We have noticed, over the years, that schools and vendors frequently confuse the proper role of space utilization reporting. Specifically, they attempt to position reporting as a viable method to improve efficiency. It’s not. It is only a tool to measure efficiency. Such reports calculate the statistical result of schedule load divided by available instructional space (available rooms or seats multiplied by hours the campus is open).

So, what is the value of these reports and how can an institution actually improve their space utilization?

Utilization reports are vital for benchmarking existing efficiency and (if they are detailed enough) shedding light on what types of rooms might limit your ability to grow enrollments. The important ideas regarding the identification and management of these rooms (your bottlenecks) will be addressed in upcoming posts. For now, however, it is important to focus on the role of reporting in understanding your situation and your growth constraints.

Utilization can improve in two ways: when you add more activities and/or students to a fixed amount of space; or, when you maintain a fixed activity level while removing instructional rooms from your inventory. Good reports can’t make this happen, but they can your to track your progress.

Next week, I’ll start to deal with the best way that we have discovered to actually facilitate improved efficiency.