Systems & Technology Sessions

Listed below are all the Systems & Technology sessions at this year's Management Conference. Click on a session's title to read its description. All the Systems & Technology sessions are associated with a gray-colored box on the conference schedule page.

Note: All regular sessions are 3 CPE credits; all mini sessions are 1 CPE credit. Regular sessions are 3 hours in length, and mini sessions are 1.5 hours in length.

Pre-Conf: Adv. Financial Statements in Sage MIP Fund Accounting
Pre-Conf: Budgets in Sage MIP Fund Accounting
Going Green With Paperless Initiatives
Future Impact
Join MUG – The MIP User Group
Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Implementing SharePoint Services In A Nonprofit
Managing Technology - For Non-Technical People
From Boomers to GenNet
Budgets from A to Z in Sage MIP Fund Accounting
Sage Abra & TimeStar Enterprise User Group
Security Awareness in Information Technology
 Procurement in Sage MIP Fund Accounting
Is Hosting an Option for My Organization?
Technology Top Ten
Technology Leadership Q&A
Data Analysis Using Excel — CANCELLED
Designing a Virtual Server Environment for your IT Organization
Financial Statements in Sage MIP Fund Accounting
Payroll 1-2-3 in Sage MIP Fund Accounting
Managing and Maintaining Your IT Infrastructure Environment
Rapid Process Improvement
Streamlining your Weatherization Processes
Implementing Form 990 Reports in Sage MIP Fund Accounting
Using Flowcharts to Streamline Processes

Pre-Conference: Advanced Financial Statements in Sage MIP Fund Accounting

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Prior experience developing custom financial statements in Sage MIP Fund Accounting
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Monday, July 12; 9:00-12:15 pm
Trainers: Peggy Farah

Take your financial reporting skills to the next level with this special hands-on pre-conference that teaches you to create complex financial statements in Sage MIP Fund Accounting. Participants will increase their reporting capacity by using segment substitution, report groups, segment substitution with report groups, and column subtotals to produce various FAS 117 required financial statements. Participants will also create custom charts to display financial information graphically. Bring your laptop loaded with the latest version of Sage MIP Fund Accounting. Since you will be learning these reporting techniques on your own machine, you can take your results home with you! Space is limited, so each participant can get personal attention.

Note: This session is limited to 40 attendees for an additional $150 per person registration fee.

Return to Top

Pre-Conference: Budgets in Sage MIP Fund Accounting

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Used MIP for a least 1 year and own the budget module
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Monday, July 12; 9:00-12:15 pm
Trainers: Maile Pa'alani and Jaclynn Murphy

Don't miss this hands-on pre-conference session on budgeting in Sage MIP Fund Accounting. We will focus on how to do collaborative budgets, and revising budgets. Bring your laptop loaded with the latest version of Sage MIP Fund Accounting, including the budget module. Since you will be learning these techniques on your own machine, you can take your results home with you. Space is limited so each participant can get personal attention.

Note: This session is limited to 40 attendees for an additional $150 per person registration fee.

Return to Top

Going Green With Paperless Initiatives

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Tuesday, July 13; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Deron Kling and Deana Dearry

In this session, participants will learn ways to create a greener office through a reduction in physically routing paper and an introduction to paperless technologies and strategies. We will review the basics of moving a paper process to an electronic solution, including the use of Adobe Acrobat and digital signatures to satisfy agency internal control requirements. We will also walk through an approach to identifying opportunities to go paperless and implementing a team to bring it about – one process at a time. We will teach you about scanning, storage, and document notes in Adobe Acrobat. Finally we will review approaches to organizing and storing documents on the network.

Return to Top

Future Impact

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Tuesday, July 13; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainer: Steve Lipton

The technology landscape has changed dramatically in the last few years. Our information is everywhere; we tweet, poke, blog, Facebook, and link; we don't ask, we Google; we expect a response to our question 24x7; and the list goes on. Our working environment as it relates to technology is rapidly evolving from our traditional control and manage approach to one of accountability and manage. How do nonprofit leaders approach this new world?

This new session will take a look at how an organization should plan for and manage our use of technology in this new world, from an executive perspective. In short, traditional training methods don't quite apply anymore. We need to take a new look that focuses on usability, interaction, availability, and accountability. This session will cover:

  • New applications that will change the way your work
  • How you can integrate those applications into your environment
  • How to build a transition plan that will take your organization into the new world
  • Risks you need to be aware of and how you can manage them
Return to Top

Join MUG – The MIP User Group

Session Type: Regular
Level: Overview
Prerequisite: Sage MIP Knowledge Recommended
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Tuesday, July 13; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Peggy Farah

Sage MIP Fund Accounting keeps changing - are you keeping up? What version are we on anyway? Why should you care? Come find out if you are using the newest features and get a sneak peak as to what the future holds for new developments.

