As districts prepare to launch the new school year, administrators, IT staff, and curriculum leaders are navigating the complex task of ensuring resource management systems are optimized, data is clean, and school sites are configured for success. Follett Destiny® Resource Manager is the backbone for many of these processes – and when set up correctly, it can dramatically reduce stress and streamline operations across your district.

To help you launch confidently this fall, we’ve gathered expert tips and built a practical readiness checklist.

Top Tips for Back-to-School Prep Using Destiny Resource Manager

1. Prioritize configuration at the system level.
District-level administrators should focus on global settings before site-specific changes. Start with the district calendar, access level cleanup, and site configuration settings to ensure uniformity across all schools.

2. Use Destiny Resource Manager’s reporting tools strategically.
Destiny Resource Manager provides detailed back-to-school reports that can guide cleanup of both resources (e.g., lost, retired, or approved for disposal items) and patrons (e.g., outdated records or incorrect assignments). Leveraging these early can prevent confusion when school begins.

3. Lock in your authentication and communication settings.
Set up your LDAP and SMTP configurations well in advance. This ensures reliable single sign-on (SSO), smoother patron imports, and functional email communications for notifications and password resets.

4. Make the most of global renewals & task limiting.
Features like global renewals and task limitations help balance resource circulation and prevent unauthorized changes during critical transitions. Consider which policies to roll out at the district level to empower site-based teams while maintaining control.

5. Clean data equals fewer headaches.
Importing clean data, especially via the Patron Import Converter for teacher/staff assignments and class schedules, ensures accurate reporting and fewer help desk tickets at launch.

Back-to-School Destiny Resource Manager Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist to guide your internal planning and implementation:

System Setup

• Configure district calendar.
• Set and review site configuration settings.
• Audit and clean up access levels and permissions.
• Finalize resource policies.
• Limit critical tasks during launch period.

Data Cleanup & Reporting

• Run reports for lost/retired/disposed of assets.
• Finalize inventory checks.
• Run patron cleanup reports.
• Import new student/staff/class data.

Authentication & Access

• Configure LDAP settings for SSO.
• Verify SMTP settings for email communications.
• Set up and test password policies.
• Confirm patron access by role.

Training & Support

• Schedule summer PD or quick-start refreshers.
• Provide support documentation.
• Identify district DRM champions or troubleshooters.

Ready to Go?

Destiny Resource Manager isn’t just a system – it’s your command center for operational success. Starting strong in July means smoother classrooms in August. Contact your Follett Software team to learn more about support packages or custom rollout plans.