FM: Facility Issue Reporting (FIR) Pilot

[jdlessley]

Well, we are all jumping the gun a bit here. When the system is officially rolled out, those who are authorized to access the system will be informed of that through regular channels. For stakes on the pilot, they already know. For those who are not authorized but try to access the system, simply being told that you are not authorized is an entirely appropriate response.

The question was asked in post #4 as to who will have access and what the definition of leaders is. I do not think it is jumping the gun to ask such questions. I was merely pointing out to the response in post #5 that not everyone has the access to see who has access. I also think that if it is going to be announced to the entire community then it is only appropriate to provide the parameters of access.

Personally I don't think the post starting this thread should have been made since the audience for the pilot as well as the final product is such a limited group. It only begs the questions that have been asked.

[aebrown]

Personally I don't think the post starting this thread should have been made since the audience for the pilot as well as the final product is such a limited group. It only begs the questions that have been asked.

You're probably right that it was inappropriate for someone participating in the pilot to make such a broad announcement. However, I would note that I (as an STS) can now see the FIR system on my Tools menu on lds.org (even though my stake has not been notified that it is participating in the pilot). I assume (but don't know) that other people with callings that allow access to FIR can now see a similar link on their Tools menu. If that is true, then it is entirely appropriate to have a discussion about the tool, since a broad set of people will be seeing the link, which would naturally spark some curiosity.

[aebrown]

The list of callings in stakes and wards that have access to FIR is as follows:

• Ward Building Representative
• Stake Physical Facilities Representative (Stake PFR)
• Stake Presidency
• Stake Assistant Clerk, Technology Specialist
• Ward Bishopric member
• Ward Assistant Clerk
• Seminary Teacher

There are many other positions listed in the documentation, but they are at the FM, area, temple, CHQ, or other level.

Some questions come to mind:

• Why is a Ward Clerk not mentioned (only an assistant)?
• Alternatively, why is a Ward Assistant Clerk mentioned at all? (the only stake clerk -- including assistants -- that is listed is the STS, who clearly does have responsibilities in this area)
• When I login, I am asked to choose between my regular Assistant Stake Clerk calling and my STS calling. That implies that an Assistant Stake Clerk has access, but that is not listed on the access matrix.
• How does the FM group know who the PFR is? Clearly they do, but it's not through MLS, since there is no standard calling for PFR in stake MLS. In our stake, when the PFR changes, we simply communicate the new PFR's contact information to the FM Director by email. Do they then enter the person into FMAT, and somehow connect it to their membership number? Otherwise, I don't see how the PFR can have special access privileges for FIR.

[eblood66]

I assume (but don't know) that other people with callings that allow access to FIR can now see a similar link on their Tools menu. If that is true, then it is entirely appropriate to have a discussion about the tool, since a broad set of people will be seeing the link, which would naturally spark some curiosity.

The FIR link shows up before you even log in to lds.org so the link can indeed be seen very widely.

[russellhltn]

Some questions come to mind:

Why is a Ward Clerk not mentioned (only an assistant)?

What is the definition of "Ward Bishopric member"? Some people stop at councilors. Others may include Executive Secretary and/or Ward Clerk.

[jdlessley]

The FIR link shows up before you even log in to lds.org so the link can indeed be seen very widely.

I get the "Facility Issue Reporting" link in my Tools menu yet I am not in a calling that is on the list aebrown posted. I am a ward assistant clerk - finance. Using the same logic used for access to other Tools menu items such as "Leader and Clerk Resources" I should not even see the "Facility Issue Reporting" menu item.

[eblood66]

I get the "Facility Issue Reporting" link in my Tools menu yet I am not in a calling that is on the list aebrown posted. I am a ward assistant clerk - finance. Using the same logic used for access to other Tools menu items such as "Leader and Clerk Resources" I should not even see the "Facility Issue Reporting" menu item.

I agree that it would make more sense if it only showed up for those with access. But that's not how it's working right now. It is showing unconditionally even if the user isn't logged in at all (unlike the Leder and Clerk Resources which only show up after you log in).

[johnshaw]

We have Stake Building Specialists, I wonder if that is the standard position

[RedfordDJ]

Well, we are all jumping the gun a bit here. When the system is officially rolled out, those who are authorized to access the system will be informed of that through regular channels. For stakes on the pilot, they already know. For those who are not authorized but try to access the system, simply being told that you are not authorized is an entirely appropriate response.

Access is controlled specifically by approved role. If you have the 'role' but can't get in, then your official calling isn't in the church directory of leaders (which we ping to ensure valid access).

We'll be modifying the training material to include details about getting this done properly. We want everyone in proper callings to use FIR to help maintain our buildings. And yes, we are planning on as short of a PILOT period as possible. 3-5 years ought to be enough time.:p Actually our hope is less than 60 days.

We're also clarifying roles, since they are called slightly different things in different areas or systems. Which is why we have the PILOT. Thanks for the interest. We are hurrying.

[jdlessley]

Access is controlled specifically by approved role. If you have the 'role' but can't get in, then your official calling isn't in the church directory of leaders (which we ping to ensure valid access).

OK, this just went from murky to totally muddy. So what are you talking about when you say "role"? What is a "role"? That last I checked in CDOL only callings were listed there. Are there now "roles" from some other system that is going to be added? What is an "approved role"?