And don't miss the "stump the experts" segment! Submit questions* ahead of time to your most intractable problems, and see if the Wipfli's MIP experts can help you. That's right, FREE CONSULTING!

*Email your questions in advance to gfpinfo@wipfli.com, subject line: MUG.

Return to Top

Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Session Type: Regular
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: Recommend having a management/leadership role
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Tuesday, July 13; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Jeff Wulf, Janet Johnson, and Seth Finestack

One of the challenges facing all organizations is to continuously improve. In other words, becoming more efficient and effective with the resources they have. In this new session we will discuss the concept of continuous improvement and how to ingrain it into your organization's culture.

Specific topics to be addressed include:

  • Introduction to the concept of office Lean
  • How to organize around customer value streams
  • Discuss the concept of value-added and non value-added activities
  • How to identify and diagnose process waste
  • Conducting process walks and the essential roles project team members play
  • The importance of individual and team behavioral dynamics
  • Leadership and management's role in establishing a culture of continuous improvement

This interactive session is designed to provide you with an actionable improvement approach to bring back to your organization.

Return to Top

Implementing SharePoint Services In A Nonprofit

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Recommend having a technology-related role
Field of Study: Computer Science
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainer: Don Emery

This new session introduces participants to successfully implementing Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services in their organizations. It emphasizes the planning requirements around the architecture of an entire environment, including business and application needs, during the planning and deployment phases. The applications and services of the SharePoint platform will be discussed.

Case studies of SharePoint Services implementations, including the use of the platform successfully in a nonprofit environment, will be reviewed.

Return to Top

Managing Technology - For Non-Technical People

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainer: Deron Kling

It can be challenging to be responsible for coordinating technology in your organization when you do not have a technology background. You may be working to answer questions such as; Do we need an email server, or is there someone who can host our email environment? How can we securely store information off-site? With our servers and computers getting older, what is the best strategy for replacing them? How do I know if my IT investment is working the way it should?

These and other questions will be answered in this new session for the person who has responsibility for managing technology, but may not have a technical background. Participants will be introduced to approaches for:

  • Performing a self-assessment of current IT systems
  • Managing a technology environment, including vendors
  • Cloud computing, virtual networks, hosted services, and fully managed computing environments – how are these being used in today's nonprofits?
  • Network transition and upgrade planning – how to plan and prepare for this change

We will cover the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches to meet your organization's technology needs.

Return to Top

From Boomers to GenNet

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainer: Steve Lipton

Remember when...

  • Sending a facsimile was high tech?
  • Cell phones were unusual?
  • Conversations happened at the coffee machine?
  • A good password was password?
  • E-mail was great?
  • Work ended when you left the office?

If so, you should know that there's a whole group of people in the workforce who have no memory of the above. The newest generation to enter the workforce, “Gen-Net”, grew up knowing and expecting:

  • There is barely a line between work life and personal life
  • Friends are only a click away
  • Sharing is everything
  • Everybody is always in touch, now
  • Twitter is a tool

Technology has changed the approach to work and is creating a greater diversity of skill sets, understanding and relatability in the office. Neither generation is right or wrong in their approach, but must start by understanding the needs of the other to be successful. This session will focus on discussing how technology and its use is impacting the work place and will explain how many of the new tools and methods available can improve productivity. Upon completing this session, you won't be an expert on how to use Twitter; but you will have a better understanding of how new technologies can be used in your organization.

Return to Top

Budgets from A to Z in Sage MIP Fund Accounting

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: Familiarity with MIP
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainers: Maile Pa'alani

Own the budget module, but confused on how to use it? Attend this updated session to learn budget basics from A to Z.

  • Set up the budget versions and controls in administration
  • Learn the difference between budget transactions and the budget worksheet, and when to use which one
  • Use the budget wizard to create budget worksheets, then transfer and post
  • Access budget balances and available budget balances on the fly
  • Produce budget reports to keep you ahead of the game.
Return to Top

Sage Abra & TimeStar Enterprise User Group

Session Type: Regular
Level: Overview
Prerequisite: Sage Abra and/or TimeStar Knowledge Recommended
Field of Study: Personnel/HR
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainer: Deana Dearry

Come and join your peers for interactive reviews and discussions!

