How to: Custom Reminders

FAST Custom Reminders

Overview

FAST uses reminders to inform the manager of the cross-connection control program of important dates. When a backflow preventer comes due for testing, or a customer hasn't replied to a notice, instead of requiring the CCC manager to sift through potentially hundreds of accounts for delinquency, a reminder window pops up during the start of the software program, and at defined intervals. Increasing efficiency is the prime reason that reminders were implemented.

Default Reminders

Having implemented a number of successful cross-connection control programs, MTS has given a lot of thought as to what reminders would be useful. Reminders for responses to certain letters and reports and reminders for backflow preventers due for testing are two of the major time-saving reminders already implemented. During the normal operation of FAST these reminders are already set automatically and will prompt you to take action when necessary.

Custom Reminders

To increase the flexibility of the software, reminders are fully customizable. This means that even the default tracking items can be changed to suit your needs. Also possible is the ability to add your own custom reminders. Custom reminders are based on tracking items (see "How to: Tracking Items") and can be used to remind you of anything you deem important.

Modifying Existing Reminders

1. To edit, or modify, an existing tracking item, select "Tools" from the top menu, and then select "Custom Reminders...". This will load the list of existing custom reminders.
   

2. Select an existing reminder. The name of the reminder along with the conditions that must be met for it to be displayed in the reminder popup list will be populated in the top section of the window. The list of conditions are based on the list of tracking items available. To create a new tracking item please refer to the article "How to: Tracking Items".
   

3. When you are finished making the changes to the reminder click on the "Add/Update" button to save the changes. Clicking on "Close" will close the window and return you to the main FAST screen.

Creating New Custom Reminders

1. The process to create a new custom reminder is very similar to editing an existing one. First, open the custom reminders window...
   

2. Enter a new, unused name for the reminder in the first text box. Then, specify the conditions that must be must be met. A total of three (3) conditions can be specified. You can limit the number of conditions required by removing the checkmark from the checkbox next to that condition. Again, when these conditions are met your custom reminder will be displayed in the reminder popup window.
   

3. Click on the "Add/Update" button and your new custom reminder will appear in the list of reminders. Clicking on "Close" will return you to the main FAST screen.

See the knowledge base article "How to: Tracking Items" for more information on working with tracking items.