EVEN BETTER AND BETTER...
Im a Beta tester as well, so I get the joy and adventure of looking for weaknesses in the beta versions. I do this in order that all of us may benefit with the finished project we enjoy now...sort of like training wheels, if you will.
When 2.2.0 detonated on me last week and it was off the App Store less than 30 minutes later I knew great things were coming, and the wait was worth it once the bugs were squished.
This latest version (2.2.3) works wonderfully, as it allows leaders more abilities to better serve ward and stake members by opening up fields that werent there before.
As more capabilities are added, our abilities to better serve those under our charge will increase, and the lives of all will be blessed and made better.
With that being said, the remainder of my most recent review is included in this latest update...
What makes LDS Tools so easy to use, is that everything is at your fingertips. Its very helpful to those in leadership, and especially to newcomers who are looking to get better acquainted with ward members.
My previous THREE KEY SUGGESTIONS for improving this app and its user-friendliness REMAIN IN PLACE, and they would be these:
1. Make SURE each ward and/or branch has a spot listed in the app where it has (1), the chapels physical address listed; (2), the hall phone or bishops office phone number; (3), that the start times are clearly listed, to include new start times in January if the ward shares the building and they are changing starting times; and (4), that the address also be accessible by touch to a map screen...
2. Another issue Ive brought up before merits repetition yet again, that being the issue of data updates.
3. If you live in Canada or the United States, please DO NOT attempt to do updates between about 9:00 pm Saturday night and about noon Monday local time.
This is when the Churchs servers are busiest (Sundays) as clerks are not only processing donations, but also updating who has what callings, who has been recently baptized, ordained, moved in or out of the ward, etc..
If you try to call during some of these times, youll often get an error message. Thats the Churchs way of saying take two aspirin and call me in the morning.
The newest updates should have cut down on not getting through on Sundays; nonetheless, its good to wait until Monday, nonetheless...
Something else that needs to be remembered in all this: The data here is only as good as what members provide to their clerks and/or leaders; so if there are changes, PLEASE let them know so timely updates can be done.
All in all, LDS Tools is a practical, functional and essential app, especially to those serving in ward and/or stake leadership.
In response to those who have inquired about other (perhaps nearby) stakes being added to their access, Church Headquarters has restricted that previously for good reason in the name of honoring and respecting member privacy.
This is especially so for social reasons and also as a means of handling those who cant take a hint to get lost (be they male or female) and pursue those who prefer to be left alone...(read: pests and/or potential stalkers).
Nice improvements made here; and Im looking forward to seeing more of what lies ahead with future releases. ***
Tim Rollins about
Member Tools, v2.2.3