TechnologyOne to deploy MortarCAPS data standard nationwide

TechnologyOne and MortarCAPS have entered into an agreement to deploy the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) across Australia for the higher education and vocational sectors.

The MCDS was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Council of Australasian University Directors of Information Technology (CAUDIT) and several universities such as the University of Melbourne, University of Western Australia, and University of Sydney.

The data standard aims to address long-standing challenges stemming from the use of disparate software systems with limited integration across educational institutions. These challenges often result in increased operating costs, data silos, and difficulties for students wishing to transfer between providers or gain recognition for prior learning.

MCDS is intended to create an integrated means of recording and sharing learning data between systems, enabling students to retain and control access to their learning history. The approach is expected to automate administrative tasks such as government reporting and credit transfers.

TechnologyOne is to become the first vendor to implement the principles for these data standards within its student management solution, supporting universities, TAFEs, and vocational institutions across the sector. The company will collaborate with MortarCAPS to develop and deploy the standard model not only in Australia, but also in Canada and the United Kingdom.

The principles behind MCDS have been developed by IT representative bodies for the higher education sectors, including CAUDIT in Australia.

TechnologyOne's adoption of MCDS is expected to help institutions enhance data quality, streamline processes for government reporting, and achieve interoperability between systems. Benefits are also anticipated for policymakers and public accountability, due to improved information flows and transparency.

TechnologyOne Executive Vice President for Education David Cope commented: "This agreement means Australian innovation is leading the charge worldwide in uplifting the post-secondary Education industry's capability and enabling institutions to provide the exceptional user experiences students have come to expect. We reinvest 20-25 per cent of our revenue in R&D annually in continually improving our products for the markets we serve. Working hand-in-hand with the sector to reduce the administrative burden so educators can focus on student success".

MortarCAPS Chief Executive Officer Charlsey Pearce stated: "TechnologyOne's partnership with MCDS represents a united vision for the future of education, one where connected systems, data integrity, and student-centred design go hand-in-hand. Together, we're laying the groundwork for a sector-wide transformation, one that empowers institutions to lead with both innovation and integrity, without compromise."

Central Queensland University Chief Digital Officer Roy Pidgeon said: "Our sector faces escalating demand for data insight, reporting, sharing, and security. The CAUDIT MortarCAPS Data Standard is an innovative design to equip our institution to navigate these challenges effectively. By partnering with TechnologyOne, a leader in vendor adoption of this standard, we are confident in our ability to enhance student experiences, improve interoperability, and ensure robust data security across our digital systems."

University of Melbourne Enterprise Architect Sean Turner noted: "The University of Melbourne is pleased that TechnologyOne has become a founding partner of the MortarCAPS higher learning data standard. This will enhance University's ability to participate in the ongoing development and enhancement of the standard in advancing data transparency and collaboration across the education sector."

MortarCAPS Technical Principal Andrew Mulcahy commented: "This is a global data revolution, and it's being led by the sector itself. Built by the sector, for the sector, MCDS is the foundation stone for better student experiences, smarter service delivery, and sustainable transformation. With TechnologyOne on board, we're proving that the sector can lead its own future, on its own terms."

TechnologyOne brings 37 years of experience in Australian research and development. The company has positioned itself as the founding vendor for implementing sector-developed data standards, working in partnership with MortarCAPS and sector bodies to support a shared mission of improving student outcomes and system connectivity.