Bill MacKenty

Using Expression Engine as a event / building and grounds request system

I’ve used Expression Engine for years in K-12 schools. Far from just a normal content management system for our website, I love how easy it is to bend expression engine into interesting shapes and uses. I just finished working on an event / building and grounds request system and wanted to share our story.

A few years ago, I used EE to create a trouble ticket system (part 1 and part 2). Then, I used EE to create a very simple inventory system for our interactive whiteboards. 

The latest project can be seen here  (I’ve removed the generic logon so EE community members can see the front end. Normally, our teachers need to login to access this page). The system allows our teachers and staff to submit requests for building and grounds services, and requests to setup for events.  There is a control panel page that our building staff uses to see open requests, new requests, and urgent requests.

We used solspace’s free form module to create the forms for our end-users, and the control panel for our building and grounds staff. Our chief of building and grounds uses EE’s control panel to edit entries (usually, to just mark them closed). 

This project was a success. It was very easy to implement, it is customizable, and meets the need of our high school and elementary school.  For our building and grounds chief, though, the system is a godsend.  He is responsible for three different building in three different locations in New York City. This system allows him to login anywhere to see what is going on at our school.

I would be happy to discuss this with the community, or give a tour of the system.