Managing meetings, particularly updating meeting information, can be a time-consuming and complex process. To alleviate this burden, we’re excited to announce new features in two essential tools: Crouton and BMLT Workflow. These updates are designed to reduce manual data entry, simplify workflows, and empower people to provide meeting updates more efficiently.
BMLT Workflow: Automating Meeting Management
The BMLT Workflow is a WordPress plugin initially developed for the NA Australian Region to automate the tedious process of managing meeting updates. Traditionally, meeting changes required form submission followed by manual processing, often involving multiple steps for both the form submitter and service body trusted servants. With BMLT Workflow, this manual effort is drastically reduced.
For trusted servants, this plugin offers a single location to view and action meeting change requests, with no need to re-enter data into the BMLT admin console. All requests are centralized and streamlined, reducing the likelihood of human error and minimizing time spent on administrative tasks.
For admins, the plugin simplifies the modification of email templates, service committees, and contact details. All configurations can be done directly within the plugin, removing the need for complex logic within form builders.
While this initial release has been tailored to the NA Australian Region—particularly the FSO/Starter Kit email functionality—the code is flexible enough to accommodate feedback from other regions. Admins will find it relatively easy to adjust templates for their specific needs.
Crouton: Enhanced Integration with BMLT Workflow
Crouton, originally forked from the BMLT Tabbed UI plugin, has been a powerful tool for displaying NA meeting lists in a tabbed interface within WordPress sites. By simply using a shortcode, NA service bodies can showcase meeting data in an intuitive, user-friendly way.
But now, we’re taking it a step further. The latest Crouton update introduces a new shortcode.
[bmlt_tabs report_update_url=""]This enhancement allows you to directly link Crouton with BMLT Workflow.
Here’s how it works:
- Once you have added BMLT Workflow to your WordPress site, you can use the new shortcode with a report update URL pointing to the workflow page.
- Crouton will automatically append the BMLT meeting ID to the button, so when someone clicks it, a new tab opens with the meeting data pre-populated in the workflow form.
This integration makes it easier for trusted servants to involve administrators when important changes are required. It also moves meeting list updates closer to those who know the most about the meeting—ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of updates.
Why These Features Matter
These updates bring powerful improvements to the way NA service bodies handle meeting management:
- Efficiency: Trusted servants and admins can now manage changes directly from the people who may have valuable information about a meeting change, directly from a meeting page.
- Consistency: By pre-populating workflow forms with meeting data, the risk of errors is greatly reduced.
- Customization: Both plugins are flexible, allowing regional and local variations to be easily incorporated.
With these new features, we are moving towards a future where managing NA meetings becomes simpler and more effective for everyone involved. Stay tuned for more updates and enhancements!
Here is a sample video of how this works:
