MLS Out-of-unit Stake Administrator

Discussions around using and interfacing with the Church MLS program.
rolandc
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MLS Out-of-unit Stake Administrator

#1

Post by rolandc »

Your Stake should be setup in every ward as an out of unit administrator.
Roland
Gary_Miller
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Re: Where is all the buzz around the new beta???

#2

Post by Gary_Miller »

rolandc wrote:Your Stake should be setup in every ward as an out of unit administrator.
Say what?

My Stake Clerk does not have access to MLS on our ward computer, nor will he ever. He has no need to make changes to the ward MLS data base that's the ward Clerks responsibility. The STS also does not have access to the ward MLS data base ether, if they need access they can schedule time with the ward clerks who would be more than happy to help the out.
russellhltn
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Re: Where is all the buzz around the new beta???

#3

Post by russellhltn »

Then why does the function of "out of unit administrator" exist in MLS?

Let's not forget, those machines belong to the stake. They are only assigned to the ward. And most callings that touch on that computer are processed though the stake.
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Gary_Miller
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Re: Where is all the buzz around the new beta???

#4

Post by Gary_Miller »

russellhltn wrote:Then why does the function of "out of unit administrator" exist in MLS?
I don't know why its there. I feel pretty confident its not to make changes to the wards data base information.
russellhltn wrote:Let's not forget, those machines belong to the stake. They are only assigned to the ward. And most callings that touch on that computer are processed though the stake.
While this is true those in stake positions need to be mindful that the ward clerks are the ones who utilizes the machines, out of respect they should involve the ward clerks when ever they need to make adjustments to the machines. The only way to do this is to limit the number of of people who can get into the system, having had bad experiences in the past with stake STS and Clerks they are one of the groups limited.
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aebrown
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Re: Where is all the buzz around the new beta???

#5

Post by aebrown »

Gary_Miller wrote:... those in stake positions need to be mindful that the ward clerks are the ones who utilizes the machines, out of respect they should involve the ward clerks when ever they need to make adjustments to the machines.
Stake clerks should certainly coordinate any adjustments with the ward clerk, but the ward clerk doesn't have to be directly involved beyond being aware.
Gary_Miller wrote:The only way to do this is to limit the number of of people who can get into the system, having had bad experiences in the past with stake STS and Clerks they are one of the groups limited.
I'm sorry you've had bad experiences, but your opinion in this regard is in direct conflict with the policy clearly stated in the RKATS article Maintain MLS User Access, which says: "When MLS is installed at the ward level, the stake administrator should also be given an out-of-unit administrator account on the ward level. This will allow someone from the stake to assist the ward users as necessary." You may wish that this were completely under the control of the ward, but it's simply not the ward's option -- the stake administrator does get an MLS out-of-unit administrator account.

Now none of this means that the stake uses this account to make changes to the ward data, which seems to be your concern. I would agree that changes are made by the ward clerks, not by a stake administrator.
Gary_Miller
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Re: Where is all the buzz around the new beta???

#6

Post by Gary_Miller »

Its not that the stake administrator does not have access its just that they don't have free access anytime they want. In other words they just can't walk into the wards clerks office and log into MLS without one of the clerks knowing about it. They can get on the computer and make changes as needed to the computer they just can't log into MLS.

When they do need access in order to assist the ward users, I as the ward administrator will give them the "Out of unit Account", which will be promptly disabled/closed when they are finished making any adjustments they may need to make. This process keeps us within the Policy and Principles as outlined in the RKATS article.
lajackson
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Re: Where is all the buzz around the new beta???

#7

Post by lajackson »

Gary_Miller wrote:This process keeps us within the Policy and Principles as outlined in the RKATS article.
Actually, no it doesn't. But that is a matter to be worked out between your stake president and your bishop.

In our stake, what you are giving up is the opportunity for your ward to have a fresh backup before MLS is removed and reloaded, edited and changed, or otherwise reconfigured to support the ward or branch that is sharing the computer with you.

And if you do not share the computer with another unit, you are simply giving up the opportunity to have problems requiring STS assistance solved in a more expeditious manner, unless your clerk's schedule matches the schedule of the STS. We did not consider that in calling our STS, so you would be largely on your own in our stake, which it appears is how you wish things to be anyway, so this would probably not be a problem for you. [grin]
Gary_Miller
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Re: Where is all the buzz around the new beta???

#8

Post by Gary_Miller »

lajackson wrote:And if you do not share the computer with another unit, you are simply giving up the opportunity to have problems requiring STS assistance solved in a more expeditious manner, unless your clerk's schedule matches the schedule of the STS. We did not consider that in calling our STS, so you would be largely on your own in our stake, which it appears is how you wish things to be anyway, so this would probably not be a problem for you. [grin]
Which leads to the question is a STS a Stake Clerk also?

The reason this is important is due to the Guidelines in the Handbooks only Bishops and Clerks are authorized to access to membership records. There is also other information in MLS that is sensitive in nature and is for the Bishops and Clerks eyes only.

Its not logical for every STS in the stake to have a administrator log on which gives them access to information which they have no need to know. That would be about 5 "out of unit administrator accounts".
russellhltn
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Re: Where is all the buzz around the new beta???

#9

Post by russellhltn »

Gary_Miller wrote:Which leads to the question is a STS a Stake Clerk also?
The STS is an assistant Stake Clerk. His guidelines say "Assistant stake clerks should not access confidential membership and financial records, except as requested by a bishop or the stake president."

To date, I've only used my MLS login to fix/troubleshoot send/receive problems and replace computers.

Gary_Miller wrote:Its not logical for every STS in the stake to have a administrator log on which gives them access to information which they have no need to know. That would be about 5 "out of unit administrator accounts".
MLS only allow two accounts. As far as I know, there's only one STS in a stake. But there could be assistants.
Have you searched the Help Center? Try doing a Google search and adding "site:churchofjesuschrist.org/help" to the search criteria.

So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
Gary_Miller
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Re: Where is all the buzz around the new beta???

#10

Post by Gary_Miller »

russellhltn wrote:MLS only allow two accounts. As far as I know, there's only one STS in a stake. But there could be assistants.
In my stake we have three people with the calling "Stake Assistant Clerk--Technology Specialist". No assistants.
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