What to Look for in Enrollment Software: A Practical Guide
When it’s time to evaluate or refresh your student enrollment tool, the options can be overwhelming. With many platforms offering a variety of features and customization options, it’s crucial to know what to prioritize to ensure your system meets your organization’s needs. We’ve asked our in-house experts (former practitioners themselves!) to help round up some key factors to consider when choosing your next enrollment platform.
1. Ease of Use and Simplicity
A critical component of any enrollment software is how easy it is to use—for both administrators and families. Simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing functionality; it means delivering robust features without unnecessary complexity. Is it clear what families need to do next? Are translation options obvious? Can administrators get a quick pulse on their data? There are often complex processes that should be made easy to navigate in order to save time and reduce the potential for errors. Text-heavy, less intuitive interfaces will be burdensome to families. A platform’s interface should prioritize clear, step-by-step navigation, reducing any anxiety and confusion associated with enrollment.
2. Configuration vs. Customization
Customization is often touted as a benefit, but it can become a double-edged sword. Too much customization can lead to bloated, overly complex systems that are difficult to manage and update. Instead, look for a platform that offers robust configuration options. For example, Avela allows for extensive configuration to meet specific policy needs, processes, and branding, without the heavy lifting of custom development that adds time and complexity to an implementation. This balance ensures that your system is tailored to your needs while remaining maintainable and scalable.
3. Implementation Speed and Support
Time is often of the essence during implementation. You want a system that can be up and running quickly, without compromising on quality. You can also benefit from high-quality, available support experts, and client services teams with practitioner experience. Avela was designed to offer fast, efficient onboarding, that can even provide smooth transitions mid-enrollment-cycle if desired. Contrast this with platforms that require more extensive setup times and may lack the hands-on support needed during critical periods.
4. Data Management and Accessibility
Effective data management is crucial. You need a platform that makes it easy to access, manage, and analyze your data. A platform offering straightforward data access, with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the extraction and use of data should be top of your list to help simplify and accelerate data-driven decision-making.
5. Ongoing Innovation
Technology is always evolving, and so should your enrollment software. Choose a platform that is committed to continuous improvement and regularly updates its features to keep pace with the latest developments in education technology. Does your platform routinely roll out new features that enhance both functionality and user experience? Does your vendor have a product roadmap that they regularly share with you? Do you get a chance to provide input on that roadmap? This is paramount to keeping your organization at the cutting edge.
