In 2008, Troop 116 moved to using a software package called "Troopmaster" to manage all of its data. As of Aug-1, we have purchased Troopmaster 2008.
Background.
Troopmaster 2008 along with Troopmaster DotNet will allow adult leaders of Troop 116 to install Troopmaster on their PC, and have access to the same data! Permission levels dictate which leaders are allowed to read, add and/or change various data fields. NOTE: Troopmaster is a sophisticated database program and intelligent (and error-free) use of the tool requires that one READ THE MANUAL! Please do so before using the program. We have not moved yet to DotNet, so the below instructions don't yet apply.
Automatic "Check In / Check Out"
What will happen, you may ask, if two different adults log on at the same time ? Upon login, a user is asked if he/she wants to download the database for read-only purposes. As many users who wish to download the database for this purpose can do so at any time. However the first user to log in and request read/write privileges causes the system to lock the data from other read-write users. The database remains locked until the person releases the lock by re-uploading the data to the server (this will usually happen when they exit the program).
NOTE: The pop-up text boxes provided by TM 08 are extremely important and your answer to the questions they pose may mean the difference between success and failure or between effectively managing the database or losing a lot of your work. READ THOSE QUESTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE CLICKING "OK" or "YES" or whatever...
Who can change data?
We will be letting many different leaders have access to the data, but only in a "read only" fashion. The only leaders that will have permission to change the data are the leaders whose job it is to maintain that data. Varying levels of add/change privileges are determined by the Troop Committee.
Security & Youth Protection.
The Troopmaster data is compressed and encrypted into a file unreadable unless you have the Troopmaster software along with the troop login ID and password. No one else can view youth or any other troop information.
Troopmaster has the ability to send out emails from within the Troopmaster tool. Try it out if you need to send an email to one patrol or group of scouts or scouters. This method uses your normal email client (e.g. Microsoft Outlook) to send the message. So if you have a need to be able to email one piece of the troop, Troopmaster can help. Keep in mind, however, that the emails entered in Troopmaster are not as reliable as the Google Groups email list. Email addresses tend to change often, and the TM database only get updated infrequently while the Yahoo list is actively maintained by the members themselves.
If you have read the above, then proceed to the Troopmaster INSTALL Instructions Page
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This page was last updated on 08/26/08.
for Troop 116