  • See the NEW Sage Abra v10! New look and enhanced functionality.
  • Get new ideas for tracking program information and staying in compliance.
  • Participate in facilitated Question & Answer session with Sage Abra grant-funded program experts and your peers.

We encourage new and advanced Sage Abra users to attend.

Return to Top

Security Awareness in Information Technology

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Computer Science
Time: Wednesday, July 14; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Deron Kling and Steve Lipton

Information technology is a tool for accomplishing our organizational goals and managing valuable resources. It can also be a risk, with organizations experiencing an increase in unauthorized attempts to access their computers and networks.

In this session, participants will review the latest security threats to nonprofit organizations. Approaches to closing vulnerabilities in your computing environment will be explored. The development and delivery of a staff education plan including safe computing measures will be covered in depth, including the development of an initial security awareness plan.

Return to Top

Procurement in Sage MIP Fund Accounting

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Knowledge of procurement policies
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Thursday, July 15; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainer: Peggy Farah

Does it take days, or even weeks, to approve purchase requests and get the PO out the door? Are many of your POs approved after you have received product from the vendor. Are you wasting money on a paper based procurement system? See how days can turn into hours with real-time approval notification. Learn how to utilize the procurement capabilities in Sage MIP Fund Accounting. The primary focus will be use of the Electronic Requisitions and Purchase Orders modules.

Additional topics covered include:

  • Integration options
  • Deployment strategy
  • Impact on the Encumbrance and A/P modules
Return to Top

Is Hosting an Option for My Organization?

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Computer Science
Time: Thursday, July 15; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainer: Don Emery and Deron Kling

We'll discuss how hosted solutions are becoming more feasible, cost effective, and reliable in comparison to in-house approaches. From co-locating servers to the “Cloud”; we'll explain the terms and show examples of how these technologies can support your organization and allow better collaboration. We'll identify options for moving to a hosted environment and explore the best time to make a change.

Key Issues:

  • Why should you move to a hosted environment - benefits it brings
  • Which product solutions can and should move to hosted environment
  • When is the best time to move to a hosted solution
Return to Top

Technology Top Ten

Session Type: Mini
Level: Overview
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Computer Science
Time: Thursday, July 15; 8:15-9:50 am
Trainer: Steve Lipton

Few things are certain. One of them is that in the fast paced world of technology, there is always something new and better that could be helping your agency perform more effectively.

This interactive, updated session will take a fun and informative look at the Top 10 Technology Tools (and some toys) that could help your agency work smarter. Each tool will be presented, in Top 10 order, of course, along with an idea of how your agency might use it.

Be prepared, this session is interactive and participants will be asked to add ideas and thoughts regarding a product's usefulness. Along the way will be some surprises, some fun, and some learning. Our focus will be on each tool's usefulness, not the techno-speak of how it works. So, all you non-techies, come join us and see what you could be doing.

Return to Top

Technology Leadership Q&A

Session Type: Mini
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Computer Science
Time: Thursday, July 15; 10:10-11:45 am
Trainer: Steve Lipton

Are you a leader in your organization? Ever wonder what those technology folks are up to? Do you have some burning technology questions lurking in your head? This session will provide a forum for you to ask your questions and get some answers. By the way, this is not the bits and bytes technology stuff for the real techies. This session is for the leaders in organizations who have questions on how technology can help programs and the organization perform better. Please join us for some interesting discussion.

Return to Top

Designing a Virtual Server Environment for your IT Organization

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Recommended for IT Related Roles such as IT Managers, CIO, Network Engineer or Systems Administrators
Field of Study: Computer Science
Time: Thursday, July 15; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainer: Don Emery

In this session, we’ll take participants through the design options of a virtual environment, looking at hardware choices, platforms, and licensing requirements. We’ll demonstrate how each of these options can help save on technology costs, make your environment more green, and which work best in certain environments. We’ll finish with different disaster recovery solutions for your virtual environment to ensure it remains up and running.

Key Issues being covered include:

  • Designing the proper virtual environment for different organizations
  • Reducing costs – hardware, software, IT overhead, energy
  • Disaster Recovery – Ensuring your virtual environment stays up and running
Return to Top

Financial Statements in Sage MIP Fund Accounting

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Basic Sage MIP Fund Accounting reporting skills
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Thursday, July 15; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Peggy Farah

This course builds on your basic reporting skills, focusing on financial statement formats and creating basic financial statements. This course will train users how to take advantage of the default financial statement features to design custom financial statements and demonstrate the use of report groups for summarizing financial data. The course will also cover the drill-down analyzer and how to use the charting feature within Sage MIP Fund Accounting.

