Data is all around us and can help guide the decisions we make in all aspects of school.
As we prepare for the next cycle of devices for our 1:1 program I wanted to get a better look at the repairs we’ve had on our current model (Macbook Pro – 13″) as compared to the same time frame for the previous model of device (Macbook Air – 13″).
It’s important to know that we standardized on the same device for a three-year period in order to provide the same experience and level of support.
I looked at the number for the first two years for each and relying on our HelpDesk (SolarWinds WebHelpDesk) numbers for repair counts and my budget database for actual dollars spent by the school on repairs. The dollar totals do not include the deducible charges ($250.00) that a family/student would have been charged, only the amount we (the school) would have had to have paid.
The number of repairs for the 2013-2015 timeframe were 168 with a dollar total for these and other related items (screws, required tools, etc.) of just over $17,000.00
The number of repairs for the 2016-2018 timeframe were 364 with a dollar total for these and other related items (screw, required tools, etc.) of just over $52,000.00.
One of the most common repairs and most striking between the timeframes is that of display repairs.
Number of repairs by time frame:
2013-15: 44
2016-18: 141
While the number of both dispatch and parts repairs are higher within the 2016-18 timeframe the number of parts repairs, the repairs that we are doing in school, is significantly higher. The dollars spend on repairs would have been higher if we were sending these out for repair.
While these “exact” devices will not necessarily be available when making our choice and we do not yet know what device we will be choosing for our next cycle, these repair numbers will be used when evaluating device choice.
Taking the time to record this type of data in a system(s) and doing so consistently provides invaluable information and guidance in the decision-making process. If you do not yet have a system for tracking your repairs I would suggest looking at something soon.
