A brief tour of EARS
This tour takes you through the main steps of using EARS. It covers:
- Full data entry screen
- Canvass data entry screen
- Filters
- Printing delivery lists, labels and canvass cards
- Integration with Microsoft Office
- Polling day
- Security
EARS is a very flexible tool and there are many options for adapting it to your own requirements that are not covered in this brief tour. Contact the EARS team at DataTrans for more information.
The Main Screen- one screen to rule them all...!
The main screen now lets you view your data upon entry to the program. You can see icons for past elections and postal data and sort any column. With all options laid before you this both speeds up and simplifies the interface. You no longer need to wade through sub-sub menus.
The easier to use format will be more accessible for both new and experienced users.
The Full Data Entry Screen
- The full data entry screen allows the user to enter all data as well as view previous canvass data on each elector at the same time.
- Old shortcut keys have been preserved to give a true choice between mouse and keyboard.
- There is the option to use the arrow buttons to jump to each record and also a search option.
- The addition of an automatic email feature into the program (found on the main screen) may increase the amount of campaigning by email and reduce printing costs, therefore the option to input two email addresses appears on the full data screen.
- The drop-down boxes for inputting data are more accessible than in previous versions.
- The format in which you view and edit data can be switched by the click of a button rather than by entering and exiting different menus, therefore saving time and confusion.
The Canvass Data Entry Screen
The canvass data entry screen makes the input of canvass data quicker and easier than ever before. The drop down button at the top left of the screen allows the user to change districts without having to re-enter the screen.
Filters EARS8 style
The data can be quickly sorted by the filter and range menus at the bottom of the screen- the latter allowing the user to view only certain roads when entering canvass card data without the need to set a new range as in previous versions.
EARS8 will come with a number of filters that can then be adapted or new ones created as the user wishes. The filters on EARS8 are easier to use than in previous versions due to the more logical interface.
Printing Delivery Lists, Labels and Canvass Cards- Campaigning with Ears8
Print previews are now available for the printing of delivery lists and the user is given more options for this feature such as to only print certain pages- rather than all. The program will also print filtered delivery lists in walk order.
The labels feature has been built upon with the facility now in place for easy definition of custom labels. EARS8 will print the labels in walk order and filters can be applied as well.
Canvass cards are easier to customise than before and the setup menu gives the user the freedom to create cards that are suited to the type of canvassing involved. With filters as well, campaigns can be created to target electors by canvassing, as well as delivering targeted letters and leaflets. The program also assists with telephone canvassing.
Integration with Microsoft Office
Campaigning with EARS8 is also easier due to the functionality of the program with Microsoft Word. Letters can be merged at the click of a button to be automatically printed in walk order for ease of collation and delivery. Several different letters can also be merged and printed at the same time- as well as put into walk order. The email button synchronises the program with Microsoft Outlook for electronic campaigning.
Polling Day made easier
The 'Polling Day' function of EARS8 is very fast and efficient. Districts can be changed within the entry screen and the colours of the screen can be changed to match those of the telling slips in order to maintain the highest standards of accuracy. The polling day function also includes a powerful search tool.
Security
EARS8 is more secure than previous versions of the software with a prompt to back-up the program each time it is exited and a password facility to ensure that no unauthorised person can view or edit sensitive data.