Return to Top

Payroll 1-2-3 in Sage MIP Fund Accounting

Session Type: Regular
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: Own the Payroll Module
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Thursday, July 15; 1:30-5:00 pm
Trainers: Maile Pa'alani

Setting up and processing payroll is as easy as 1-2-3 when you know the tricks. Come to this new session to find out how to set up everything you need to process flawless payrolls. Earnings codes, benefit codes, deduction codes and leave codes will become clear as we set up a payroll system from scratch, and consider some of the most common elements seen in payroll systems of grant-funded programs.

Return to Top

Managing and Maintaining Your IT Infrastructure Environment

Session Type: Regular
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Recommended for IT Related Roles such as IT Managers, CIO, Network Engineer or Systems Administrators
Field of Study: Computer Science
Time: Friday, July 16; 8:15-11:45 am
Trainers: Don Emery

We’ll show session participants examples of how to maintain servers and network equipment within their environments. We’ll provide documentation and checklists you should run through on a routine basis to ensure systems stay at peak performance and are being properly maintained. We’ll also show what types of documentation you should be gathering and updating regularly to ensure you can recover their systems in the event of a disaster.

Key Issues:

  • Steps to properly maintain servers and network equipment
  • Documentation and checklists to assist in maintaining their environment
  • Documentation pieces that are needed and will be helpful in a fast recovery in the event of a disaster
Return to Top

Rapid Process Improvement

Session Type: Mini
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Friday, July 16; 8:15-9:50 am
Trainers: Janet Johnson

Change is a constant part of every organization’s life. Therefore, it is critically important to know how to quickly adapt processes for new conditions. The goal of this session is to provide you with the framework, tools and techniques to rapidly analyze and improve processes.

This session will help you avoid the pitfalls that slow down process change. You will leave this session with:

  • An easy-to-implement problem-solving methodology
  • Introduction to analysis tools
  • Guidelines on who should be involved at every step in the process
  • Timelines and keys to success to make fast changes

In addition, you will be introduced to simple data collection and analysis tools – when to use them and how to apply these methods to your agency. Please join us to learn tools and techniques you can put to use now.

Return to Top

Streamlining your Weatherization Processes

Session Type: Mini
Level: Overview
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Friday, July 16; 8:15-9:50 am
Trainers: Deron Kling

Weatherization services requires significant coordination. First you have to track pre-qualifications, audits, contractors and required compliance documentation. Then you have to manage communications with outside parties, home owners and renters. Finally, you've got to complete the steps necessary for reimbursement including Davis-Bacon compliance. We'll show you how to effectively manage these processes using off-the-shelf Microsoft software.

Return to Top

Implementing Form 990 Reports in Sage MIP Fund Accounting

Session Type: Mini
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Basic Sage MIP Fund Accounting reporting skills
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge and Applications
Time: Friday, July 16; 10:10-11:45 am
Trainers: Peggy Farah

Now that you have learned the ins and outs of the new IRS Form 990, learn how to implement financial sections of the form using the recently updated 990 reporting features of Sage MIP Fund Accounting. This course builds on your basic reporting skills; provides a refresher on setting up report groups in Sage MIP Fund Accounting; and trains users how to take advantage of report groups to map their general ledger and other chart of accounts segments to the various sections of the new IRS Form 990. Participants will also see how these mappings will produce financial reports that match the financial sections of the IRS Form 990.

Return to Top

Using Flowcharts to Streamline Processes

Session Type: Mini
Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Management Advisory Services
Time: Friday, July 16; 10:10-11:45 am
Trainers: Janet Johnson and Jeff Wulf

One of the greatest challenges managers face is using organization resources wisely. Whether we are talking about money, staff time or any other resource, we must find the most efficient and effective ways to produce good results. Process and system streamlining can play a significant role in maximizing resources. Plan on attending this action-based, fun session to get ideas and applications you can use now.

The updated session is an introduction to using flowcharts to analyze of all your systems, from client intake to paying bills and producing reports. You will learn some simple techniques to help you make immediate improvements to save time and money. We will cover:

  • Simple flowcharting techniques that tell you where to focus your improvement efforts
  • How to identify process waste
  • Keys to success

In addition, you will be introduced to “lean” process methods used by the most successful organizations in the world, and show you how to apply these methods to your agency.

Return to Top