The behind-the-scenes tasks of school IT departments during software implementation can bog down the team and even cause slowdowns in unrelated projects, especially if they’re brought in at the last minute.
Understanding the needs and concerns related to IT’s role in modernizing school safety will help mitigate roadblocks to a successful implementation of new safety software. Products designed to protect sensitive information, mitigate risks, and streamline day-to-day processes allow technology departments to focus on their core responsibilities.
Following are four reasons why IT professionals appreciate integrated and secure platforms.
1. A truly integrated platform
“One of the biggest benefits of the Raptor System is how easy the setup process is given that the data talks between the modules. Additionally, our department doesn’t have to navigate multiple dashboards to update and maintain the information since it’s all in one place. The ‘single pane of glass’ theory really does apply to Raptor.” Troy Seyfort, Director of Technology at Menomonee Falls School District
The value of a truly integrated platform cannot be overstated.
As a truly integrated platform, IT staff can administer global and product-specific settings from one central area of the software. No need to navigate to each separate product to make adjustments or configurations.
2. Unmatched data security and privacy
School technology departments face ongoing challenges related to cybersecurity threats. Protecting student information means adhering to data privacy and compliance with federal and state regulations, especially those focused on protecting children’s data.
Key considerations related to software security and privacy include:
- True single sign-on (SSO) through Google Auth to ensure authorized access only means school staff use familiar login credentials—reducing IT interventions for password management.
- The ability to create customizable user roles with automated provision to your Active Directory means easy role-based access management.
- SOC 2 Type 2 compliance for both Privacy and Security means sensitive data, including personal identifiable information (PII) for staff and students, has the most comprehensive level of protections in the Systems and Organization Controls (SOC) protocol.
“Cybersecurity and student data privacy is a huge portion of what we do every single day. When we began looking for a visitor management system to meet new state requirements for data security, I looked at Raptor and also saw the emergency management piece, which we hadn’t been thinking about previously. Anytime I can put a couple of eggs in one basket with a single partner and know that both our data and safety needs are being met, I’m always more apt to do that than to fracture our relationships across multiple partners. It makes support so much simpler.” Gary Lambert, Director of 21st Century Learning at Beekmantown Central School District
Protecting the security and privacy of customer information should include:
- Following a standardized risk management process led by the Security and Compliance Program Manager and overseen by top-level management;
- Conducting annual assessments of service providers to collect, track, and manage third-party security controls based on the risk presented to the business;
- Ensuring data are encrypted at rest and in transit;
- Conducting regular vulnerability scanning and web application penetration testing of our products; and
- Maintaining and periodically testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
3. Asset management made easy
Badge-based systems are expensive and require quite a bit of asset management. For example:
- Proprietary mesh networks require the purchase and installation of single-purpose dedicated hardware to send panic alerts.
- They aren’t a one-time purchase, and maintenance and management are ongoing expenses.
- Eventually, the hardware will need to be updated, or else become obsolete.
Fully integrated, software-based systems, in contrast, cost up to 10 times less upfront, and the ongoing maintenance costs are 50-75% lower than a single-function hardware-based solution that is limited to a single type of emergency response.
Additionally, software-based solutions allow for updates to the system without requiring the expense of replacing an entire system—which makes app-based solutions far more financially sustainable.
“When we installed the software we used previously, we’d have to do it not only on every PC as an application, but on every individual user’s profile on that PC. It was constant intervention on our part, so it was a huge relief when we moved to Raptor and never had to deal with that cumbersome process again.” Gary Lambert, Director of 21st Century Learning at Beekmantown Central School District
4. Support to make integrating new technology into district safety plans is even simpler
With collaboration and in-person training comes greater engagement from the school staff. They’ll fully understand the reasons why the technology works in a certain way and how it supports your district’s safety initiatives. Strong engagement yields strong adoption and sets you all up for success.
Having the option for additional in-person training allows school staff to collaborate directly with training professionals and helps align the software with your school’s culture.
“Raptor checks all of the boxes and is available to be purchased with SPAT grant money that the state has offered. And, not to mention, the implementation and customer service that we received from Raptor was excellent.” Scott Rogers, Superintendent at Brazos ISD
Learn how Raptor can help
The importance of integrated school safety technologies cannot be overstated. Raptor’s solutions are tailored for the educational sector, ensuring a safer and more streamlined environment.
To learn more about how Raptor can enhance your school’s IT and safety infrastructure, download Raptor’s free guide.
Related Resources
GUIDE: THE ROLE OF IT STAFF IN MODERNIZING SCHOOL SAFETY
Considerations To Streamline Safety and Security Demands on School Technology Departments
Webinar
