The article below contains information regarding the upcoming enhancements and new features to the My Council Services platform for our Version 21 upgrade.
All modules across all client systems have been decluttered and simplified with a more uniform look and feel. These small UI changes allow users to get around their MCS system in less clicks. This has allowed us to achieve 40% code reduction, leading to approximately 60% faster runtimes. The significant speed increase greatly benefits user experience, and is one of the core enhancements of the Version 21 upgrade.
Once again, Admin and Customer Portal URLs (both Live and Demo) remain unchanged.
If you have any questions or queries please contact support@abavus.co.uk
v.21 Enhancements
| Functionality | Area | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Action/Option Buttons | Various | The "Action" and "Options" buttons have been combined. All features previously held under one button or the other are now held under the same "Options" button. This new approach keeps things simple by providing all actions/options under a single button. |
| Actions on Forms | Service | Previously, various options were available on the right-hand side within a form in Service Desk under relevant headers. These options are now grouped under collapsible headers, with only the "Add" region automatically expanded by default. These headers can be collapsed or expanded as required, giving the interface a cleaner and less bloated look. |
| Admin Portal Tabs | Admin Portal | The tabs on the left-hand side of the Admin Portal have been rearranged to display in alphabetical order. This makes tabs easier to locate, providing a faster experience. |
| Attachments, not Documents | Various | The word "Document" has been replaced with "Attachment" in relevant areas of the system. This is purely a name change to make the option clearer for users. For example, "Add-Document" should now display as "Add-Attachment". In addition, preview icons have been added to attachments in a form's gallery. This should make it clearer for users, particularly in instances where file names are not given or are unclear. Users have the option to delete or download an attachment in a single click. |
| Faceted Search | Various | A more detailed search function has been added for a number of MCS modules so that users can locate exactly what they are looking for more quickly. See below for an example of faceted search (1). |
| Import | Various | CSV files can be easily uploaded with the new drag and drop function. Users will simply have to drop the file from their computer to the displayed zone and they can then submit the upload easily. |
| Interactive Report | Various | Interactive Reports are now renamed according to the module they are opened in, followed by the word 'Desk'. For example, to select an interactive report on the product module, you will now have to click on ‘Product Desk’. |
| Item Number | Booking, Service, Tasks, etc | The item number will be displayed in the same position on pages as before, however clicking this number will now automatically copy it to the clipboard. The status of a form will be displayed below this number and can be easily updated. See below for an example (2). |
| Location Picker | Forms | The MCS Location Picker plugin has been updated with a new interface that is more user-friendly. |
| New Views | Various | The Chart, Map, and Report views are still available for use throughout the system, alongside a new "Card" view. See below for an example of the Card view (3). Note that not all views are available for all modules. |
| Page Names | Various | Across the platform, the page name will now display the name of the item which is selected. For example, if you go into the Task module and edit a specific task, the page will show the name of the Task. This is useful if a user forgets what they are doing (e.g. they leave the computer for a few minutes and come back). |
| Tabs on Forms | Forms | Tabs have been grouped to allow for easier navigation. There is also a "Show All" button to expand all tabs for viewing on a single page. There are now four main parents tabs containing the following: Information - Details, Location, Attachments, Timing, Schedule, etc Manage - Notes, Relationships, etc People - Owner, Customer, etc Transact - Service Requests, Tasks, Contracts, etc |
| Task Type and Status Columns | Tasks | These boxes have been designed with rounded corners for a sleeker, professional look. |
| Thumbnails | Service | Image thumbnails have been removed from the main page in report view. This decision was taken as it is rarely used and will save space allowing for more forms to be displayed. |
| URLs for Form Page Names | Forms | The URL of the page the user has open will now display the page name rather than the number. This will make it easier for individuals to quickly identify what page it is that they are viewing. |
Upcoming Enhancements
| Functionality | Area | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Mode | Mobile App | We are in the process of developing a Dark Mode for our iOS and Android apps. This will make our mobile app easier on the eyes in low-light settings, or for those who prefer the darker style. |
| "Spaces" Module | Admin | We are in the process of developing a new MCS module that will allow administrators to define a 'space' available for use in their organisation. Spaces on your system could include car parking spaces, allotments, racks, market stalls, boat moorings, etc. A space can be added as an Asset or Product owned by your organisation. Once a space has been added, it can be used for Bookings and Contracts. The system will keep track of space availability, with applicants being placed on a waiting list. |
(1) Example of the new Faceted search:
(2) Example of the new item number placement:
(3) Example of the new Card view:
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