Hubs!

Having to search the Main Menu every time you need to use a different function on your TroopWebHost site can definitely slow you down.  Now there's a better way!

Hubs are a new type of page that let you access all of the functionality of a TroopWebHost subsystem from one page, without searching the menu!

Hubs are constructed from two new types of widget:

• Data Windows are compact scrollable grids that give you quick access to one type of information.
• Menus are just that, collections of menu items with a common theme.

Here is an example of a Data Window:

In this example, the heading contains a link to the Scout Balances page.

The icon lets you initiate a message to that scout.

The icon is a link to the Scout Balances detail page for that scout.

The data within the grid can be scrolled up and down, and responds to your touch on a cell phone screen.

Below the data grid you will usually find a link to add a new record of the same type.  In this example, it allows you to add a new scout to the roster.

All of these capabilities depend on the current user having the necessary access rights for these functions.

Here is an example of a Menu:

The user will only see the menu items they are authorized for.  If they aren't authorized for any of the items on the menu, then it won't be displayed.

Here's the really cool thing:  hubs can be customized for your site!  Using the same approach as with your Home page or any custom page, you can delete widgets you don't need or replace them with other widgets that are more suitable for your troop.  You can even move them around the page.  This page of the User Guide shows how you can edit your hub.

You initiate the editing process by selecting "Edit This Page" from the tools menu."

From there the process is just like editing your Home page.  In fact, all of the new widgets that make up the hubs can also be added to your Home page or any custom page, with just a few caveats:

• Data Windows and Menus will not be visible to the public without logging on
• Once the user logs on, Data Windows and Menus will only be visible to users with the necessary access rights

The four hubs we're announcing in this newsletter are each pre-configured with a useful set of Data Windows and Menus.  Feel free to customize each of these to meet your troop's needs.  If you want to add a Membership data window to the Advancement Hub, go ahead!

And, just like on any custom page, you can add "My Content" sections with your own text and images.  These might be used to provide guidance for this part of the system.

We're excited to see what you do with this new feature!

Membership Hub

You'll find this new page at Membership → Membership Hub.

The Membership Hub is a great place to manage your membership information, including training and leadership.  It gives you full access to all membership reports, and also lets you access the site configuration functions that relate to membership, such as the list of available leadership positions.

Events Hub

Go to Events → Events Hub to view this page.

The Events Hub lets you manage your calendar, sign up members for upcoming events, and take attendance for past events.  You can add new event locations and run any of the participation reports.

Advancement Hub

This hub is not yet available for Cub Scout and Girl Scout sites.

This page can be accessed at Advancement → Advancement Hub.

The Advancement Hub shows you everyone's advancement status at a glance and lets you respond to recent requests to sign off on requirements for ranks and merit badges.  And, of course, you can run any of the many advancement reports.

Financial Hub

Available at Money → Financial Hub.

The Financial Hub lets you see recent transactions, enter new transactions, and approve reimbursement requests.  You can quickly access balances for scouts, adults, events, and funds, and run any of the financial reports.

Move Sections On Home Page

When you go into edit mode on your Home page, or any custom page - or any hub! - you will see some new controls at the top of each section.

The left and right arrows will move this section left or right on the current row, relative to other sections in that row.

The up arrow will move this section to the end of the previous row.  If it's already on the first row, it will create a new first row.

The down arrow will move this section to the beginning of the next row.  If there is no next row, it will create one.

Scout Advancement After 18

Believe it or not, some scouts don't complete all of the requirements for Eagle until the day before their 18th birthday!  We recently modified the Individual Advancement page to accommodate these cases.

Now you can change this scout's membership status to "Adult" when they turn 18, and they will still appear on the Individual Advancement page for another year, until they turn 19.

This allows you to enter any late arriving paperwork, while keeping this member in the appropriate category.

Send Us Your Questions and Suggestions

Send us a ticket from the My Support Tickets page on your site's Help menu.   This is absolutely the best way to communicate with us!

Or simply contact us at CustomerSupport@TroopWebHost.com.  If you do, please include your troop number and city in your message so we can identify your site.