University Fab Lab: The benefits of management software

Managing fab labs in university and school environments is a challenge. From coordinating reservations and managing training sessions to documenting projects, maintaining machines, and organizing workshops, administrators have to juggle numerous tasks. Management software like Fab-Manager can transform this complex process into a smooth and efficient operation. Here's how this tool can make a significant difference for both universities and engineering schools.

Streamlined Reservation Management

Managing student reservation requests on a case-by-case basis through email, agendas, or Excel files is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors, especially in university labs with numerous students and machines. This process can lead to resource conflicts and a significant workload for administrators.

A management software like Fab-Manager greatly simplifies this process. With its advanced features, it allows students to directly book machines, spaces, and training sessions via an intuitive interface. This reduces the workload for administrators and minimizes the risk of double bookings. The online reservation system also encourages bookings by making the process more accessible and faster.

Each student has their own account to track their reservations, and confirmations as well as reminders are automated. Administrators no longer need to send confirmation or reminder emails, which saves a significant amount of time.

Concrete Examples:

• Fab Living-Lab of the University of Lorraine: The Fab Living-Lab at this university manages reservations where students can book either an entire room equipped with several machines or one or more individual machines in the room. Fab-Manager solves this puzzle by automating availability: if someone books the entire room, the machines it contains become automatically non-bookable, and vice versa. Learn more: Fab Living-Lab of the University of Lorraine.
• The Fabrique de l’Innovation of the University of Lyon: This university has optimized time management by implementing an online reservation system for its machines and training sessions. Students must complete prior training before they can book and use the machines autonomously, ensuring efficient and safe use of the equipment. Learn more: Fabrique de l’Innovation of the University of Lyon.

Integrated Project Documentation Tool

Project documentation is a central element in academic environments. Students often work on individual or group projects to apply their knowledge and validate certain course modules. A project documentation tool becomes an asset for both teachers and students.

Fab-Manager is a management software that offers an integrated solution for documenting and sharing projects carried out within a fablab or laboratory. Students can create detailed project sheets, complete with descriptions, images, and files. This functionality not only tracks project progress but also organizes information in a structured manner. Administrators and teachers can download these project sheets for use in classes and to work on them further. This easy sharing strengthens collaboration and allows for more interactive monitoring of student progress.

Concrete Example:

• At the University of Lorraine, for example, the fablab reorganized its project gallery by classifying projects according to its own course modules. This makes the documentation not only more structured but also directly useful for teachers, who can easily access projects based on the modules they teach.

Simplified Tracking of Resources and Users

Tracking resources and users allows for proactive and efficient management of university or school fablabs. This functionality not only contributes to smoother equipment management but also enhances the user experience for both students and administrators.

With software like Fab-Manager, each user has a detailed profile that records their activities and interactions with the machines. This tracking enables administrators to manage access permissions to equipment in a targeted manner, ensuring that only qualified and trained users can access specific resources.

The provided reports and statistics offer an overview of resource usage, such as machines and spaces, as well as the attendance of various workshops. These data are essential for planning future equipment needs and optimizing the use of available resources. Exporting all these data also facilitates the creation of comprehensive reports.

Implementing a management software like Fab-Manager in university or school fablabs transforms the administrative workload into a streamlined and efficient process. From managing reservations and trainings to documenting projects and tracking resources, Fab-Manager offers a comprehensive solution that benefits both administrators and students. By automating and centralizing these tasks, universities and schools can focus more on innovation and education, ensuring a productive and engaging environment for all users.

F.A.Q

• What if my university's lab has specific constraints? How can I know if Fab-Manager can meet them? You can schedule an appointment with our expert, Clara, who will provide you with personalized advice.
• Do you have testimonials from schools that have implemented Fab-Manager? Yes, you can read a testimonial from Clarisse Novello of Polytech Orléans here.
• Which schools and universities use Fab-Manager? Fab-Manager is used by institutions such as the Fab Living-Lab of the University of Lorraine, the fablab of the University of Rennes II, the fablab of the Fabrique de l'Innovation of the University of Lyon, Gobelins School, Anahuac University, and the University Centre of Arts and Design in Barcelona, among others.