Key updated functions and features

Since our recent eScoreBoard v4 announcement, you've all been great sending us emails and comments. With that in mind, keep them coming! I'll be getting into the habit of answering your Frequently Asked (Or, Really Good) Questions shortly. In the meantime, we'll keep the updates coming. And as always, please feel free to call into the eScoreBoard Help Line at (800) 254-4726.

But back to the influx of emails. I wanted to start with addressing the main question that I've been getting.

"What is going to change in eSB4?"

The short answer:

"A lot."

But what kind of person would I be if that's all I left you with? The truth is, we at SAM have spent a good chunk of 2009 surveying users, brainstorming with our development teams, and meeting with clients to get a variety of perspectives in order to determine exactly what will be changing in eSB4. We've asked you to tell us what's good, what's great (because who doesn't like to hear what's great?) and what's not so great. And many (many, many) of you happily complied.

The result was a lot of great ideas for us to improve, and a few things that we will be sure to keep the same.

This is by no means an all-encompassing list, and please rest assured that I will continue to give you information, details, and training on these features and many more as we move along in development. After all, that's what this blog is here for! Here are just a few of the new features and functions we're currently working on:

* Bundled Reports: eScoreBoard 4.0 will now group multiple reports into a single PDF, so there will be fewer emails sent to your in-box.

* Coaching Reports: Recommended coaching reports will let you spend less time figuring out which reports to view, and more time with your producers!

* Administrative Users: Create separate accounts for administrative assistant and/or training directors to help manage your eScoreBoard, so you can delegate administrative functions and have more time to focus on coaching.

* Personalized Dashboard: You will now be able to add and remove components from the dashboard to display the most pertinent information to your specific needs, and for quicker access to the information you need most.

* New Charts, Gauges, and Graphs: eScoreBoard 4.0 will contain a new and improved collection of charts, gauges, and graphs to provide a more dynamic display of information.

On the flip side, here are some of the VIP things that we promise not to change:

* We will still be available online, 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

* Logging your activity is still a quick and painless three-step process. And by "process," we mean 1) select the time frame, 2) type in your weekly (or daily) numbers, 3) hit submit. Done.

* We'll still be here to help you, through email, telephone, online help guides, mail, courier pigeon...you name it! Just because we're getting better, doesn't mean we're going to smile, wave good bye and wave you off on your way without the support to back it up. So you'll still be able to reach out with all of your questions, concerns, and comments as we all make the change to eSB4.