Powerful new features for DEWi

14 May 2008

A new version of the highly successful DEWi (Data Exchange Wales initiative) system, developed and managed by Method4, went live today. The pan-Wales initiative allows data to be exchanged securely over the internet without the need for multiple copies on physical media that could get lost or misplaced.

DEWi is currently used by more than 2000 schools, 22 Local Education Authorities (LEAs) and the Welsh Assembly Government. The system validates and cleanses data using a comprehensive set of validation rules before detailed statistical analysis, influencing the annual £1billion spend on education in Wales.

The new version of DEWi, provides powerful management reporting features, immediate feedback to schools and LEAs on the validity of their data and allows LEAs to collaborate with the Assembly Government in ensuring that the data is accurate.

Craig Hughes, Method4's Account Director and Project Manager for DEWi, commented: "Feedback has confirmed that DEWi has become an essential tool for the mammoth task of collecting data from every school in Wales. We have listened and worked closely with our users to provide a powerful set of new features which will help speed up the data collection process and get information to the fingertips of decision makers as quickly as possible."