This article guides schools migrating their timetable to Arbor from SIMS. It outlines steps for managing the transition depending on the current software used (Nova T, TimeTabler, Edval) and offers tips for successful imports, especially during mid-year or summer migrations. Key terminology is translated between Arbor and other systems to aid understanding.
For a timetabler, changing MIS can be a daunting prospect! Depending on your school's migration date, you will need to decide how to manage to bring your timetable across.
Below you will find our recommendations for switching at different periods of the year, and depending on your current software.
Key terminology
This article below refers to things as they are in Arbor, so we've included a handy table to help you translate language between systems.
| Description | Arbor name | TimeTabler name | Nova T name | Edval name |
| A group of students taught the same subject together | Course (sometimes referred to as Module), called Academic unit in URLs | Teaching Group | Class | Class List |
| The event the lesson takes place in, with details of when, with whom and where | Timetable Slots (listed in the Classes & Lessons section of a course page | Lesson | Lesson | Lesson |
| Something scheduled for something that isn't taught | Timetable Slots, but for School Events not lessons | Non-teaching activities (NTAs) | Non-class code (NCC) | Non-class, but these are named individually (meeting/duty/PPA) |
| The individually dated activity that is taking place, e.g. Year 7, Group A Maths on Tuesday 27th October, at 9-10am with Mrs C, in Room 101 | Lesson/Class, called sessions in the background | Lesson - dates are not needed in TimeTabler, just applied by Arbor after import | Lesson | Lesson |
| Groups where you want the same set of students to be enrolled into multiple subjects (e.g. these 30 students will be taught all humanities subjects together) | Teaching Group or Registration Form - schools choose which on import | Pure class activities e.g. 7A, but not usually specified | Band (these can be split into further classes), but not usually specified | Group (or Group Timetable). You have a class list for the group. |
What do we need to do with our timetabling software?
Your current timetable from SIMS will migrate to Arbor, but you'll need to think about what software you'll use to make changes in Arbor and to build future timetables.
Use Nova T to manage or create your current timetable and import into SIMS before your final migration date.
Arbor does not integrate directly with Nova T for timetable imports and exports. We encourage you to think carefully about which timetabling software you will use alongside Arbor - either TimeTabler or Edval.
If you move to Edval, they can work with you to create your timetable using the Arbor API.
If you move to TimeTabler, you can either:
- transfer your Nova T timetable to TimeTabler (if you have already created your timetable or wish to write it in Nova T). This can be done for you by MIST - please contact them for further details and support.
- create your timetable in TimeTabler.
- create your current timetable in Nova T and export to SIMS before your migration to Arbor. The current timetable will be migrated from SIMS into Arbor. Top Tip: You will still need to plan your move to use TimeTabler or Edval for future timetable.
Please contact TimeTabler or Edval for further support on moving to their systems.
Use TimeTabler to manage or create your timetable and import into your old MIS before your final migration date. We'll migrate your current timetable into Arbor, as long as they're set up in your old MIS.
Alternatively, you can also import your timetable directly into Arbor once live. In this case, you will need to dedicate time to mapping your courses after migration. Please note it is a crucial step for summer migrations as we do not migrate future timetable.
Use Edval to manage or create your timetable and import into your old MIS before your final migration date. We'll migrate your current timetable, as long as they're set up in your old MIS.
Alternatively, you can also contact Edval to organise a timetable sync directly into Arbor once live. Please note that each sync sends your full timetable from Edval to Arbor, so you will need to dedicate time to bring this over. Please note it is a crucial step for summer migrations as we do not migrate future timetable.
What do we need to do when moving over at different times of the year?
Mid-year
If you've migrated your timetable from your previous MIS and need to import again, you'll need to do a mid-year import. As this will be your first imported timetable from TimeTabler or Edval, please bear in mind that:
- you will need to end all your existing course timetable slots before importing
- the mapping could take more than an hour to complete during your first import
Here are some more useful things to keep in mind about your courses:
- Mapping is simpler if your course names in your timetabling software match the names of your courses in Arbor.
- Course names, teachers and rooms can be taken from Arbor when building a new timetable. You can see how to do this here for TimeTabler, or contact Edval for details on how this works for Edval.
- Be aware that your course structure may have an impact on the matching process. If using Edval's conversion consultancy, course names may not be identical, so this may lead to a more time-consuming matching process where all the bottom-level courses need to be matched individually. If using TimeTabler’s conversion consultancy, course names will be the same as in Nova T, but your course structure may differ.
Migrating in Summer- Planning for the next Academic Year
As you transition to Arbor, a crucial step will be preparing your timetable for the upcoming academic year using your new timetabling software, either Timetabler or Edval. To ensure a smooth process and a successful import into Arbor after your final migration, careful planning is essential.
Key Steps for Timetable Preparation:
- Choose Your Timetabling Software: First, carefully consider which timetabling software best suits your school's specific needs.
- Identify and Train Staff: Once your selection is made, identify the staff members who will be responsible for timetabling and ensure they receive comprehensive training and support. We highly recommend contacting Timetabler or Edval directly to purchase and complete their offered training. This thorough understanding of your new software is vital.
- Practice on Dummy/Test site: Your dummy migration offers a valuable opportunity to explore Arbor's timetabling functionalities. We encourage all staff involved in timetabling to complete the relevant training modules and then apply their knowledge by practicing on the dummy site. You also have access to the Arbor test site for further exploration, though be aware that other schools also use this environment.
- Create Your Timetable: The allocated staff member to create your new academic year timetable in your chosen software prior to your final migration.
- Import After Final Migration: After your final migration is complete, you can then import this new timetable into Arbor, providing a strong foundation for ongoing timetable management throughout the year.
Important Considerations:
Timely Training: Completing your new timetabling software training as soon as possible is essential. This will optimally prepare you for working with Arbor and any necessary tasks during holiday periods when you have access to your live site for import.
Nova T Users: For schools currently using Nova T and considering a move to Timetabler, MIST offers a range of services, including training days focused on transferring your timetable from Nova T to TimeTabler or a Timetable Transfer Service. Please reach out to them directly to discuss if this is something you require.
Need more help?
If you have any further questions, please:
- Use our timetabling guidance for importing your timetable, or editing it in Arbor.
- Contact Edval or TimeTabler directly for support with using their systems, or if you would like to discuss your migration options.
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