When education technology (edtech) runs smoothly, educators and administrators can focus on students and learning without worrying about software management. Seamless integration of technology can transform resource management, enhance efficiency, and improve educational experiences.

Do you struggle to manage resources across multiple platforms? Are you hesitant to suggest technology changes due to potential disruptions? Are you aware of the benefits of software integration but concerned about training and adoption challenges?

Thousands of schools and districts across the country have found that the benefits of integrating resource management software far outweigh the initial hurdles. Here’s why integrating edtech with existing systems is crucial for schools today.

Enhanced Efficiency

Integrated edtech platforms streamline processes like enrollment, student management, grading, and communication. This automation reduces the administrative burden on staff, allowing them to focus on teaching and improving the educational experience.

James Lofton, Assistant Director of Technology Services for Brockton Public Schools in Massachusetts, shared how switching from spreadsheets to Follett Destiny® was a game-changer. “We were already familiar with the library manager,” Lofton said. “When introduced to Follett Destiny, it was astounding as we could use the Resource Manager to track student devices with a familiar interface.” Learn more about his experience here.

Kate MacMillan, Coordinator of Library Services and Digital Resource Manager at Napa Valley Unified School District, emphasized the benefits of integrated software for interdepartmental communication. “Our team liaises with the technology department regularly, handling reporting and inventory which is then communicated to our tech team,” MacMillan said. Read more about their experience here.

Streamlined Operations

Resource management software helps schools efficiently allocate and utilize resources like classrooms, equipment, and personnel. Integration with scheduling and administrative systems aligns resource allocation with school schedules and objectives, optimizing utilization and reducing conflicts.

Data Accessibility

Integration enables real-time access to data from different sources, allowing educators to track student performance, analyze trends, and make data-driven decisions. This accessibility leads to more effective interventions and better educational outcomes.

• Real-Time Information: Integrated systems provide up-to-date data on resource availability and status, preventing double bookings and ensuring efficient use.
• Data Consistency: Integration maintains consistent data across systems, automatically syncing information to ensure accuracy and up-to-date records.

Data Security

Centralized data management with integrated systems enhances data security by implementing consistent security protocols and access controls, protecting sensitive student and institutional information.

Enhanced User Experience

Integrated systems offer a seamless experience for students, teachers, and administrative staff. A single sign-on reduces the need for multiple logins, making it more convenient to use educational technology.

Cost Savings

Consolidating multiple systems into a single integrated platform reduces costs associated with software licensing, maintenance, and training. This frees up resources for other educational priorities. Effective resource management prevents waste and improves utilization, ultimately saving money.

Scalability

Integrated platforms can scale as districts grow or their needs change, accommodating evolving educational requirements more effectively than fragmented systems.

Follett Destiny® charges one flat fee for unlimited asset management, spreading the cost across departments and budgets without price increases as assets grow. Learn more and download a complimentary action plan here.

Interoperability

Integration enables different software and databases to work together, allowing educational institutions to choose the best tools for their needs while ensuring seamless operation.

Adaptability

Integrated resource management software adapts to changing school needs, scaling and evolving with expansions, new offerings, or unforeseen challenges.

Personalization

Integration facilitates personalized learning experiences by connecting student data with edtech tools, enabling educators to tailor instruction and support to individual needs.

Reporting and Analytics

Integrated systems offer advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, providing insights into student progress, attendance, and other key performance indicators to inform strategic decision-making.

• Customized Reporting: Schools can track resource utilization, analyze patterns, and make data-driven decisions to optimize resource allocation.
• Enhanced Planning: Historical data and trends enable informed decisions about resource allocation, procurement, and future investments.

Amanda Piper-McClure, Instructional Resource and Technology Manager for Northwest Independent School District in Fort Worth, Texas, highlighted the impact of effective reporting: “It allowed us to have a 100% collection rate from our seniors for their textbooks.” Click here to learn more. 

Competitive Advantage

Keeping pace with technological advancements is essential for schools to remain competitive. Integrated edtech solutions offer a modern learning environment, attracting students and faculty who expect these capabilities.

Conflict Resolution

Integration helps identify and resolve conflicts quickly. For example, integrated software can flag double-booked rooms, alerting administrators and proposing solutions to minimize disruptions.

Partnering to Promote School Success

Follett offers an open platform that extends the capabilities of Destiny Library Manager, Destiny Resource Manager, and Aspen® Student Information System (SIS) via our API Partner Program and third-party connector suite. This empowers schools to implement time- and cost-saving integrations.

The Follett API Partner Program provides tools and support to build value-added integrations with Destiny Library Manager, Destiny Resource Manager, and Aspen SIS.

View our list of partners. 

Additional Integrations to Streamline Operations

Help Desk Integration: Centralizes reporting and ticketing for technical issues, improving communication and ensuring efficient support.

Mobile Device Management (MDM) Integration: Enhances security and tracking for mobile devices, supporting cost management and efficient deployment.

MDM integration ensures systems are up to date and informs districts of inventory status changes. Destiny Resource Manager simplifies transferring device data and synchronizing with your MDM system, accelerating asset imports and deployments.

Next Steps 

Integrating your edtech software platforms and databases enhances efficiency, data accessibility, cost savings, user experience, security, and educational outcomes. When you’re ready to make the switch, the Follett Team is here to help with training, cloud hosting, and more. Focus on what you do best – educating students. Interested in taking resource management to the next level? Streamline support, repair, and maintenance, resolving issues quickly and extending the lifespan of your IT assets with Help Desk – coming soon! 

P.S. Take efficiency a step further by becoming hosted.