SIMS - Installing the IRIS Sync

We recommend the software is installed on the organisation's MIS server. However, if this is not possible it can be installed on a PC. This guide takes you through each stage of the install process.

System Requirements

  • Server install - Windows Server 2016 or above

  • PC install - Windows 10 or above

  • Review the Prerequisites.

    SIMS Schools Only

    • SIMS is installed on the machine you are installing IRIS Sync on.

    • A SIMS account with the permissions of Administration Assistant, TP SuperUser, Third Party Reporter, Exams Officer and Admissions Officer. We recommend creating a dedicated account.

    • A mapped network connection to the SIMS server (usually S:\SIMS).

    • Sims Connected organisations must install the software on the schools VPN connector machine which has the local copy of SIMS installed on it.

    • Make sure your organisation's URN is up-to-date.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Log on to the server or PC with administrative rights.

  2. Download the IRIS Data Extractorsoftware by going to the download page and using the authentication code given to you either by the Support Team or the Local Authority. Save this file to your desktop or any other location you can easily access.

  3. Double-click the Setup.exe file and select Run when prompted.

    If your system does not have Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 or above installed, you are prompted to install this before the setupcan run. After it completes you may be asked to reboot the machine. If you are unable to reboot now, please close the installer and run it again to bypass the restart and complete the process.

  4. Once complete, the InstallShield Wizard screen displaya. Select Next.

  5. Select the required installation folder. We recommend leaving this set to the default location.

  6. The software tool creates a small SQL database and attaches it to your existing SQL instance (selected in the next step). If you do not have a SQL instance installed locally then you must install SQL Server Express or install the software on a machine that does. If you require any support with this process please let us know.

  7. Select which SQL Server instance the software tool must use. It is recommended that you use the same instance as your Management Information System (MIS), for example (local)\SIMS2022.

    If you don't have enough permissions on your Windows account to move to the next step , for example it gives an error, you must switch to the SQL authentication option and enter the SA account details for this instance.

  8. The software installs two services, Data Extractor and Data Extractor Monitor. Here you can enter details of which user account these services run under. This needs to be an account which can access the internet. We recommend keeping LOCALSYSTEM selected.

  9. The program is ready to be installed. Install.

  10. When the software has finished installing, select the Launch Config Tool box and then select Finish. This launches the configuration wizard, which links the tool to your MIS.

If you receive any errors during the installation process please check our Common Errors guide