As a part of a long-term effort aimed at upgrading the Information Technology (IT) environment and improving internal efficiency, the Akron Digital Academy (ADA) decided to select a single Student Information System (SIS) that will provide a method of tracking all student information as well as internal operational data. The implemented solution will also manage academic content and track data related to student attendance and performance. The new system is expected to merge typical SIS functionalities with content management functionalities, resulting in a fully integrated, user-friendly, and efficient solution for the Academy.

ADA retained RNR Consulting to assist with development of a Request for Proposal, managing the vendor selection process and implementation activities. RNR Consulting is currently responsible for reviewing all vendors and creating informational packet for each proposed SIS solution, as well as conducting qualitative analysis and quantitative cost-benefit analysis in order to determine a vendor shortlist. The Project Team will also facilitate vendor presentations and check vendor references to assist ADA in selecting a solution best align with the Academy business needs and functional requirements provided by ADA users.

The RNR Project Team will manage the testing phase of the system implementation, which will focus on identifying “showstopper” defects such as software crashes as well as simple problems such as spelling errors and cosmetic issues. RNR Consulting will develop cheat sheets and maintenance manuals, which will be used as quick reference guides in conjunction with vendor training manuals. The migration process to the new system(s) during the Go Live process will transition ADA users to the new system while stopping utilization of the parallel database. RNR Consulting will provide ADA with project documentation to ensure that roles and responsibilities for ADA staff are clearly defined.

RNR Consulting has developed a comprehensive project schedule for selecting and implementing the SIS system and ensuring a successful transition. The Project Team will manage conversion of historical data to the new system as well as cleansing data in the legacy database in order to ensure a data set that will be prepared for migration to the new system. RNR Consulting will also work with the selected vendor and ADA to define, design, estimate, schedule, and deliver all required custom reports.