Jul 17
Timetabling Processes: Manual versus Automated
Do you prefer manual, or is automatic more your thing?
We’re not talking about cars, but the way you timetable!
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There’s no right or wrong way. But there are different ways. For example, some universities favour a manual approach to the timetabling process, while others automate all the way using bespoke systems and software.
Many of the timetablers we chat to on our courses say that periodically they review their processes, and that this is when they also consider making the switch from manual to automated, or vice versa.
With this in mind, here’s our handy glance at some of the main pros and cons of both:
Many of the timetablers we chat to on our courses say that periodically they review their processes, and that this is when they also consider making the switch from manual to automated, or vice versa.
With this in mind, here’s our handy glance at some of the main pros and cons of both:
Timetabling – the manual approach
Pros: The biggest advantage of manual allocation is that it allows you to have full control of your day, time and room allocation process and therefore the quality of your timetables. When you’re booking rooms manually, you’re more easily able to factor in things like niche requirements for different departments, or shorter travel times between classes for particular groups of students.
Cons: While these are great advantages, manual allocation often means that the reasons behind specific choices are not recorded within a timetabling system. We’ve heard of incidents where decisions are made in a timetabler’s head but because they aren’t recorded, these create problems down the line when they are on holiday - or leave their role!
Manual day, time and room allocation also tends to take longer and require more planning than automated allocation, and there’s the potential to accidentally restrict room availability if things aren’t properly planned, too.
Cons: While these are great advantages, manual allocation often means that the reasons behind specific choices are not recorded within a timetabling system. We’ve heard of incidents where decisions are made in a timetabler’s head but because they aren’t recorded, these create problems down the line when they are on holiday - or leave their role!
Manual day, time and room allocation also tends to take longer and require more planning than automated allocation, and there’s the potential to accidentally restrict room availability if things aren’t properly planned, too.
Timetabling – the automated approach
Pros: The biggest advantage of automated allocation is that it’s fast and accurate - as long as the overall quality of the data entered is good and any constraints that need to be taken into account have been entered into the system too.
Cons: The main downside of automated allocation is that it often can’t account for those niche requirements from departments that we describe above, which can compromise the overall quality of the timetable.
Plus, although automation software tends to save time on the scheduling side of things, you’ll find yourself making up at least some of that time ensuring the data you enter into the system is continually up to date and clean.
Cons: The main downside of automated allocation is that it often can’t account for those niche requirements from departments that we describe above, which can compromise the overall quality of the timetable.
Plus, although automation software tends to save time on the scheduling side of things, you’ll find yourself making up at least some of that time ensuring the data you enter into the system is continually up to date and clean.
Discover more on this at The Timetabling Academy
We’ve only scratched the surface of the manual versus automated timetabling debate here, but over at The Timetabling Academy we run regular workshops on this very topic, and plenty of others too!
In fact it’s the place to chat all things timetabling - an online hangout we’ve built for timetablers just like you. A space brimming with workshops, resources and a lively community forum – all designed to help you rock in your role as a timetabler.
Come and join your fellow timetablers from universities all over the UK and enjoy:
✔️Live workshops tackling all of the toughest timetabling topics head on. As a member you can request a topic, too!
✔️Our community forums – a great place to seek support from peers and our timetabling course facilitators.
✔️Exclusive discounts for our CPD accredited timetabling courses, including Timetabling Basecamp.
And so much more.
You can check out The Timetabling Academy here.
In fact it’s the place to chat all things timetabling - an online hangout we’ve built for timetablers just like you. A space brimming with workshops, resources and a lively community forum – all designed to help you rock in your role as a timetabler.
Come and join your fellow timetablers from universities all over the UK and enjoy:
✔️Live workshops tackling all of the toughest timetabling topics head on. As a member you can request a topic, too!
✔️Our community forums – a great place to seek support from peers and our timetabling course facilitators.
✔️Exclusive discounts for our CPD accredited timetabling courses, including Timetabling Basecamp.
And so much more.
You can check out The Timetabling Academy here.
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