A sync mode controls how much data SchoolDay transfers when a synchronization runs. The mode is set during application configuration and affects how long syncs take, what data is covered, and whether changes are applied immediately or held for review.
Requirements
- Primary District Admin permissions
- Application added from the Application Gallery and configured with valid delivery credentials
Available sync modes
|
Mode |
What it transfers |
Available for |
Enabled by default |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Full Sync |
All records |
All app types |
Yes |
|
Incremental Sync |
Only records changed since last sync |
PowerSchool only |
Requires Support activation |
|
Preview |
Nothing (shows a preview only) |
2-Way Sync apps |
Optional |
Full Sync
Full Sync is the default mode for all applications. Every sync transfers all records from your data source.
When to use it:
- At the start of the school year when setting up a new integration
- After significant SIS changes such as school restructuring or mass enrollment updates
- When you need to confirm all records are fully aligned across systems
How it works by app type:
- Import apps — all data is pulled from your SIS into SchoolDay
- Export apps — all data is pushed from SchoolDay to the connected application
- 2-Way Sync apps — data is imported and merged with existing records, then all updates are exported back; SchoolDay applies master field rules to resolve conflicts (see Resolve duplicate records in SchoolDay)
Incremental Sync
PowerSchool only. Not available for other SIS integrations. Requires Support activation.
Incremental Sync transfers only records that changed since the last sync ran. This reduces processing time for high-frequency syncs where most data is unchanged.
When to use it:
- For daily or frequent syncs where most records are stable between runs
To enable: Contact SchoolDay Support. After activation, configure the Incremental Sync schedule in Configure sync schedule.
Note: The Incremental Sync Schedule tab appears in Home > PowerSchool > Settings > Schedule only after Support activates this feature. If you don't see it, the feature is not yet enabled for your account.
Preview mode
2-Way Sync apps only. Not available for Import-only or Export-only apps.
Preview mode shows what would change before committing to a full sync. No data is saved or modified during a preview.
When to use it:
- Before the first full sync of a new integration
- After a major SIS update, to check for unexpected changes before they propagate
- When troubleshooting data discrepancies between systems
To run a preview and apply changes, see Run sync manually for an application.
Related articles
- Configure sync schedule
- Run sync manually for an application
- Sync statuses in SchoolDay
- My data is not syncing with SchoolDay or data is not up to date