TechShepherds.com

Does your washing machine communicate with you?

Okay, let me resist the urge to say, "Well, back in my day."  Remember the many hours spent in the college dorm laundry room waiting for your clothes?  Or worse yet, how many walked into the laundry room and someone left his clothes in the manchine...for hours?

Technology to the rescue.  According to an article in CRM magazine, some universities have implemented the eSuds.net solution.  Students can sign up for notification via text message or email to let them know when a machine becomes available or when their own laundry loads are finished.

Out of Order:  No more having to call a technician and waiting for days.  If a machine has a problem, it notifies the maintenance group imediately, which greatly reduces the down time.

Not only are they getting happier "customers" but increased sales as machines are not sitting idle. 

Integration:
Not only is this a great service, but it implements with Blackboard.  In short, this allows the students to use their campus payment cards instead of searching for quarters.

While there may not be a direct use for washing room technologies in churches, how could something like this enhance ministry? 

It offers:

• Clear Communication
• Choices:  Communication via the student's prefered method
• Convenience
• Better stewardship of time and resources (imagine being able to continue your homework - yeh, homework - and receive a notification your clothes are ready)
• Response through proactive support

How can these items help in reaching out to the community?

Link: eSuds.net :: FAQs.

Printing Way Beyond Paper

If you ever need to print on surfaces other than paper, you need to check out this plotter.  Thanks Terry, for sharing this post and pictures!

Technology for Less

You may be able to afford that technology after all.  If you are affiliated with a denomination, you may be able to purchase hardware and software at discounted prices.  Some of the items may include:

• phone service
• copiers
• software
• hardware
• projectors
• website solutions
• etc.

Two of the denominations that I have found who offer this to their churches are:

• Southern Baptist Purchasing Alliance
• United Methodists Communications

The items offered are major brands.   When shopping, be sure to compare.

These are just two of the denominations out there.  Does yours offer this type of program?  Leave a comment or drop me an email, and I will be sure to compile and share a more complete list.

It's not just a good idea...It's the law

Link: Got a nanny? You need a shredder - Consumer Security - MSNBC.com.

On Wednesday (June 1, 2005), a new federal law kicked in requiring those who handle other people's personal information to dispose of the data properly. Recycling the paperwork isn't good enough -- it must be destroyed, the rule says, rendered useless to anyone who might stumble upon it.

Each week, churches handle a plethora of data about individuals and families:  from guest registration cards, medical release forms, or background check information.   Where do does all this information end up?  Hopefully it gets entered into the church management system.  Where do those forms go after that?  Too often they get thrown in the trash as is.

Now, whether you run a business/organization or have personal hire assistant at home, you are responsible for their personal information that you collect.  This new law is a great way to help ensure that personal data does not end up in the trash where prying eyes can get it. 

Remember, do not just throw it away; get a shredder and destroy it!  When buying a shredder, be sure to get one that will handle the volume of pages you need to run through it.

Here are some of the things to look for:

• How many pages at a time can the shredder swallow?
• How many pages per day / per session can it handle?
• What type of shred is produced?
  
  • Cross cut
  • Confetti cut (most secure)
• Can it shred staples and paperclips?
• Can it shred credit cards?
• Can it shred CDs?
• How big of a trash can is included with it?
• What safety features are included?

There are several brands.  I personally have had good luck with Fellowes brand.

Outsource to Free Up Staff, Not Cut It

In a recent article in Baseline Magazine, John McCormick  addresses the subject of outsourcing IT.  Now, I have been in the place where I had to fight for IT budget and resources for the local church.  You have been there, too:  that place where you had to justify your position and the need for technology in ministry.

The very thought of outsourcing may cause thoughts of the inability of the IT staff to handle their job.  However, McCormick makes a great point:  outsourcing the mundane but necessary tasks frees the IT staff to be able to vision cast and push the ministry forward.

So, get out of the rut of fixing printers,  defragging hard drives, etc.  Outsource those tasks so you can push forward.

To whom do you outsource?
This becomes the big question.  There are two options available. 

1. Consultants:  These are experts in the IT industry.  This option is good when you need help and need it now.  Because you are paying them a fee, you can expect quicker response during emergencies.
2. Volunteers:  You might be surprised at how many IT experts you have in your church.  While this can be a challenge, it can also be very rewarding.  Fellowship Church's IS Director, Terry Chapman, shares on his blog about how they use volunteers in the IT ministry.

What benefits can come from this "outsourcing"?

1. Volunteers get involved and find their place in ministry.
2. You expose consultants to the Gospel (if you treat them in a Christ-like manner)
3. Staff will be able to focus on identifying needed technology enhancements and deliver them to members and guests, thus increasing the reach of the Gospel.

Tame those wild cables

Computer cables are like spaghetti.  It never fails...as soon as you use a permanent cable tie, you need to make a change.  This necessitates cutting the cable tie and using a new one once your changes are complete.  I have seen professional Velcro ties specifically for cables, but they tend to be expensive.  Who says they have to have "cable ties" on the package.  Check out Velcro Plant Ties.  They are marketed as plant ties, but they work well on anything.  Just cut off what you need for the project.  At this price, they are the way to go.

Worth the Investment?

It is interesting that in the culture in which we live that church leaders as individuals have no problem purchasing tools for their home or personal lives.  Even members of churches have usually do not hesitate to purchase a tool for their business that allows them to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.

However, there still seems to be a hesitation when it comes to purchasing tools for churches that allow them to be more effective ministers.   There is no doubt that that technology is not cheap.  However, churches and other not-for-profit organizations have a benefit that businesses do not have.  Many technology vendors offer not-for-profit pricing that greatly reduces costs and increases the ability to implement technology.

One lesson that church leaders need to learn is how to measure ROI (Return On Investment).   This applies to technology as well as individuals.  With individuals, we need to invest more time in order to build relationships and lead them to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Investing in technology brings returns monthly as far as costs are concerned.   John Ventry, Director of Information Technology at a large church,  has this to say:

When we start looking at implementing technology we really need to think about what type of return that we will receive on the investment. In some cases, it is immediate. We might save money monthly based on some new technology and the return is almost immediate. In alot of cases, the return is not always evident in a monthly savings. We may be saving manpower, but that is not always visible on the bottom line.  Read more...

One aspect of technology ROI is that it allows more time to invest in one-on-one relationships with the people to we are called to shepherd and minister.

Caution:  The purchasing of technology should always be measured to ensure that what is being purchased is a tool and not just a toy.  Tools enhance the ministry, save time, increase effectiveness and efficiency, and allow for better outreach and ministry.  Toys just end up distracting the minister and wasting time by drawing them away from individuals.  Tools allow for more contact and personal ministry with individuals.