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Onboarding Integrations Checklist

 

Ready to start working in MinistryPlatform? We're glad you're eager! But first, you'll want to make sure your setup is complete. Review the following items and integrations to ensure you're really ready to get started.

SendGrid

Do users need to send emails from the Platform? Enable emailing with SendGrid.

Setup

Review the SendGrid article for an overview. Then, decide the type of setup you need.

Check to See If It's Working

  • Are emails being sent successfully?
    • Select a Contact record with an email address that you have access to.
    • From the Actions menu, click Message.
    • Compose and send the email.
    • Check if you received the email at the selected email address.
      SendGrid shows delivery status data if you need additional assistance with troubleshooting.
  • Are Message records showing deliverability data (e.g. bounces, clicks, delivered)?
    • Open a Message record in the Platform.
    • Check the Action Status field on the Recipient records.

Twilio

Do users need to send text messages from the Platform? Enable texting with Twilio.

Setup

Review the Twilio article for an overview, setup steps, and tips.

  • Create a Twilio account. (See Twilio's SMS Pricing page. Ask about non-profit pricing!)
  • Purchase a phone number through Twilio.
  • Update the Domain record in the Platform.
  • Add Outbound SMS Numbers to the Platform.
  • Create security roles for text messaging, and assign users.
  • You can register for an A2P (Application to Person) Campaign in Twilio to ensure messages are compliant.

Check to See If It's Working

  • Are text messages being sent successfully?
    • Select a Contact record with a mobile phone number that you have access to.
    • From the Actions menu, click Message, and select Text Message at the top.
    • Compose and send the text.
    • Check if you received the text at the selected mobile phone number.
      Twilio shows information about text messages if you need additional assistance with troubleshooting.
  • If an individual opts out (e.g. replies STOP), text messages will not be delivered, and the Do Not Text field on their Contact record will be set to Yes.
  • If an individual opts in (e.g. replies START), text messages will be delivered, and the Do Not Text field on their Contact record will be set to No.

Melissa Data

Should addresses entered in the Platform be validated? Enable address validation with Melissa Data.

Setup

    Review the Melissa Data Address Validation article for an overview.

    • Contact Melissa Data to set up an account. This is typically done via email. (See Melissa Data's Pricing page.)
    • Update the Domain record in the Platform.

    Check to See If It's Working

    • Are Address records being updated in the Platform?
      • Go to Lookup Values > Addresses.
      • Check if addresses are being validated to USPS standards.
      • The Validated field should be set to Yes.
      • Postal Codes should have the additional 4 digits at the end.

    Google Maps

    Should users see maps for record insights and widgets? Do you want to allow addresses to be auto-filled in the Add/Edit Family tool? Enable mapping and address auto-fill with Google Maps.

    Setup

      Review Google Maps API Key for an overview and setup steps.

      • Create a Google Console account.
      • Enable APIs.
      • Configure MP URLs in Google Console, including:
        • MP URL
        • Cloud URL
        • Widget URL (e.g. church website)
      • Copy the API key.
      • Add the API key to the applicable Configuration Setting in the Platform.
      • Add the API key to the Domain record in the Platform.

      Check to See If It's Working

      • Are addresses being auto-filled in the Add/Edit Family tool?
        • Launch the Add/Edit Family tool.
        • Begin typing a valid address in the Address field. It should auto-fill the remainder of the address.
      • Are Record Insights displaying maps where appropriate?
        • Open a Contact record.
        • Check the Household Map record insight. A map should display for a valid address.
      • Are Widgets displaying maps where appropriate?

      Bing

      Could latitude/longitude, driving distance, and driving time to addresses be useful? Enable CloudServices geocoding and distance/drive time utilities with Bing. Note that CloudServices applications cost $25 per month, which includes installation and support.

      Setup

        Review the Bing API Key article for an overview and setup steps.

        • Create a Bing account.
        • Create an API key.
        • Add the API key to the applicable Configuration Setting in the Platform.
        • Contact Support to install and enable the CloudServices utilities you want.

        Check to See If It's Working

        • Are Address records being updated with Latitude and Longitude?
        • Are Household/Family records showing Driving Distance and Driving Time?

        Background Checks

        Do you have staff and volunteers working with children and youth? Enable an integration with one of our background check providers.

        Setup

          Review the Background Checks article for an overview and a list of our integration partners.

          • Create an account with one of the background check providers we integrate with.
          • Check out the instructions related to your background check provider.

          Check to See If It's Working

          • Can you launch the Background Check Request tool from a Contact record without any errors?
          • Are Background Check records being created? To check, go to People Lists > Background Checks.

          Online Giving

          Do you allow donations to be given online? Enable an integration with one or our online giving providers.

          Setup

            Review the Integrations article for a list of our giving/donor development integration partners.

            • Create an account with one of the online giving providers we integrate with.
            • Check out the instructions related to your online giving provider.

            Check to See If It's Working

            • Are Donor and Donation records being created?

            Financial Exports

            Do you need to export financial data into your accounting system? Enable financial exports from MinistryPlatform.

            Setup

              Review the Export article for an overview and additional information.

              • Check out the instructions related to your financial system.
              • Update the Bank record with the account number.
              • You may also need to update Program records with the account number.

              Check to See If It's Working

              • Can financial information be uploaded into your accounting system?

              Bank File Exports

              Do you need to export files containing Batch and Donation details for use with your bank? Enable bank file exports from MinistryPlatform.

              Setup

                Review the Exporting a Batch article for an overview and export steps. For the Bank X937 file, note that you'll need to work with your bank and Support before exporting your batch.

                • If you want to use an X937 file, see X937 File Setup and complete all the necessary steps.
                • Export the batch from the Batch Manager Tool.
                • In the Bank Settings drop-down list, select the appropriate file settings to use.
                • Upload the file to your bank per your bank's protocol.

                Check to See If It's Working

                • Once exported, do you see an Export Summary that shows the batch count and sum?

                 

                Keywords: onboarding, implementation, setup, integrations, api, troubleshooting