary schools, and 12 weeks for secondary schools.


Will there be any problems with ESS SIMS SQL back-ups?


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n our regular series of supplier Q&As, this month we catch up with Ali Guryel at Bromcom, who tells us more about Bromcom’s cloud-based management information system (MIS) and how Bromcom is helping primary and secondary schools make the switch from SIMS to a cloud-based MIS in a simple, safe and secure way. With schools looking to switch MIS providers by March 2025, Ali explains why it is so important to prepare for the switch now to avoid unwanted contract renewals with old systems.


Why switch MIS now rather than delaying it until later in the year? Switching MIS is straightforward, but it is important to leave enough time. If you’re thinking of putting it off until the end of the year, you could find yourself battling it out for migrations slots with thousands of other schools or locked into a contract renewal with a not fit for purpose MIS system yet again – and that’s not in any school’s best interests. If your school or MAT is with an MIS provider that is not meeting your needs, you don’t need to suffer in silence. It’s better to switch to a solution now that is going to meet your long-term requirements and goals.


Isn’t switching MIS a long and daunting process?


Not at all. The first stage of switching MIS, is to decide which solutions you want to explore and see in action, and to identify where your current MIS falls short. This will involve talking to your colleagues and


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Following ESS’s announcement seeking to prohibit the use of back-up databases to support migration, the offboarding process from ESS SIMS needs to be carefully managed. Bromcom has established methods in place, which our onboarding specialists will happily take care of.


How can the cost of switching MIS be justified when budgets are tight? Switching to a cloud-based MIS is an easy way to lower your costs. Without the licencing costs and support required for server-based systems, a cloud-based MIS could be up to 30% cheaper than your current system. Ditching servers can even lead to savings on your energy bill. Cloud MIS providers, like Bromcom, offer a much more comprehensive range of functionality compared to legacy software suppliers, too. With all the features you need in one place, you won’t need to fork out for third-party apps, such as online payment systems or


parent communication tools, resulting in significant cost savings.


What if your contract with ESS SIMS hasn’t ended yet?


You don’t have to wait until the contract with your SIMS contract ends to switch to a new MIS. With the Bromcom Buy Back scheme, it’s possible to leave your current MIS and finance system contract at any time. We will ‘buy back’ your current contract by discounting the cost of our contract based on what you owe your existing supplier.


Why is Bromcom best placed to help with switching MIS?


We’ve helped thousands of schools switch MIS, and with good planning, attention to detail, and clear communication, it’s a smooth and straightforward process. We have 37 years of experience working with educators and we constantly make sure there is plenty of information on our website to help schools and MATs understand the benefits of our MIS. We also provide free demos for schools of all sizes and phases looking to make the switch.


How can we find out more about Bromcom?


We’ll be attending and hosting different events over the coming months where you can see MIS in action and ask us questions about switching. We are holding webinars in October and will be attending the National Education Show in Cardiff and the Confederation of Schools Trust Conference in Birmingham this year. Please also visit uwww.bromcom.com for more information on all our services.


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