Situation and modern solution
Many pupils receive free school meals, but administering them is complicated: special vouchers have to be prepared for pupils, distributed to pupils, and, once the vouchers have been used in the canteen, they have to be accounted for and reports kept on who has eaten what. This takes up a lot of social workers’ time, which they cannot devote to their direct teaching work. The paper voucher system also creates unwanted side-effects (they are sold, taken away from other pupils).
The ACORIS PAY free catering accounting system is designed for automated accounting of free catering. E-cards are issued to pupils and a card reader is installed in the canteen. A computer programme registers pupils eligible for free meals.
The system records when the student has eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner. The system monitors that the card is used only once. When the card is swiped, the computer immediately displays the student’s name, class, and can also show the student’s photo (so it’s easy to spot misuse)
The system automatically generates reports:
- A daily report on who ate when.
- Monthly summary by pupil of the number of meals eaten.
Reports can be exported to Excel.
Free meals accounting equipment
Pupils can have an e-Pupil Card (new one €4.95/pc),
e-stickers for the existing paper licence (€1.5/pc), plain white cards with printed number (€1.35/pc), key fob (€1.35/pc).
Card reader (standard model – €289, newer design – €345). It connects to the school’s internet network or directly to a computer.
Software for system administration (registration of new cards, blocking if lost, setting power rights, reports) – 195 EUR. Can be installed on any Windows computer.
It is possible to transmit data
to be added to the diary (to be coordinated with diary administrators)
Benefits of implementing the system:
- Saves time for social workers by eliminating the need to prepare meal vouchers and keep track of their use
- Free meals are not abused and are given to those who are entitled to them.
- A more transparent system saves money
- Modern technology is used and the school’s image is improved