The verdict in three sentences
A school timetable app replaces the paper board and sticky notes with an automatic generator that respects room, teacher and subject constraints. In Kampala in 2026, the order of magnitude is 350,000 FCFA for a custom planning module or 15,000 FCFA/month in SaaS. Across 30 classes and 45 teachers, timetable generation drops from 3 days to 2 hours and room clashes fall 95%.
The constraints good scheduling must handle
A timetable is not a simple grid: it is a puzzle of crossed constraints. The software solves them in minutes where a human spends days.
| Constraint | Manual difficulty | Software solution |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher availability | High | Per-teacher blocks |
| Room capacity and type | High | Automatic assignment |
| Hours per subject | Medium | Quota per class |
| Shared lunch break | Medium | Protected slot |
| Teacher cover | High | In 10 min |
| Student/parent mobile export | Low | PDF and app |
Teacher cover in 10 minutes is a daily win: the software suggests compatible free slots and rooms, where manual adjustment triggered cascades of clashes.
Custom build or scheduling SaaS
The choice depends on the school's size and the need to customise rules.
| Criterion | Custom module | Scheduling SaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | ~350,000 FCFA | 0 FCFA |
| Recurring cost | Hosting ~10,000 FCFA/month | 15,000 FCFA/month |
| Timetable generation | 3 days -> 2 h | 3 days -> 2 h |
| Room clashes | -95% | -95% |
| Room occupancy rate | 78% -> 91% | 78% -> 91% |
| 3-year cost (indicative) | ~710,000 FCFA | ~540,000 FCFA |
Both options deliver the same time saving; SaaS suits a standard school, while custom wins when pedagogical rules are specific or the timetable must integrate with an existing school ERP.
Mini case study
Mr Mbuyi, deputy head of a secondary school with 30 classes and 45 teachers in Kampala, spent 3 full days each start of year building the timetable by hand, with about ten room clashes to fix. With the generator (350,000 FCFA), building drops to 2 hours and clashes fall by 95%.
On rooms, the occupancy rate rises from 78% to 91%: he frees the equivalent of several slots per week, letting him host two extra classes without building a new room. Each teacher cover, which took half an hour of negotiation, is now settled in 10 minutes.
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FAQ
How much does timetable software cost in 2026?
Budget an order of magnitude of 350,000 FCFA for a custom module or 15,000 FCFA/month in SaaS. Hosting a custom solution runs around 10,000 FCFA/month.
How much time is saved on timetable generation?
In our 2026 estimates, it moves from 3 days to 2 hours for 30 classes and 45 teachers, with a 95% cut in room clashes.
Can a teacher cover be arranged quickly?
Yes: the software suggests compatible slots and rooms and closes a cover in 10 minutes, without creating new clashes elsewhere.
Does room occupancy improve?
Yes, it typically rises from 78% to 91%, letting the school host more classes without building new premises.
Do students and parents see the timetable?
Yes: it is exported as PDF and viewable on mobile, with automatic updates when a room changes or a cover is set.
Let's talk about your project. We build your timetable generator connected to your school ERP. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
