OpenText acquired Documentum from Dell EMC in 2017, and now supports the enterprise content management (ECM) system. The vendor says users can build content-centric applications and solutions from collaborating on business documents to delivering case-based applications to managing highly precise processes in the most regulated business environments.
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PowerSchool Unified Classroom Special Programs
Score 8.0 out of 10
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PowerSchool Unified Classroom Special Programs (Special Education) covers all areas of education including 504 processes, services capture for Medicaid billing, special education case management, gifted and talented, English language learners, and Response to Intervention (RTI). It is a comprehensive system that combines case management with tracking clinical services to ensure the delivery of IEPs and alignment of IEPs to state and local goals. The system is designed to support districts in…
Documentum is best used in medium to large institutions that can afford it, have alternate solutions for web publishing, and who have either in-house developers or can hire good Documentum developers (not the ones who know Java but do not understand ECM). It is, in my opinion, the best heavy duty ECM solution out there, assuming OT is not gutting it as we speak. That is my only hesitation to not giving it a 10, OpenText is an unknown quantity in this and I worry that they will only support Documentum until they have figured out how to fill the gap between Documentum and OT and then offer a migration path to OT with a Documentum sunsetting as an incentive.
PowerSchool Special Education is well suited in one specific area: special education in elementary, middle and high schools. It works here due to the nature of the platform, which focuses on meeting the needs of students with all disabilities. The software offers information on specific cases, students, as well as Academics. This supports the mission of supporting all students and making it easier for educators, parents, and administration to be more heavily involved in tracking, monitoring and supporting students. When using PowerSchool Special Education, it simplifies the IEP process. Collaboration is one of the best abilities the software provides. There is a need to track program eligibility, including 501 accommodations and Title 1, and in a school with such a large population, the functionality that this software offers to users is important.
Records management: Compared to other content management systems, this provides a efficient and scalable solution. It gives lot of flexibility in managing the content as Records or Legal holds.
Workflow system has external plugins to connect with FAX, Mail, Database and FTP servers etc. which gives an option to integrate with any system with documentum.
Creation of websites and maintenance is easy. Content authors can create the pages with effective mechanism.
It provides all the documents necessary for supporting federal and state laws in regards to the special education program.
Extremely effective in helping to meet reporting standards for students. Teachers that fall behind on deadlines or timelines are given reminders and provided with processes to monitor progress and reporting.
Case management is easy, which leads to 100% compliance. This is important because the best strength is that this platform helps to increase funding by meeting all requirements of the Fed and State.
An additional strength is the collaborative potential it offers. The platform offers student portals to let staff access all resources on demand.
WDK framework has been the biggest drawbacks from the application speed point of view, as well as client complexity and not so natural look and feel. Yes, with the latest releases much of these features are improved.
EMC is very expensive to buy, own and support, where some products require many dependent Docuemntum products to be installed to work at its best.
In terms of improvement, the interface is extremely ugly and simple in design, color and icon design. The platform needs to have a much more interactive and appealing interface so that use is more comfortable.
For parents, their side of the platform has a lot of options. That needs to be simplified. I think less and more drop downs within the key menus would help.
The disability codes are very lengthy. Perhaps there are easier or faster ways to access subsections to select.
Stability is a key factor as well as its flexibility. Also, any organization that deploys Documentum will have made a significant investment in terms of time and money, so not renewing its commitment can come with a significant cost. That said, the decision to deploy Documentum initially should come only after extensive evaluation, knowing that once deployed it will likely remain the platform of choice.
There is no other software on the market that is specifically focused on improving the support of special education programs. PowerSchool Special Education system has a similar interface and structure that Moodle Rooms offer; however, Moodle Rooms is for content management and student management. PowerSchool Special Education is not related to course curriculum management, it is primarily focused on special education programs. Managing special education programs can be very difficult and stressful. It is impossible to successfully comply and healthily support a special education program without tools such as PowerSchool Special Education. Even more important than what other software does do for schools and educators, this platform makes it more convenient for families. Electronic forms and parent portals make processes easier.
After this product, the client is able to manage content security and due to it, the client is able to use the business process, and this really reduces effort and increases the profit in business.
It provides integration with SAP easily which really helps the client to manage this effectively and with minimum effort system is ready to use.
Also searching, automated flows also create a bigger impact and reduce a lot manual effort.
There is also a positive impact on ROI for the school. Utilizing this software provides the school with the ability to increase the potential it receives in Title 1 funding. Title 1 funding is a major source of funding for inner-city schools in particular.
Normally, the IEP and tracking process is lengthy, filled with paper, and often takes more time than necessary. Utilizing this software speeds up the process and provides clear requirements to be met, which reduces the number of questions and confusing meetings or papers left in teacher mailboxes.
I have not experienced a negative return on investment with the software, because, without it, the paper trail would be too lengthy and the process would be much more convoluted, with long meetings, long sheets of paperwork, and missed deadlines due to a lack of clear collaboration.
