I’m a New iMIS User. Where Do I Start?

First and foremost, welcome to iMIS! As a new user at an organization using iMIS, there are several important steps you can take to get started.

Getting Started with iMIS 

Dedicated Client Performance Improvement Leader (CPIL):

Did you know that every client has a dedicated person at ASI that they can contact? CPILs act like an Account Manager and are your main contact within ASI for your iMIS account needs. They want you to get the most out of your investment in iMIS. Find out who your CPIL is by logging into the Support Portal and viewing your Profile. Don’t hesitate to reach out at any time regarding your account.

Client Experience Team:

This newly created team at ASI consists of iMIS experts and Support Specialists. Our focus is on supporting organizations like yours to get the most out of iMIS. Your CPIL may bring the Client Experience Team into your client check-in calls so that we can understand your priorities, processes and needs and help direct you towards iMIS optimization. Feel free to provide us with feedback at any time by emailing clientexperience@imis.com.

Familiarize Yourself with iMIS: 

Take some time to explore the iMIS interface. Get comfortable with the layout and navigation. Familiarize yourself with the main modules and features in iMIS and understand how to navigate between the different sections. Our online “Getting Started and Best Practices” document is a great place to get important information on finance, membership, fundraising, website creation, advertising, iMIS Pay, report writing, and much more.

Training and Documentation:

We also have several training resources easily accessible for our clients such as online documentation, videos, free webinars, online courses, and coaching. iMIS training ensures that new users understand how to effectively navigate and utilize the iMIS platform. This helps you maximize the value and capabilities of iMIS and allows your organization to get the most out of your investment.

Reporting and Analytics:

Reporting serves as real time feedback for evaluating the effectiveness of your organization’s strategies and initiatives. It allows your organization to measure the impact of changes and continuously improve your approaches. Familiarize yourself with the reporting tools in iMIS such as Report Writer, Intelligent Query Architect and SSRS: 

• Report Writer: A web-based drag-and-drop report designer and interactive report viewer embedded within iMIS. Learn more about Report Writer. 
• Intelligent Query Architect (IQA): A query-building tool that extracts data from the iMIS database. IQA simplifies query-building with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for a user with limited SQL experience to build queries and reports. Learn more: Understanding IQA, Reporting with IQA.
• SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS): SSRS is an extension of Microsoft that iMIS uses to provide you with an extensive array of reporting options. You can run out-of-the-box reports on a variety of data within iMIS. Learn more about reporting with IQA or SSRS. Not familiar with SSRS? Don’t worry - you can stick with IQA queries for your reports. 

A great first step is to run a basic report and see if you’re able to interpret the data.

User Support:

Knowing where to get help when you have questions or encounter issues is crucial. Get familiar with the multiple support channels available to our iMIS Community.  

• ASI Client Support Portal: We offer a dedicated customer support portal where our clients can login to access resources, submit support tickets, and communicate with ASI's support team. 
• Knowledge Base: ASI Technical Support maintains a comprehensive Knowledge Base, including Product News and FAQs. This resource allows clients to find answers to common questions and troubleshoot issues independently. 
• Support Community: Consider joining our iMIS online Forums and Community Groups topics within the ASI Client Support Portal. This is where customers can interact with each other, share experiences, and seek advice. These communities can be a valuable resource for asking questions, sharing experiences, and learning from others. 
• NiUG: The iMIS Users’ Group: NiUG is an independent, not-for-profit, iMIS user group. NiUG members enjoy educational events, training, forums, and networking opportunities. Learn more: NiUG International, NiUG Asia-Pacific.

Stay Updated:

Keep yourself updated with any new features, updates, or enhancements that are released for iMIS. You’ll also find a quarterly roundup of new features here on the iMIS Blog, and in our Quarterly iMIS Update webinars. See all upcoming events.

The Bottom Line

iMIS is a robust platform with lots of features and capabilities. There’s always lots to learn, so don't hesitate to reach out for help or consult resources as needed.

Welcome to the iMIS Community, we're excited to support you!