better appointment handling in MLS
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 12:02 pm
Just brainstorming, and maybe others could help...
MLS is powerful, but lacks some abilities for interview tracking, scheduling and reporting of interviews, and I'll include tithing settlement as an interview. I realize that many things are changing. Maybe in the future MLS and LUWS will be one and the same.
I wish MLS had more support for interviews, expanded to include more then just a report of who needs interviews, like we currently have. I'm not sure how or if it could all work.
Currently, we print an "action and interview" list, a "temple recommend expiration" list, etc, then make calls and keep paper calendars. Yes, we could now move these calendars to a new Beta LUWS calendar. But I want more integration, better time management, better reporting, and less chance of "losing" the interview that didn't happen. I want an "outlook" type MLS that combines task lists and calendars for appointments and interviews.
I wish I could log on to an interview application in MLS, and type a few parameters for interview scheduling. For example, which leader will do the interviewing and what time they are available. MLS would then present me with a "task list" of interview candidates, based on options we've preselected. I make calls and once confirmed, with a click or two on the screen I can add the interview onto a calendar/schedule for each bishopric member. In a way, this is a task list integrated with a calendar function, much like Outlook.
For counselors, that may include current recommend holders that have expiring recommends, and youth interviews as assigned to each counselor. For the bishop, his options may include baptism candidates, priesthood advancements, non-temple recommend holders, etc.
Once calls are made the scheduling is done right on an "outlook" type of calendar, perhaps drag and drop from and interview "task list," so no re-typing of names or phone numbers are needed. If the interviewee doesn't show or the bishopric needs to reschedule, the interview is not entered as completed, and remains on the list to be rescheduled.
Reporting could be integrated, so with a few clicks, we can see what interviews are complete, and what are still "due," so the bishopric may increase or decrease the amount of time available on a sunday.
Tithing settlement is just a much larger appointment task list...the whole ward. The list could show who has signed up, who has been completed, and those yet to sign up for a time. Integrated with a calendar, additions and modifications can be made easily. Perhaps even allow an online sign up through an LUWS tie-in.
Just some thoughts...what do others think?
MLS is powerful, but lacks some abilities for interview tracking, scheduling and reporting of interviews, and I'll include tithing settlement as an interview. I realize that many things are changing. Maybe in the future MLS and LUWS will be one and the same.
I wish MLS had more support for interviews, expanded to include more then just a report of who needs interviews, like we currently have. I'm not sure how or if it could all work.
Currently, we print an "action and interview" list, a "temple recommend expiration" list, etc, then make calls and keep paper calendars. Yes, we could now move these calendars to a new Beta LUWS calendar. But I want more integration, better time management, better reporting, and less chance of "losing" the interview that didn't happen. I want an "outlook" type MLS that combines task lists and calendars for appointments and interviews.
I wish I could log on to an interview application in MLS, and type a few parameters for interview scheduling. For example, which leader will do the interviewing and what time they are available. MLS would then present me with a "task list" of interview candidates, based on options we've preselected. I make calls and once confirmed, with a click or two on the screen I can add the interview onto a calendar/schedule for each bishopric member. In a way, this is a task list integrated with a calendar function, much like Outlook.
For counselors, that may include current recommend holders that have expiring recommends, and youth interviews as assigned to each counselor. For the bishop, his options may include baptism candidates, priesthood advancements, non-temple recommend holders, etc.
Once calls are made the scheduling is done right on an "outlook" type of calendar, perhaps drag and drop from and interview "task list," so no re-typing of names or phone numbers are needed. If the interviewee doesn't show or the bishopric needs to reschedule, the interview is not entered as completed, and remains on the list to be rescheduled.
Reporting could be integrated, so with a few clicks, we can see what interviews are complete, and what are still "due," so the bishopric may increase or decrease the amount of time available on a sunday.
Tithing settlement is just a much larger appointment task list...the whole ward. The list could show who has signed up, who has been completed, and those yet to sign up for a time. Integrated with a calendar, additions and modifications can be made easily. Perhaps even allow an online sign up through an LUWS tie-in.
Just some thoughts...what do others think?