Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about TIMETABLE_MARVEL features, substitutions, pricing, and settings.
The substitution algorithm evaluates all active, available teachers for a target period using a weighted scoring system:
- Subject Specialization (+20 points): Prefer teachers certified or listed for the absent class's subject.
- Segment Match (+10 points): Matches the segment level (Pre-Primary, Primary, High School) for the classroom.
- Workload Buffer (Up to +15 points): Gives preference to underutilized teachers based on their monthly target workloads vs. currently assigned weekly teaching slots.
Yes! TIMETABLE_MARVEL includes comprehensive spreadsheet import options under the Import tab. You can download our standardized Excel template, fill in your Teachers, Classrooms, Master Timetables, and Attendance sheets, and upload them to populate the database in bulk. You can also export a full system backup sheet at any time.
By default, the application runs on a local SQLite database file. Since Render's free instances are ephemeral, any local file is cleared when the instance spins down. To prevent data loss in production, we highly recommend linking a **PostgreSQL Database** or attaching a **Persistent Disk** on Render. The app dynamically detects the `DATABASE_URL` environment variable and shifts configuration automatically.
When you mark a teacher absent on the **Attendance** page, the live timetable grid automatically highlights all their assigned periods for that day in red, indicating a substitution is required. Clicking on any red slot pops open the substitution panel, listing the top ranked, available substitute teachers with detailed scores.
Yes! Navigate to the Teacherwise Timetables page, where you can view segment schedules and print or download consolidated, beautifully formatted PDF reports for Pre-Primary, Primary, or High School teachers with a single click.