The Right Tool for the Job

When planning to complete a project, improve a process, or implement a new solution, what’s one of the first things you do?  Find the right tool for the job. The best tool designed to complete the task at hand; the one that delivers a successful end result; and the most efficient tool.

Consider the basic toolbox.  A screwdriver is a tool designed specifically to tighten screws. Other tools exist, but they may not accomplish the task as well since screwdrivers are designed specifically to drive screws. A hammer will not tighten a screw as efficiently as a screwdriver, nor will a wrench. Further, not all screwdrivers are created equal. Have you ever tried using a screwdriver on a knock-off everything-but-the-kitchen-sink Swiss Army type knife? While the idea of having a million tools in one seems to make sense at first, each individual tool often does not perform at the same level that a unique tool designed to accomplish one specific purpose does.

The Children’s Check-In Tool

Just like the mighty screwdriver, a well-designed, secure children’s check-in system is a strong tool in the hands of those ministering to children. It helps improve child safety, streamline the check-in process, track attendance, and create a great parent and visitor experience.  With its specific focus on children’s check-in, KidCheck is that tool. KidCheck delivers an easy-to-use, secure children’s check-in solution built on the input, knowledge, and experience of those in children’s ministry. KidCheck accomplishes children’s check-in and does it well.

Broad vs Specific Solutions

Other check-in options exist as part of a broader church management system (ChMS), but just like some random “tools” on the Swiss Army type knife, they aren’t always designed specifically for children’s check-in from inception. The idea of multiple elements in the tool may sound appealing, but will it perform at the same level as a tool designed specifically to meet the unique needs of check-in?  What are the tradeoffs of using a system where check-in is an add-on rather than a focus? What are the possible concerns to consider? How great would it be if they worked together?

Integrated Systems

KidCheck integrates with several church management software (ChMS) providers. This allows you to maintain a single church-wide database, plus experience the benefits of best-in-class check-in. Seamless data sharing, quick access to visitor information and family updates, flexibility to match and update records.  Integration provides the best of both worlds, with the option to choose and pair top ministry technology solutions to meet your individual needs.

Addressing Concerns

The Cost

It’s possible using a children’s check-in add-on might save a bit of money if it’s a part of the larger ChMS you use.  However, consider the actual dollars to dollars cost difference. Take into account all aspects of the comparison including the cost of software, hardware, productivity of staff, and training and support expenses.  KidCheck offers a very affordable solution and training and support are always free. Additionally, consider the hassle and frustration of using a less equipped tool, and factor that even further into the cost. At the end of the day, is there really a cost savings and is the exchange in cost worth the tradeoff?

Another Login

Like most web apps, KidCheck utilizes secure usernames and passwords to allow access to the system.  In a world where a unique username and password is often required, remembering a new one isn’t too big of a deal. Remembering one’s KidCheck username and password won’t be that difficult to manage and the added security is worth the perceived inconvenience.

Learning another system

Learning something new can often feel both exciting and a bit daunting.  However, KidCheck is easy to learn and straightforward to use.  Its intuitive interface and easy-to-use screens make check-in a breeze; administrative tasks (such as reports) are only a few clicks away; and free personal training is provided to help with the initial set-up.  Plus, since support and training are always free, if a question or need arises, an answer is only a quick call, email, or chat away – even on Sunday morning.

Accessing and Sharing Data

KidCheck contains a wide variety of reports including attendance records, class rosters, and more. The design of these reports helps children’s ministers access data to better understand needs and trends, as well as to provide the senior pastor or board with professional looking updates and reports. Using the reports within KidCheck is often a better option than a ChMS report to deliver specific views of the children’s ministry information.

Additionally, KidCheck’s unique parent-maintained accounts help keep family information up-to-date and current through the work of parents rather than the effort of admins. This means the data within KidCheck is likely more up-to-date and accurate than information in a ChMS or other database which is typically admin-maintained and at the mercy of admins needing to ask for, or hopefully hearing about, changes from parents. KidCheck’s integration with various ChMS systems allows the transfer of this data, helping to keep the ChMS more current.

Importing Data into KidCheck

KidCheck’s parent maintained accounts drastically reduce work for admins when initially setting up their KidCheck system. Rather than admins spending hours of work attempting to set up accounts on behalf of parents, parents create the accounts themselves, which also delivers better accuracy.  Parents can easily and quickly create accounts online at home, from a check-in station, or even via the KidCheck mobile app.  Plus, with any ChMS KidCheck integrates with, for families in the ChMS but not KidCheck, the family will show up in KidCheck right at check-in, no need to manually transfer data or input information.

The Voice of Experience

Chris Sykes, a pastor at Church By the Glades and ministry-tech-guru, used KidCheck for check-in but switched to what he thought would provide an adequate replacement: a full ChMS that included a children’s check-in tool. In his own words:

At a previous church where we used KidCheck, I made the decision to switch to the check-in system that went with our whole church ChMS. I regretted it immediately. While a few of the features were arguably better than KidCheck, it was much more difficult to manage our families, groups, etc. So while there are positives of having all of your information shared, it is much easier to use a solution like KidCheck that does one thing and does it really well.

KidCheck is the Tool

KidCheck’s specific design for electronic children’s check-in makes it stand out as a specialized, high-quality system. It’s the right tool for the job of children’s check-in. Other broader systems may initially seem more economical or beneficial, but they also may not execute the job as well. The integration of KidCheck and certain ChMS systems help join those best tools. When working toward increasing child safety and improving the check-in process, use the right tool to best complete the job.