You can use the Spending page to find low-value apps and reduce or redirect your spending. Low-value apps have some combination of high total cost, high per user cost, and low utilization.
Some low-value app categories:
- High Cost and Low Use: High total cost, low utilization.
- Expensive and Underused: High cost per user, low utilization.
- Hidden Cost Risks: Effective cost is much greater than the fee per user.
- Too many Licenses: Many more licenses than are used.
- Uneven Usage across Schools: High overall utilization, low at specific schools.
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Popular at a few Schools only: Low overall utilization, high at specific schools.
| Category | How to find | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Too many Licenses Apps with more licenses than you use result in you paying for unused capacity. |
Sort apps by high Total Licenses, then compare against low Number of Licenses Used. | 5,000 licenses purchased, but only 2,000 in use. |
|
Uneven Usage across Schools Apps that are performing well overall but show low usage at specific schools. |
Sort License by high License Utilization, then compare against low License Utilization by Schools. | App has 80% overall Utilization, but only 10% at X School |
|
Popular at a few Schools Only Apps that are performing well at some schools, but have low overall usage, suggest they aren’t suited for district-wide use. |
Sort License by low License Utilization, then compare against high License Utilization by Schools. | App has 10% overall Utilization, but 95% at Y School. |
|
High Cost and Low Use Apps that are quick wins for cost savings because they offer a low return on investment. |
Sort apps by high Total Spend, then compare against low License Utilization. | App costs $25,000 total spend with 12% Utilization. |
|
Expensive and Underused Apps that a few schools value as they’re often non-essential premium tools with high costs and limited use. |
Sort apps by high License Fees per User, then compare against low License Utilization. | App costs $40 per user with 15% Utilization. |
|
Hidden Cost Risks
|
Compare License Fees per User with high Effective Cost per User. | App costs $20 per user license fee, but Effective Cost per user is $80 per active user. |
Once you've identified the low-value apps:
- Speak to schools: Get teacher and leadership input on why usage is low.
- Increase Utilization: Where possible, encourage use through better training or communication.
- Find alternative apps: Look for more cost-effective tools that meet the exact needs and offer better value.
- Reduce licenses: Match license count to actual usage.
- Remove apps: Phase out consistently low-value apps.
- Negotiate pricing: Use data to ask for discounts or flexible licensing.