ACS Hands-on Classroom Training

Classroom training events are Hands-On, which will feature an ACS Certified Trainer demonstrating the use of software projected onto a large screen. Classes are arranged for 2 students per laptop to follow along with the instructor. Basic knowledge of Win XP is required.  Attendees can choose which classes to attend. 

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Class Content

Day 1 - People 101 - (Working with People Records)

Unit 1:  Overview of People Modules    Relationship to other modules   The ACS for Windows workbench interface   Using My Preferences   Finding individuals   Configuring the Find Person screen   Working from the Add/Edit Individuals screen

Unit 2: Managing People Profiles    Entering a new individual (new family)   Entering a new individual (existing family)   Tracking other relationships   Adding additional addresses   Adding additional phone numbers and E-mail addresses   Adding additional fields   Modifying label names   Exporting the Find Person grid   Combining family units   Splitting family units   Changing family position   Deactivating individuals (Implications, Process)   Finding individuals in Access ACS   Changing addresses through Access ACS   Adding phone numbers and e-mail addresses through Access ACS   Adding individuals through Access ACS

Unit 3:  Searches and Filters   Understanding Searches and Filters   Creating a new filter   Editing filter results   Saving a filter   Loading saved filters   Understanding Search Criteria and Output Flags   Creating a new search   Editing search results   Saving a search   Private verses publis searches   Loading saved searches   Searching on previous search results   Printing search results   Using Searches and Filters with the Find Person screen   Using Searches and Filters with Reports   Using Searches adn Filters with Mass Change

Unit 4:  Working with ACS Reports   Understanding ACS report types   Accessing reports   Key People Reports (Directories, Master Listings, Special Fields Reports, Custom Export, People Statistics)   Understanding report options   Saving a report configuration   Loading saved reports   Previewing reports   Printing reports   Exporting reports (print to file)   Printing a directory from Access ACS

Day 2 - Groups 101 (Tracking Group Involvement)

Unit 1:  Deciding Where to Track Group Involvement   Functionality that Classes, Activities, and Small Groups share   Functionality that is unique to Classes   Functionality that is unique to Activities   Functionality that is unique to Small Groups   Additional data fields in Classes   Additional data fields in Small Groups   Deciding which group -tracking toll to use

Unit 2:  Managing Classes and Activities   Understanding Master Groups, Categories, and Roster Level groups   Creating new Master Groups   Adding Categories to Master Groups    Adding Roster Level groups   Using Events for tracking extracurricular activities   Using Events for tracking Classes during multiple services   Adding individuals to Groups   Dropping individuals from a group   Transferring an individual between Classes   Viewing a group's roster (including history)   Keeping group structures clean

Unit 3:  Managing Group Involvement at the Individual Level   Viewing and individual's group information (including history)   Adding a Group to an Individual's Record   Editing an individual's group information   Dropping a Group from an Individual's Record

Unit 4:  Tracking Participation in Classes and Activities   Printing attendance marking sheets and grids   Markign attendance in ACS for Windows   Using the attendance inquiry in ACS for Windows   Marking attendance in Access ACS   Viewing attendance markings in Access ACS   Attendance Reports   Tracking attendance trends

Day 3 - Mass Communication 101 (Merges, Labels, Mailings)

Unit 1:  Merging with Microsoft_® Word   Overview   Selecting the Data   Creating the Document   Adding Special Fields   Using Contribution Information   Creating a Single Letter Mail Merge   Loading and Reusing Documents   Creating a Catalog (Directory)   Merging to Envelopes   Merging to Labels

Unit 2:  Working with Labels  Understanding the Label Interface  Tips for Printing Labels   Creating and Saving Label Formats   Retrieving a Saved Label Format   Saving a Label Template   Loading a Label Template   Creating and Editing using Label Designer   Desinging Name Badges   Mixing Custom Text with Database Fields   Printing Barcodes   Newsletter Labels   Newsletter Reference Table   Configuring Labels for Bulk Mail   Creating Random Labels   Getting Names to Print Correctly

Unit 3:  Managing Bulk Mailings   Overview   Bulk Mail Setup   Cass Certify your Data   Testing Invalid Addresses   In-House Certification

Day 4 – Giving 101 (Tracking Contributor Information)

Unit 1:  Configuration   General Settings   Fund Codes   Interfacing Contributions with General Ledger   Contributor Information

Unit 2:  Posting Contributions   Entering/posting contributions    Entering/posting contributions using a check reader   Entering/posting a Non-Cash Gift   Entering/posting a Gift for Item of Value   Printing a proof list   Editing transactions before posting   Printing a Total Recap Report   Completing and Clearing the Contributions Posting   Creating reversing entries for posted transactions   Posting contributions made through Access ACS

Unit 3:  Contributor Records and Reports   Contributions inquiry by indifidual   Contribution inquiry by fund codes   Flex statements   Charitable Contributions report   Other Contributions reports   Monthly Positng Register   Summary Gift Totals by Individual

Day 5 – Financials 101  (Common ACS Financial Tasks)

Unit 1:  Understanding ACS Financials   Overview   Funds and Datasets   ACS Users and Security   Understanding Account Types   Basic Accounting concepts   Transactions: Test your Knowledge   Financial Modules and Their Relationships   Highlights of the General Ledger Module   General Ledger Reports

Unit 2:  Setting Up General Ledger   Preparing your system for a Chart of Accounts   How to Set Up Add/Edit Lists Options in General Ledger   Adding Bank Accounts   How to Set Up the Chart of Accounts   How to Enter Budget Information 

Unit 3:  Accounts Payable Invoices and Checks   How to configure Accounts Payable   Cash vs. Accrual   How to Add and Edit Vendors   How to Enter Invoices   How to Post Invoices   How to Print and Post Checks   How to Enter Handwritten Checks into ACS   Accounts Payable Reports   How to Use Accounts Payable Inquiry   Voiding Checks