General Sessions

Your staff manages irreplaceable data on a daily basis and depends upon the accessibility of the information in your files. Content will include functionality from the Automatic Backup feature and the LiveStor service. These concepts apply to all sorts of business and personal data, not just PDS. Ask yourself, “Am I as protected as I need to be?” This class will help you establish a system to protect this data from PC viruses, hardware failure, power outages, or even the unexpected physical disaster by:

• Establishing an automatic backup routine
• Testing your backup routine
• Understanding what protection you need
• Examining the possible threats to your data

Tidiness may have nothing to do with godliness, but it does make a database more efficient and easier to use. Discover tools and strategies that will empower you to keep your database clean and efficient. Content may include functionality from all PDS programs. This class will cover:

• Recognizing areas that are prone to data clutter
• Communicating style guidelines (st. versus street)
• Establishing wise policies for data archiving and clearing

Additional Notes: Offered multiple times: breakout 2 – Wednesday afternoon, breakout 8 – Thursday late afternoon

Learn how to be more efficient by mastering the basic skills common to all PDS programs. Topics include:

• Mastering common tools and user interface objects
• Searching, adding, and deleting records
• Managing keyword lists
• Using listing screens and Easy Lists
• Backing up, restoring, testing, and fixing your data

See how various optional equipment can simplify your life and enhance your ministry. Topics include:

• Delivering automated voice messages to groups with PhoneTree
• Improving data entry/lookup with a barcode scanner
• Simplifying check processing with a check scanner
• Selecting compatible ledger and payroll checks
• Choosing the right W-2
• Getting around the PDS Online Store

This is an opportunity for you to get answers from other participants in a minimally-moderated forum. Pose questions to the group and share your experiences with others. Don’t be shy. Many folks probably have the same questions. There are several roundtables available. To get the most out of these roundtable sessions, please attend the one that best matches your experience level.

This is an opportunity for you to get answers from other participants in a minimally-moderated forum. Pose questions to the group and share your experiences with others. Don’t be shy. Many folks probably have the same questions There are several roundtables available. To get the most out of these roundtable sessions, please attend the one that best matches your experience level.

This is an opportunity for you to get answers from other participants in a minimally-moderated forum. Pose questions to the group and share your experiences with others. Don’t be shy. Many folks probably have the same questions. There are several roundtables available. To get the most out of these roundtable sessions, please attend the one that best matches your experience level.

PDS offers exceptional support. Find out how to get the same excellent support after hours or on the weekends. This class will cover:

• Learning where the Knowledge Base is and how it works
• Using natural language search capabilities to find answers to your software questions
• Addressing questions that are not in the Knowledge Base

Additional Notes: Offered multiple times: breakout 3 – Wednesday mid-afternoon, breakout 6 – Thursday morning

Large group e-mail delivery and processing is a complex endeavor. With spam-blocking software and legislated guidelines in place, sending e-mails to groups of people is getting even trickier. Discover strategies and tools that will enable you to communicate effectively and legally by e-mail. Content will include functionality from the Church Office, Formation Office, and School Office programs. This class will include:

• Sending bulk e-mails without tripping spam filters
• Designing e-mails that people want to read
• Employing opt-out messages and procedures
• E-mailing group members

Get a glimpse of the insights offered in the Network Administrator's Certification course. This class touches on:

• Maintaining a network
• Cabling
• Improving network performance
• Tightening network security for PDS

Learn how the new OnDemand service allows you to tap the full functionality of PDS applications over the web. This class will cover:

• Giving your staff and volunteers access to your PDS programs over the Internet
• Taking advantage of older/less expensive computers
• Understanding the minor differences between OnDemand and a local installation

Gather insights and proven tips for recruiting, placing, and training volunteers for ministry. Then keep them there! This class will cover:

• Keeping your current workers excited and fulfilled
• Recruiting new workers
• Screening and equipping workers

Learn about the latest add-on available for Church Office: the PDS Sacramental Register. See how it can be used to maintain sacramental details for individuals who are not current members.

Learn how the Secure Search service can quickly and easily perform background checks on staff and volunteers entered into Church, Formation, or School Office. See how this service integrates with the Safe Environment windows in the programs.

Church Office, Formation Office, and School Office are powerful programs when used by themselves. See how utilizing a single shared database can make it easier for everyone.

• Understanding what is and is not shared
• Configuring the initial setup options in each program
• Adding families from a shared database
• Using the Quick Add feature to add records quickly from data that exists in another PDS program
• Arranging to have your separate databases merged
• Resolving duplicate records with the Combine Families and Combine Members processes

Begin a step-by-step plan and prepare your church to implement a volunteer ministry. Explore concepts, strategies, and tools for getting people “plugged in” to a ministry. This class will cover:

• Identifying the entry points
• Establishing placement, screening, and training processes
• Developing a plan for implementing a complete volunteer ministry
• Changing the culture of your organization to allow your volunteer ministry to flourish