Features of Connections Online Photo Directories

Typical downloadable entry

Typical Online Entry

• The Directory is online and downloadable.

  The main feature that all users can see is the online and down loadable directories, either with or without photos. A typical entry in the photo directory is shown to the right. The default directory picture height is 1.4 inches.

  The directory can list multiple emails and phone numbers.

• The Directory is always current.

  Each downloaded directory is based on current status of the database so a downloaded directory is always the most recent version. Each is dated so you can tell which is newer.

• Your data is safe and secure

  All access is controlled by user names and passwords. Groups may have a common user name and password, for example a user password combination could be published in a newsletter or bulletin for those who may need access to the down loadable directories. Great care has been taken to prevent access without a user name and password. Data is backup daily with at least two weeks of previous data snapshots available in case of hardware failure.

• Users can submit corrections

  General users can submit corrections for review through an online form that emails their description of the corrections to an email address of your choice. If the submission is initiated from a search results page the current information of that page is sent with the email.

• You have control

  • Authorized users can edit information and upload current pictures at any time. Changes are tracked so you can see who changed what. The benefit is that your ministry team can pool information and several individuals are checking the correctness of the information. The "task" of creating a annual directory update is eliminated!
  • Photos can easily be updated. Someone does not like their photo or a photo is dated, have them send you another!
  • Entries in the database may be publish in the down loadable directory and in search results or kept private.

  • Ages of children may be displayed in the down loadable directory and in search results (this helps parents connect with others with similar age children) or they may be kept private.
  • You have control over the number of users and the level of their access. There are different level of access ("public", read, read/edit, read/edit/delete, read/edit/delete/restore).
  
  
  

• The Directory is Searchable

  General users can search on first name or last name to find individuals. This is useful if you only remember part of someone's name and need to figure out how to contact them. You know you have the correct person by their picture!

• Advanced searches

  Authorized users can do advanced searches that lets you ask demographic questions. If you need to know how many 10 and 11 year old there are--do a search on birth dates. Wondering who lives in the same area neighborhood--do a search on the postal code.

• Merge Mailing and Email Lists

  Authorized users can define and maintain mailing lists that can be downloaded in an Excel file and used with Word's merge mailing capabilities. NEW: Address in a list can be plotted on maps to help you understand the demographic in your contact database.

• Export Contact into Excel Files

  

  Using the list feature you can export a list into an Excel file which can then be imported into other programs such as OutLook.

• Customizable

  You can add your logo, background images and colors to the online site and you can also add a logo and header to the downloadable directory.