MIS Integration

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Overview

Integrating Signal with your Management Information System (MIS) ensures student data stays synchronized automatically. This eliminates manual data entry and keeps your safeguarding records accurate and up to date.

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Supported MIS Systems

Signal currently integrates with:

• Arbor - Full integration available

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Benefits of MIS Integration

Automatic MIS integration provides:

• No manual data entry: Student information syncs automatically
• Always up to date: Changes in your MIS reflect in Signal within hours
• Accurate data: Eliminates transcription errors from manual entry
• Time savings: Focus on safeguarding, not data management
• Complete records: Ensures all students are present in Signal

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Setting Up MIS Integration

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What Data Is Synced?

Signal automatically synchronizes:

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Student Information

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Year group
• Class/form group
• Student ID number
• Admission date

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Organizational Data

• Year groups
• Class groups
• Staff members
• Organizational structure

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Contact Information (if configured)

• Emergency contacts
• Parental information
• Contact phone numbers and emails

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Sync Schedule

After the initial setup, Signal automatically syncs with your MIS on a regular schedule to keep your data up to date.

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Arbor Sync Schedule

You can also trigger a manual sync at any time from Settings > MIS Integration.

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Staff Import Rules

When importing staff from your MIS:

• Email domain matching: Staff members are only imported if their email address matches your school’s domain. For example, if your school’s email is admin@myschool.ac.uk, only staff with @myschool.ac.uk email addresses are imported.
• Default role: Imported staff are automatically assigned the Viewer role, giving them read-only access to Signal. You can upgrade their role later if needed.
• Existing users: Staff who already have accounts in Signal are not modified by the sync.

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Handling Sync Conflicts

If Signal detects changes made in both systems:

1. MIS data takes priority for basic information (names, dates of birth)
2. Signal data is preserved for safeguarding records
3. You’ll be notified of any conflicts requiring manual review

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Data Security

All MIS integrations use:

• Encrypted connections (TLS 1.3)
• Secure credential storage
• Minimal data access (only what’s needed for safeguarding)
• Regular security audits
• Compliance with data protection regulations

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Troubleshooting Integration Issues

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Sync Failed

If synchronization fails:

1. Check your MIS credentials are still valid
2. Verify your MIS system is online and accessible
3. Review the error message in Settings > MIS Integration
4. Contact support if the issue persists

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Missing Students

If some students aren’t syncing:

• Verify they exist in your MIS system
• Check they’re marked as current students (not archived)
• Run a manual sync to force an immediate update
• Check filter settings in Signal to ensure you’re viewing all students

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Outdated Information

If student data appears out of date:

• Check the last sync time in Settings > MIS Integration
• Run a manual sync
• Verify the data is correct in your MIS
• Contact support if automatic syncs aren’t running

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Disabling MIS Integration

To disconnect your MIS:

1. Navigate to Settings > MIS Integration
2. Click Disconnect MIS
3. Confirm the action

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Alternative: Manual Import

If you can’t set up automatic MIS integration, use the Chrome Extension to import student data manually.

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Next Steps