Requisitions

MiracleTech

I was wondering what type of ordering system you use to get the requisitions in from the teaching staff?
And what is your deadline period?
Thanks

TechyJohn

I’ve put down option 2 though it’s not email, we use Tasks/Planner in Teams. I don’t operate on a deadline basis, for the most part teachers will get requests in in good time, so I’m happy to flexible, if they are last minute I’ll give them a hard time in good natured way. I’m lucky in that we all get on in the department and treat each other with respect.

MiracleTech

TechyJohn
How many days notice to you normally ask for?
The system here is mainly a paper one but some teachers opt to email the completed requisition form and I print it out.
However, there is a move to use a dedicated application called Lab logger. I don’t much about it when used in practice.

TechyJohn

MiracleTech It depends on what they’re asking for, I don’t have a standard time. Many of our kits are made in advance, it’s just things like limewater, enzymes etc - actually most biology especially micro that need advance notice, with microbiology needing most notice.

I did do a trial of LabLogger, seems good but a pain to set up. So much of our stuff is already on Teams that it would be a big job (probably mine) to set it up and I didn’t think it was worth it for us. Our system is paperless though and I do like to be able to look at the schedule for the day and tick things off, plus it’s free.

TechyJohn

There was a discussion on here (a few months ago ?) about the merits of Lab Logger, might be useful to look that up.

frazerm

we use lablogger and requisition deadline is friday for the following Tuesday to Monday. Special orders like for micro or projects need to be logged but also emailed/discussed with me at least a week in advance due to their time consuming nature. This was the general order of things established by the PT when he set up lablogger. It works well for he most part but there’s always a rogue request here n there

Goaty_McGoatface

I’ve thought about LabLogger a few times. It’s decent, but my paper system works and I don’t have time to set up all the templates. With the school changing timetables last minute, it could be more hassle than help.

I’m also not a fan of teachers being able to add late requests without speaking to me. I’m flexible, but I prefer to know what’s going on.

I do like the idea of going paperless, but it shouldn’t fall entirely on the tech to set it up. Something like @TechyJohn’s setup, where the tech keeps control, makes more sense.

Not sure the school would pay for it anyway — and once you’re using it, you’re stuck with their pricing.

MiracleTech

Goaty_McGoatface
I use a paper system mostly. I’m happy if the teachers would like to email their form in instead and I’ll print it out. I’m more than happy with that, so long as they meet the deadline most of the time. It’s not a big department and I see LL as a way for someone to make money and it’s not requirement for me to do my job well. Our network can drop out and at least with paper, I don’t have to worry if I can’t log on etc. Stock taking etc is covered by free to me M$ Excel. I don’t need LL to help me with that. For anything more complicated, I’d use M$ Access.