The initial implementation of central timetabling requires collecting a great deal of information, and errors can occur. Some institutions have found it helpful to implement the full system slowly, to reduce errors and to allow time for teaching and other departmental staff to become accustomed to the new requirements. The staff involved in timetabling must learn the processes involved very quickly. There has to be a transfer of knowledge, from those who produce timetables in departments to the central staff, either directly or through database information. Finally, the timetabling staff, many of whom are very skilled, must be able to trust an automatic process.
Some institutions already have central room booking software.
Departments can produce their own timetables and inform the Room Booking Office of the rooms they require. Such a system would be no more than a central record to prevent room clashes and provide some space utilisation reports. Although this is extremely limited in comparison with the features of full central timetabling systems, it might be appropriate as a first step, particularly in institutions where issues of central control are contentious or where trust and confidence have to be developed. This would reduce the need for data to be entered twice, once by the department and again by the central Room Booking Office. For institutions proposing to introduce full central timetabling with central room bookings seen as a preliminary step, the possibility of purchasing a full central scheduling system but restricting its use to room bookings should be considered.