TroopMaster vs. ScoutSoft

[cinder]

Does anyone feel strongly about either software package...particularly from the Advancement perspective (as I'm the Advancement chair candidate)?

[Mrw]

I quite like Troopmaaster. And uploading advancement directly from there to ScoutNet had drastically cut the amount of time I spend trying to correct errors in advancement keyed in at Council.

I am not familiar with ScoutSoft, but if it does not output data that will upload directly, then I would not bother with it.

[Nuts4Scouts]

Both ScoutSoft and TroopMaster are ScoutNet capable. While ScoutSoft is primarily aimed at LDS units, I believe it can be used by others too.

Both programs have free trials. I would do that first to get a feel for each one.

[WeeWillie]

Troopmaster has a FTP safe storage site that allows you to store all your records in case your computer dies with all your records. It also allows other leaders to accesss the common files. For example the Activities CM can do LTP, Permission Slips, Attendance, the Membership CM Personal Data, CC Recharter, SM/ASMs Advancement Reports, Advancement - tracking & Advancement Reports. It is called DOTNET. Prior to T480 using DOTNET the adults were swapping data disks & transferring files via email. No two reports ever looked the same.

It does take a systems adminstrator to establish accounts and passwords, but if I can do it....


Don't know if Scoutsoft has a similar capability!

[divermann]

First, I am not overly familiar with either TM or SS; but here is a third free option to consider. In the MyScouting section (http://scouting.org/Applications/MyScoutingFull.aspx) of Scouting.org there is now a unit internet advancement tool that can help you with record keeping. It pools its initial data from the units online registration and you add advancement information from there. Here is a small excerpt from Scouting.org:

Welcome and thank you for using Internet Advancement from the Boy Scouts of America. Internet
Advancement allows you to enter youth advancements, awards, and merit badges and perform the
following actions:
Select members from your existing roster,
Review, update, or add ranks, merit badges, and/or awards,
Access an online Review Unit Roster feature and the Unit Advancement Summary,
Print an Advancement Report with a Unit Awards Summary to assist in purchasing.

I hope this helps (but it might make it more confussing )

[Mrw]

First, I am not overly familiar with either TM or SS; but here is a third free option to consider. In the MyScouting section (http://scouting.org/Applications/MyScoutingFull.aspx) of Scouting.org there is now a unit internet advancement tool that can help you with record keeping. It pools its initial data from the units online registration and you add advancement information from there. Here is a small excerpt from Scouting.org:

Welcome and thank you for using Internet Advancement from the Boy Scouts of America. Internet
Advancement allows you to enter youth advancements, awards, and merit badges and perform the
following actions:
Select members from your existing roster,
Review, update, or add ranks, merit badges, and/or awards,
Access an online Review Unit Roster feature and the Unit Advancement Summary,
Print an Advancement Report with a Unit Awards Summary to assist in purchasing.

I hope this helps (but it might make it more confussing )

This is a description of ScoutNet, the software the BSA uses to track advancement and registration.

It is clunky and not really overly useful if you are wanting to quickly check which boy needs which badges. It is good the ScoutSoft and Troopmaster will upload the data directly to ScoutNet for advancement and then print out a paper copy of the report to be turned in when the badges are picked up.

The other scout/troop management program can also track fund-raising, attendance, individual progress towards the next rank and will store multiple email and phone contacts for each boy. At least I know for sure that Troopmaster can do this.

[divermann]

Mrw, TY VM for the clarification of application! For additional research for all, here is a link to ScoutSoft: http://www.scoutsoft.net and for TroopMaster: http://www.troopmaster.com/scoutnet.html . Mrw for a relatively new poster (but big reader) to MB.net, can you please give me a definition of the acronym "si". Thanks Again!

[Mrw]

Mrw for a relatively new poster (but big reader) to MB.net, can you please give me a definition of the acronym "si". Thanks Again!

Ummm.....that would just be my poor typing skills and the word should be - is....

[Quailman]

Surely he was j/k (just kidding)! Or maybe he's such a good typist that he's not sued to seeing typos fo that sort in his won posts.

[cinder]

Just wanted to thank everyone for the input! The decision was made to go with TM, and I've had success in connecting with the server, so I'm happy Now if I can just figure out exactly what needs to be printed in order to get the badges, we'll be good to go....

THANKS AGAIN, EVERYONE !!

[Mrw]

Just wanted to thank everyone for the input! The decision was made to go with TM, and I've had success in connecting with the server, so I'm happy Now if I can just figure out exactly what needs to be printed in order to get the badges, we'll be good to go....

THANKS AGAIN, EVERYONE !!

It is under Rreports, Awards and then Court of Honor IIRC.