With digital transformation happening across industries, schools and universities are no exception and change is non-negotiable. However, facing these changes can be very challenging. Outdated systems, fragmented processes, and tight budgets make digital transformation in education difficult to keep up with. The good news? IT solutions, especially from Salesforce, offer a way forward.
This blog will explore how advanced IT solutions for the education industry can help schools and universities overcome common obstacles, enhance student success, and streamline operations.
Feeling tired of the status quo? Don’t fret! Our experts can help you break free from outdated systems and create a brighter future for your educational institution.
What are the everyday struggles faced by schools and universities?
Before we look into the solutions, let’s touch on some real challenges many educational institutions face:
1: Old systems that don’t work well together
Many schools rely on a patchwork of incompatible old systems across departments. This can make daily tasks more difficult, as staff have to transfer data between different platforms manually. For example, a student might have to register for classes in one system, check their grades in another, and access their financial aid information in a third. This fragmented approach can be time-consuming and error-prone, making digital transformation in education a necessity.
2: Fragmented student services cause confusion
Students may find it frustrating to use multiple systems to access services that are non-negotiable for their educational journey. Students may have to log in to multiple systems, from registering for classes to checking their grades, which can be confusing and time-consuming. This can lead to a negative student experience and hinder their academic success.
3: Security concerns related to student data
With sensitive student data being handled, ensuring compliance with regulations like FERPA or GDPR is imperative. However, many schools don’t have the right tools in place to protect student data and prevent breaches. Outdated systems may be vulnerable to security threats, putting students’ personal information at risk.
4: Limited budget results in limited resources for the students
Schools often operate with tight resources, making IT investments feel out of reach. The cost of upgrading outdated systems or implementing new technology can be a significant barrier for many schools. This can limit their ability to provide students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Digital transformation in education can help you modernize your systems, enhance student engagement, and improve operational efficiency.
IT solutions in the Education industry that can make a difference
Now, let’s see how Salesforce’s IT solutions can help solve these pain points, and beyond that, how they can transform education for the better.
1. Salesforce Education Data Architecture (EDA) is the foundation
Imagine having a system where everything is connected: student records, admissions, financial aid, and even alumni engagement. Salesforce’s Education Data Architecture (EDA) does just that, offering a flexible and scalable foundation that unifies every part of your institution’s operations.
→ Why it matters:
With EDA, schools no longer have to juggle multiple systems. Everything is centralized, which means fewer headaches for administrators and a more seamless experience for students.
→ What it solves:
- Disconnected systems
- Inefficient student services
- Time wasted on manual data entry
Example:
Before EDA, a student had to log into three different platforms just to check their financial aid, class schedule, and grades. Now, all of that can be done through one portal. Simple, right?
2. Salesforce Einstein provides data-driven insights
Data is powerful, but it’s only useful if you know what to do with it. Salesforce Einstein, an AI-powered tool, helps institutions make sense of their data and gain insights that lead to smarter decisions.
→ Why it matters:
Einstein can predict trends, such as which students are at risk of dropping out, and recommend personalized interventions to improve retention.
→ What it solves:
- Lack of data-driven decision-making
- Difficulty predicting student needs
- Time-consuming manual analysis
Example:
A university uses Einstein to identify students whose grades are slipping. The system flags these students and recommends early tutoring support, improving their chances of success.
3. Managed IT services offer long-term support
Even after implementing these cutting-edge solutions, schools need ongoing support to keep things running smoothly. Managed IT services ensure that systems stay up-to-date, secure, and scalable without putting strain on internal teams.
→ Why it matters:
Managed IT services allow schools to focus on education while the experts take care of the tech.
→ What it solves:
- Limited internal IT resources
- Security risks
- Downtime due to system updates
Example:
A small university partners with a managed IT provider that monitors its systems, handles updates, and ensures compliance with data security laws, all without needing to hire a full-time IT team.
4. Automated compliance management for security concerns
With growing regulations around student data, maintaining compliance can feel like an impossible task. Salesforce simplifies this with automated compliance management tools that track, report, and secure sensitive information with ease.
→ Why it matters:
Instead of manually tracking who accessed what data, automation ensures schools can quickly generate compliance reports during audits.
→ What it solves:
- Time-consuming compliance checks
- Inaccurate data tracking
- Risk of regulatory penalties
Example:
During an audit, the school’s IT team can generate a report in minutes showing which staff members accessed student records, saving hours of work and ensuring full transparency.
5. Student Success Hub enables personalized student experiences
Students today expect a personalized experience, much like what they get from brands in other industries. Salesforce’s Student Success Hub helps institutions offer tailored support by creating detailed student profiles based on their academic journey.
→ Why it matters:
Whether it’s providing academic advising or alerting students about deadlines, Student Success Hub ensures every student gets the attention they need.
→ What it solves:
- Generic, one-size-fits-all student support
- Poor student engagement
- Difficulty identifying at-risk students
Example:
The platform automatically sends personalized notifications to students who need to register for classes or meet with an advisor, keeping them on track without constant manual follow-up.
6. Integrated communication tools create a unified system
Communication between students, faculty, and staff is non-negotiable but often fragmented. Salesforce’s integrated communication tools allow schools to manage everything from announcements to student-faculty interactions through one platform.
→ Why it matters:
With integrated communication, schools can ensure students never miss important updates – whether it’s a class schedule change or emergency notification.
→ What it solves:
- Missed messages
- Multiple communication platforms
- Delayed responses to student inquiries
Example:
The school sends automated reminders to students about upcoming deadlines or important announcements, reducing confusion and ensuring everyone stays informed.
7. Scalable cloud solutions offer flexibility and growth
One of the key benefits of digital transformation in higher education is scalability. As your institution grows, so do your tech needs. Salesforce offers cloud-based solutions that can easily scale without the need for major overhauls or expensive upgrades.
→ Why it matters:
With cloud solutions, schools can expand their IT infrastructure as needed without breaking the bank.
→ What it solves:
- Expensive on-premise hardware upgrades
- Difficulty adapting to growing student populations
- Lack of flexibility in IT systems
Example:
A university can scale its CRM and student management system as enrollment grows, adding new features and functionality without the need for physical infrastructure changes.
Final words
From automating compliance to improving student engagement, Salesforce’s IT tools provide everything schools and universities need to operate more efficiently, improve student outcomes, and stay secure. In a world where every minute counts and budgets are tight, investing in scalable, integrated IT solutions is more important than ever. The result? An education experience that benefits both students and staff, empowering institutions to adapt and thrive in the digital age.
