Member and Leader Services
From LDSClerks
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Member and Leader Services (MLS) software has been developed to make Church record-keeping easier and more efficient. Version 2.9 was released in August 2008. Ward and stake clerks should learn how to use all of the functions in MLS. Assistant clerks should become specialists in the functions of MLS that are related to their responsibilities. Clerks and assistant clerks should teach quorum, group, and auxiliary secretaries to use the functions of MLS specifically related to their callings.
All users should understand that the information found in MLS is confidential and may be used only for official Church business.
Contents |
[edit] Using MLS
[edit] MLS Users
- Main article: MLS Users
Each user of MLS has a unique login name and associated password, and is assigned the rights relevant to his or her calling.
[edit] Navigating through MLS
The main MLS screen consists of a main menu across the top, as well as up to six panels with links to specific screens pertaining to the topic of the panel. Many panels have a More link in the lower right corner of the panel; the More link or the picture at the top of the panel may be clicked to drill down to another page which will also have up to six more panels with links.
The main menu provides an alternate method for navigating through the MLS user interface.
Both the main menu and the panels are filtered according to the permissions of the logged-in user; the user will see only those portions of MLS that match their user permissions.
[edit] Keyboard Shortcuts
MLS has a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can make navigation simpler.
[edit] MLS Administration
[edit] MLS Transmission
- Main article: MLS Transmission
MLS communicates with CHQ via the Send/Receive feature. Each transmission session sends information and receives information, which may include messages, software updates, financial information, and membership updates.
[edit] Connection to LUWS
The MLS data has some connections to the data on the Local Unit Website (LUWS), but some data elements that one might expect to be connected, such as callings, are not connected. The connections details are listed in the Local Unit Website article.
[edit] Backup and Export
MLS has a backup feature that periodically saves the entire database. In the case of catastrophic failure, the MLS database can be restored.
MLS data can be exported by an administrator for use with Palm or other handheld devices. An export can only be done by someone with MLS administrator rights.
[edit] Performance
Several MLS users have reported performance improvements by:
- Adding more memory. For all systems, at least 512MB seems to create a noticeable improvement, and some users report that for large stake databases, 768MB or 1GB may be even better.
- Defragmenting the hard drive
[edit] Changing the System Date
MLS will not open if the date is earlier than the last save date. Never adjust the system date beyond the actual date, or you'll run into trouble when you try to set it back. If you accidentally have run MLS under a future date, to restore you need to:
- With the computer clock still in the future so MLS will run, print a copy of recent deposits and other changes that may have been made.
- Find the most recent backup that is dated before the present
- Turn the computer clock to the present
- Restore your MLS data from the backup
- Re-enter all deposit and other information.
If the clock is not set too far into the future, a simpler option is to exit MLS, then set the clock back to the correct date and time, first making note of the date and time associated with the MLS database. Then refrain from running MLS again until you have reached that date and time.
[edit] Alternate method for correcting system date problems
- Switch the database that MLS is using to one of the automatic backups that are made every log out. The database and automatic backups are stored in C:\Program Files\LDS Church\MLS\Units\<Your Unit Number>. The folder called mlsData is the newest version. Make sure you have exited MLS. Delete (or rename, just to be safe) that folder, and look for the latest version created before the clock change. Rename that one to mlsData. Make sure your clock is set to the correct time, and restart MLS.
- If all the auto-backups are too new you will need to do it this way: Set the system clock forward past the last login date, log in, perform a database restore, set the system clock back to the correct time, log out, and log back in. You will lose any changes made since the last good backup.
If for some reason (neglect or otherwise) good backups are not available, Church headquarters does make regular backups and they can be used to restore your system. However, the frequency of those backups is only monthly. It is in your best interests to ensure that proper, regular backups are being made.
[edit] Prevention
It is possible to disable clock adjustment from within Windows XP Pro. Go to:
- Start | Run | SECPOL.MSC
- Select "Local Policies" and "User Rights Assignments"
- Double click on "Change System Time"
- Remove all users from the list
Now, no one can reset the time. Should the time need to be reset, it can be done either through the BIOS, or by temporarily reversing the above change, setting the clock, and removing access again. Once this change is made (and the system rebooted), clicking on the time on the taskbar will no longer bring up the calendar, and will instead display a message that the user is not authorized to modify the system time.
You can also add specific usernames to the list. Add the username created for you so only you can change the system time.
[edit] Installation and Repair
- Main article: MLS Installation and Repair
MLS is installed on new administrative computers by the Stake Technology Specialist. Upgrades are generally downloaded automatically during an MLS transmission. The Stake Technology Specialist can help with any installation issues that may require troubleshooting or repair.
[edit] Resources
[edit] Training
Several Record-Keeping and Auditing Training courses covering MLS are available at lds.org under Serving in the Church, Melchizedek Priesthood. Beginning with version 2.6 of MLS, these training courses are installed locally and integrated with the Help system of MLS.
[edit] MLS Frequently Asked Questions
In an effort to document common questions and their answers, an MLS Frequently Asked Questions article is under construction.
[edit] Suggestions
Here is a list of suggestions for improving MLS.
[edit] Test Data
- Main article: MLS Test Data
MLS has built-in test data that can be used for experimentation or training on ward or stake administrative computers, or even on personal computers. The test database is populated with fictional member names, addresses, callings, and financial data for a ward and a stake (go to test data for installation instructions). The training database lets clerks practice using the features of MLS without the fear of damaging the unit’s actual data. This can be an important tool for training new clerks.
[edit] Documentation
The MLS help system contains not only instructions for using MLS, but also various relevant financial and membership policies.
The Record-Keeping and Auditing Training web page on lds.org contains documents such as Using MLS and MLS Overview.
Other documents can be found on the stake and ward web sites hosted on lds.org under Record Keeping Information. These include the MLS Financial Supplement and the MLS Membership Supplement, as well as MLS Reconciliation Instructions. Note that you will only be able to access the Record Keeping Information if you are designated in the Leadership Directory section of the web site as some sort of clerk or priesthood leader.
[edit] Forum
One of the forums that can be found at LDSTech is for discussions around using and interfacing with the Church MLS program.
