By Ellen Garnett
Staff Writer

SchoolDude, a web-based tool, will make the work order process easier and more efficient when it launches in early April.

In the next two weeks, staff members from Administration, the Beatley Library, and Residence Life will test the program to work out any kinks they encounter. Buildings and Grounds crew members who perform work orders are also becoming familiar with the process.

Unlike the current work order system, SchoolDude has a handful of helpful features for both students and Building and Grounds staff. Among these features include the ability to check the status of work orders, attach a file or photo to assist crew members for very particular work orders, and specify orders by choosing from 20 different kinds of common problems.

“I think the biggest improvement with this system is our ability to communicate more quickly,” said Sarah Smith, Operations Project Manager for Building and Grounds.

Internally, the software is more effective because it allows crew members to update the status of work orders online, which helps to eliminate the lag created by having to process physical paperwork that the old system required. The transition to online paperwork makes it easier for Buildings and Grounds staff to categorize information and the eradication of paper makes the work order process environmentally friendly. SchoolDude also has an embedded email system for crew members to ask questions about work orders.

The program has already been adopted by schools such as Wentworth Institute of Technology, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Lesley University, and Berklee College, to name a few. Simmons College will soon be added to the list.

According to Smith, the new software is more suitable to the needs of the College because it is designed for educational facilities instead of complex buildings, unlike the old software.

“We really hope that people will give the new system a try and remember that we need your help to keep Simmons clean and well-taken care of,” said Smith. She encourages students who have not had a great experience with the old system to try the new program.

An email will be sent out announcing when the system is live that will include a link to the program and instructions on how to fill out a work order.