| a web based system | |
- All users access the system from the same web interface
- Users can create, edit and cancel their own bookings
- Users can have their own personal homepage where they can view bookings and messages
- Clear booking grid which enables users to view availability in a calendar format
| - Can be accessed by users from home or work (inside or outside of the corporate network)
- No additional licenses are required
- Reduces the time and effort involved with deploying and upgrading connect2
- Enhances the self-service environment, eliminating the need for staff involvement during the booking process
|
| self-registration | |
- Enables users to create their own accounts including username and password, with a forgotten username/password tool
- Duplicate user detection tool
- Import rules enables users to automatically be assigned to the correct group e.g. adult/child
- Ability for users to update their personal information
| - Eliminates the the administration tasks associated with account set-ups
- Ensures that those already in the system do not set up a new account and create duplicate accounts
- Allows users to keep their account information up to date without the need to ask a staff member to make amendments on their behalf
|
| wizard pages | |
- Customisable wizard pages provide step by step guidance on using connect2
- Essential information such as contact details can be collected from the user
- Customisable wizards mean that users only see information that is relevant to them
| - Users are able to follow the booking process without the assistance of a member of staff
- Automated collection of user information eliminates the need for staff to 'chase up' the user for such details
- Presenting relevant information makes the customer experience more enjoyable
|
| messages/notifications | |
- Ability to send automated messages to users, for example, to let them know that their booking has been cancelled
- Notifies the booking owner if a booking is amended by a member of staff
| - Quick and easy to communicate with citizens
- Reduces administration through automation
- Eliminates confrontation between staff and users
- Reduces 'no shows' by sending messages to users
|
| roles | |
- Ability to divide users into groups e.g. children, adult, citizen, staff
- Each group can have individual permissions and rules assigned to them
| - Ensures appropriate control is maintained e.g. staff may be able to book a meeting room that citizens do not have permission to book
|
| booking rules | |
- Booking rules can be applied to each resource and/or different user roles
- Limitations can also be applied e.g. how far in advance a booking can be made or how many resources can be borrowed at one time
- Apply open hours and holidays so that resources cannot be used during this period
- Bookings can be cancelled automatically if a user misses their booking within a specified time
| - Maintains control over resources and users
- Ensures resources are used appropriately and fairly by assigning adequate amounts of booking time to them
- Encourages resources to be returned promptly through the use of booking rules
- Automatic cancellation of a booking enables the resource to be made available again for booking by another user
|
| centralisation | |
- All resource and booking information is stored in one central system
- The status of each booking can be viewed at any time
| - All bookings for all users and all sites can be viewed on one central system
- Information on all bookings can be gathered quickly, making it less time consuming for staff
|
| searching facility | |
- Resources etc can easily be searched for using the search facility
- Searchable fields are customisable, e.g. users might search for resources by location or type
- Through the use of 'role settings', users will only see results that are relevant to them
| - Users can quickly find what they are looking for
- Only relevant information is presented to users, making the booking experience a more efficient and enjoyable one
|
| recurring bookings | |
- Enables recurring bookings to be made in one booking, for example a daily or monthly booking
- Using the recreate feature, staff and citizens are able to set up recurring bookings quickly and easily
| - Facilitates easy management of block bookings e.g. weekly sports pitch bookings
- Simplifies and speeds up the booking process
|
| customisation | |
- Add your council's logo and branding to connect2
- Customise text, rules, options and messages to suit your authority
| - Ensures that the system integrates seamlessly into your council
- Allows connect2 to be used as a promotional tool for your authority
|
| ability to show terms and conditions | |
- Through 'conditions' pages, create a terms and conditions or acceptable usage policy page
- The user has to accept this to make a booking
| - Allows you to present any regulations, laws and procedures before a booking is made to highlight the council’s responsibility
|
| integration | |
- connect2 can link to your current systems, for example CRM, user database, payments and workflow systems
| - No need to create a separate database
- Enables users to be automatically authenticated to create a booking without staff intervention
- The booking system becomes part of your network architecture
|
