FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions:
Q1: Can we host the system on our own servers?
No. We have decided to host this system with a provider who guarantee a 99.9% uptime. We will not be able to distribute this system to run on your server. This enables us to support you remotely and apply updates and upgrades automatically.
Q2: Does it use active directory for user names and passwords?
It doesn't need to. The only password is the administrator password. Staff don't need to log into the system, however, they do suppy their initials and a PIN when booking a resource. We decided to keep things simple. The system is protected from internet users accessing your system by a simple product key that is unique to your school. If you use the system you will be given a unique URL that you put as a link on your intranet. If you prefer you can also have an initial log in screen to provide the product key. This will enable you to put the URL onto a webpage the students can access without comprimising the security if necessary. The system doesn't allocate PINs to staff, that is for them to decide when they book a resource. Staff only need to remember the PIN if they want to cancel the booking. New bookings can be made with a different PIN.
Q3: Can staff cancel each others bookings?
No. When you make a booking you can supply a PIN. This PIN is required to cancel the booking. If the member of staff forgets the PIN they entered, the booking can also be cancelled using the administrator password. Of course you don't have to enter a PIN if you don't want to protect the booking.
Q4: How do we set up a trial?
Contact us to start your trial. You can supply us with banner and footer images if you like and an indication of your choice of colours. We can also use these directly from your school website. We will then set up a fully working full product for you.
Q5: Does the system allow for timetabled lessons to be prevented from being booked?
Yes, we call these block-outs. The administrator can set block-outs for each resource for each week structure set up. This allows you to have 1 week, 2 week, x week timetables and odd weeks where you don't want blockouts to apply. There is complete flexibility. Block-outs appear grey in the bookings table, one-off bookings appear blue by default. It is not possible to make a double booking, although if the timetable is changed after resources have been booked this can cause a conflict which is clearly illustrated in red in the booking table.
Q6: Is the system being updated?
Yes, we listen to customer requests. Some of the improvements we are working on include booking by resource name as well as the resource properties. Using anchors to return to the resource you have just booked in a list. For release within the next few days is a version that will prevent other staff deleting your booking by securing it with a 'pin'.
Q7: Don't you need to restrict how many bookings a member of staff can make?
One of the key principles for the system is that it should be very easy to use for teachers. This means we don't believe in the need for passwords or restricting bookings that can be made. The staff in all the schools that use the system have used the system fairly and it hasn't been a problem. When you trust staff, they don't abuse the systems.
Q8: How much does it cost?
Orbaas is free for you to use. We do incur some hosting charges, so we would be happy to accept a donation if you would like to make one each year to help support these costs.
