Administration Console 1.7
App Integrations
After several requests for the ability to add and manage access to the Timetabling Solutions API, we have added this to the Administration Console. Now administrative users can configure access for third-party and school-developed software to access our API using a new menu item [7] App Integrations.
From here, users can create a new integration by giving it a name and then use the Application Identifier and Application Shared Secret to access our API.
It is also possible if an application is web-based to add its URL to the Application Path field, this will display it in the Apps menu within all Timetabling Solutions web applications.
If the application supports SAML SSO using the standard claims provided by Azure AD, it is also possible to integrate the application for SSO with the Timetabling Solutions authentication platform by adding its SAML login and response paths to the App Integration entry. All SAML responses generated can have their signatures verified using the per-app signing certificate, whose thumbprint can be found at the foot of the App Integration entry.
All App Integrations require a user account to authenticate to the API, access to an App Integration can be managed using a new dialog in the Manage Users screen of the Admin Console.
For more information on the Timetabling Solutions API, please refer to the Help & Support page for the App Integrations screen within the Admin Console.
Project Folder
The Project Folder has been enhanced to allow users to rename files and folders. In addition, if a user chooses to move or copy a file to a folder that already contains a file with the same name, they will be prompted to enter a new name for the file rather than just being told they cannot perform the action.
Passwordless / Passkeys support has been added for authentication using the FIDO2 standard; this can be done on a per-user basis and must be carried out by the user. Our implementation leaves the user options open with regard to how they enrol into passwordless.
At present, a user can choose whether to lock their account to a specific device or use a cross-device credential, the only limiting factor is the options the device supports. At present, these options are limited. However, broader and more convenient options are coming from most OS vendors in the coming year.
When a user enrols on passwordless, their original credentials are removed and cannot be used anymore. To disable passwordless, the user must either authenticate successfully, go to the user profile page, and uncheck passwordless. They will then be prompted to create a password. Alternatively, they can use the recovery system to disable passwordless, prompting them to create a password for their account.
If you’re interested in more detail about what passwordless is and how it may change over the next year, we think this article does a good job of explaining it https://revolutionaries.zscaler.com/insights/multi-device-fido-credentials-you-can-now-go-all-passwordless.
Daily Organiser 2.0
Updated User Menu
The user menu in Daily Organiser has been updated to match the other applications in the suite allowing for easier searching and filtering of schools. It will remain in place until the user button is clicked a second time.
The items in the Configuration Settings menu have been updated to match the tasks supported by the Administration Console.
Performance Improvements
Many of the actions within the application have been modified to improve their performance; these include:
- Creating and removing Cycle Start dates
- Creating and removing Closure days
- Updating the Day Code of a date
- Creating and removing Teacher Absences
- Creating and removing Room Availabilities
- Creating and removing Lesson and Yard Duty Cancellations
- Creating and updating Student, Teacher, Room and CRT activities
- Opening files and switching dates
- Most screens now load faster
Timetable Days Summary
The footer of the Timetable Days Summary table, which displays day count totals now correctly, remains in view when scrolling the screen.
Bulletin - Word & PDF format changes
We've moved our reporting to a common platform which has resulted in formatting restrictions;
Microsoft Word: all tables are set to autofit to the page rather than to the contents of the table
Adobe PDF: the contents are no longer editable