How To Get Started with (or switch to) Boardingware In Minutes!

So you’re ready to get a boarding management system… or maybe you’re just thinking about it… or maybe you’re sick and tired of the one you’re using and would like to switch to something simpler and easy-to-use.Either way, one of the most inconvenient things about taking up new boarding school software is the tricky implementation process.Implementing school software used to be a nightmare. Setting up required a lot of planning from upper management and IT departments. On-site installation was often required which could easily lead to technical issues. And timing was also important because your staff needed to learn how to use the system, however complicated software would make this difficult and end up disrupting your workflow.But this isn't the case with Boardingware. In fact, getting set up couldn’t be simpler.

Switch Software Quickly

Whether your data is currently stored in another school or boarding management system, google docs or an excel spreadsheet, getting your data uploaded directly into Boardingware has never been easier.All it takes is 3 simple steps and 5 minutes of your time!Step 1: Upload your data as a CSV

All you have to do here is export your data from your existing system as a CSV file or build one from scratch using our template. To make the upload as smooth as possible, it’s best to format your data with the headings from the template provided.Step 2: Map your data

This is where you’ll configure which fields your data will be assigned to. If you use the headings from our template, Boardingware will automatically match your data to the correct fields. However if you want to use your own headings, it's just as easy. Simply match your data manually with the drop down menu.Boardingware will also provide you with a live summary of your upload, a preview of your data, and warn you of anything that doesn’t look right, so you can make sure that all your data is correct before importing.Step 3: Import your data

Click the import button and you’re finished! Too easy.

Integrate with your school management system

Another quick and easy way to get your student data into Boardingware is to integrate with your main school management system. Boardingware integrates with multiple SIS providers including iSams, Blackbaud onCampus, Senior Systems, Veracross, Engage and Synergetic.We’re always working on new integrations, so if you’re wondering if we can integrate with your school management system, feel free to ask me in the comments section below.

Get started at any time of the year

One of the biggest obstacles when trying out new software is timing. Busy school terms can be a nightmare when you’re trying to schedule meetings with upper management, coordinate your IT department, and juggle your own commitments at the same time.But funnily enough, the busiest times of year are the times when you need software the most, to help you and your staff handle the rapidly increasing workload. What’s more, pushing back the implementation phase doesn’t necessarily make it any easier, rather it just delays the process until next term or school year.However, since Boardingware runs in the cloud (unlike traditional school software), getting started is quick and easy, no matter what time of year it is. There’s nothing to install and importing your data only takes a few minutes.Plus, you’ll have your own dedicated account manager who will be able to provide you with comprehensive training sessions for your staff and personal support throughout the entire process.[caption id="attachment_1336" align="aligncenter" width="1885"]

Reach support directly from the application at anytime. Simply click the button in the bottom right and start chatting.[/caption]More than 100 boarding schools are now using Boardingware and a good portion of them were able to get started during some of the busiest times of the school year. Our simplified setup process and unparalleled support, along with our intuitive user-experience enabled them to dramatically speed up the implementation process and enjoy the benefits right away, when they needed it most.We’re always seeking to improve Boardingware and have some really exciting features coming up in our pipeline. Please subscribe to this blog or follow us on twitter to keep updated with our latest news and updates.If you have any questions, thoughts or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below. :)[marketo-fat form="1107"]