Managing the HomeKeeper Configuration
Table of Contents
This article provides a summary of the HomeKeeper Configuration process - when HomeKeeper Support Staff will work with you to set up HomeKeeper for your organization's specific needs - and key steps and information for you as the Salesforce and HomeKeeper Administrator.
Configuration Timeline
Configuration occurs during the Installation and Customization phase of your onboarding. It will largely happen in the background, though your input during the Getting Started Meeting is essential!
Setup Salesforce → Submit the Getting Started Survey → Schedule & Attend a Getting Started Meeting → HomeKeeper Team Configures your HomeKeeper → Training Delivery
Configuration Discussion Questions
To get the most complete configuration possible, it can be helpful for your team to think through a few of the questions that will come up during the Getting Started Meeting. These questions highlight your organization's work processes, approach to data management, and program priorities. If you're unsure how to answer these questions, we can discuss them with you during the Getting Started Meeting.
NOTE: Though they sound similar, ‘configuration’ and ‘customization’ are different processes. Configuration is the initial setup of your HomeKeeper instance following typical setup steps. Customization is additional work done after your HomeKeeper is set up that may build out features not provided by HomeKeeper. Customization is often done by a consultant or through Advanced Support from the HomeKeeper team.
Configuration Details
When you install HomeKeeper, it is already ready to use! However, we want to make sure that HomeKeeper not only works for your organization's needs but is tailored to them. By understanding your programs and use cases, we can adjust certain aspects of HomeKeeper so they better reflect how you will use them. This section outlines those specific changes.
What Updates Does the HomeKeeper Team Make During Configuration?
Based on your input provided during the Getting Started Meeting, we will:
- Add Custom Picklist Values
- For example, a list of Neighborhood names that you can sort your Properties into
- Create a Custom Profile for HomeKeeper Usage: The HomeKeeper Administrator Profile
- Assign Record Types and Layouts to Desired Profiles
- Set desired default values for certain fields
- For example, set default Income Limit to 120% AMI, which can be edited later
ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES: Below are just a few examples of the changes outlined above:
- Set “Program ” picklist values so you can categorize program participants
- Assign Service File “Record Types” based on what Programs are offered
- Add HUD 9902 Reportable fields to any applicable layout, depending on how counseling overlaps with other Programs tracked in HomeKeeper
- Assign Page Layouts for Salesforce Standard Objects such as Accounts and Contacts
*Upon request, we can share the Asana Project that outlines all changes made. We will also provide a copy of your Getting Started Meeting documents to keep for your records.
Internal Documentation
During this step, it can be helpful to define vocabulary that is specific to your organization. We have a HomeKeeper Glossary that includes Salesforce and HomeKeeper terminology, but anything not included should be noted down. This could include programs, developments, etc. Having this on hand could be very helpful for training new staff, as well as communicating with HomeKeeper support or consultants in the future.