Should You Transition from Nova T6 (SIMS) to Bromcom’s wTimeTable? A Timetabler’s Review

As a timetabler, this is a question I’m being asked more and more often. Bromcom has significantly enhanced its timetable software, the upgrade of eTimeTable to the much more capable wTimeTable makes the switch worth considering. Since this new module is already part of the Bromcom package, if schools already use Bromcom for their MIS it offers the attractive possibility of reducing the need for additional software—and the costs that come with it.

But the real question is: will this shift actually save schools time (and therefore money) in the long run, or could it end up creating more work?

We’re now well into timetable season, and I’m currently building several timetables using wTimeTable. I’ll be honest—I don’t yet have a definitive answer as to whether it’s better than Nova T6 (and I suspect the truth will be: it depends). That said, I’m happy to share some initial impressions for anyone considering the switch.

What Do Timetablers Need from Software?

The key things I look for in timetable software are:

• Speed of use and a quick set up

• Ease of use with an intuitive interface

• A powerful scheduling tool

• Flexibility

So how do Nova T6 and Bromcom’s wTimeTable compare?

Speed of Use: 

Compared to Nova T6, the setup process in wTimeTable is currently taking me much longer—though I expect this will be faster in future years when some of the data is already in the system. There are still some short cuts in Nova T6 that I have not found a way to do in wTimeTable. For example, in Nova T6 I can promote a year group in just a few clicks:  I can turn last year’s Year 10 into this year’s Year 11 in a matter of minutes, saving valuable setup time. 

WTimeTable also has slow load times. After each action (like allocating a class), the system takes a while to load. This can make timetabling feel frustratingly slow, especially if I need to undo something—I’m stuck waiting through the process twice.

Ease of Use: 

WTimetable has a cloud-based design that means I can access and update the timetable in real time from any device, it also saves the need for me to log into a school's remote desktop. I’ve found this especially helpful when working collaboratively. I have largely found it pretty intuitive to use. 

When I started with Nova T6 there was quite a lot of functionality that took me a while to learn, but the fact that it has been in use for so long meant that when I had a question I could not only look in the manuel, but also type the question into google and find out someone else’s experiences of doing this, and thus ascertain whether I was doing something in the most efficient way for my school. Whilst wTimeTable comes with a good and comprehensive manual, I have found it hard to always find the answers I want and I do miss all the guidance and help from other timetables. Although, I am sure this will grow in time. 

Another element I am finding more time consuming in wTimeTable is trying to keep a two week timetable as similar as possible in both weeks. In Nova T6 you can build the timetable as though it’s a single week and then adjust it at the last minute to mirror across both weeks. This keeps the two weeks as similar as possible and streamlines the planning process. In wTimeTable there doesn’t appear to be a simple way to mirror timetables across weeks. While the auto-scheduler does a decent job, manual mirroring is still lacking and with the loading time after each placement, this can again become somewhat frustrating. 

Powerful scheduling tools:  

The auto-scheduling function in Nova T6 is reasonably efficient. It does a good job of allocating blocks within the timetable or placing staff into blocks with minimal manual input. And perhaps it’s simply a matter of long-term use, but after years of experience with Nova T6, I still find it generally quick, intuitive, and reliable.

The auto-scheduling function in wTimeTable has performed well for me so far, and I think is possibly superior. I particularly value the ability to set detailed timetable rules and priorities. This adds a welcome level of customisation and control. When the system encounters a scheduling conflict, it doesn’t just stop—it explains which rule is preventing the placement, allowing me to make an informed decision about whether to override it manually.

Flexibility: 

Nova T6 has been used for years and as such has been developed to handle many changes. I have already experienced some challenges with flexibility in wTimeTable, largely because it is such a new package. On one of the timetables I am working on we had to restart an entire timetable from scratch after a school changed its daily timings. My understanding is that Bromcom has said they’re working on functionality to allow changes like this, but it’s not expected to be available until around Christmas and this could mean that if you want to make a change, you have to re-write the timetable again.

Final Thoughts (for now)

At this stage, I’m still exploring the strengths and limitations of wTimeTable (and how much it is possible to short cut some of the set up steps). It’s promising in many ways, but it’s clear there are still some teething issues—particularly when it comes to flexibility and speed. 

I’ll continue to share my thoughts as I gain more experience with the platform, but if you’re thinking about making the switch, I hope this early insight proves useful.

.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Bromcom’s wTimeTable?

wTimeTable is a cloud-based timetable scheduling module included in Bromcom’s MIS package, designed to replace legacy software like Nova T6.

Is wTimeTable better than Nova T6?

That depends on your school’s needs. wTimeTable offers strong scheduling tools and flexibility but is still developing in some areas.

How easy is it to use wTimeTable?

wTimeTable is intuitive and accessible across devices, but there’s less online support compared to Nova T6—for now.

Is Bromcom’s wTimeTable good for school timetable management?

Yes, wTimeTable is a promising solution for school timetable management, especially for schools already using the Bromcom MIS platform.

What are the pros and cons of using wTimeTable over Nova T6?

Pros: cloud-based access, powerful scheduling rules, included in Bromcom MIS. Cons: slower setup, limited support, and some missing features (for now).

Have you timetabled with Bromcom’s wTimeTable?

Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to compare experiences with other timetablers.