Welcome to the Link2Feed Community! Please review the common questions below prior to the first meeting with your Implementation Specialist.
This article covers the following topics:
Getting started
Will I need to download any software to my computer to use Link2Feed?
No. Link2Feed is a web-based service, so you can access it from any computer, tablet, or smartphone with a compatible browser. You can learn more about minimum hardware requirements here.
Which web browsers are compatible with Link2Feed?
Google Chrome (up to date), Opera (up to date), Mozilla Firefox (up to date), Safari (up to date / OS X only).
How many user accounts can my organization have?
You can create an unlimited number of user accounts. It is highly recommended to create a unique user account for each individual, rather than creating one user account and sharing it amongst a group of people.
Is the system available without internet?
The system is web-based, but you can backdate individual visits or do a bulk visit entry using the Attendance feature; for information on the Attendance Feature click here.
Customization
Can I customize fields or create my own questions?
You can enable or disable fields in Link2Feed with the exception of First Name, Last Name, Date of Birth (which you can indicate is estimated if the client doesn’t know), Address (can indicate Prefer Not To Answer, No Fixed Address), and Relationship between household members (can indicate undisclosed). You cannot add customized fields/questions. You can learn more here: Case Management Fields & considerations 2022 (Canada networks) or use the guidance of the Implementation Specialist or Support to help you find the appropriate location for your preferred fields.
How do I customize the options that appear for each field?
Users with the Network Administrator role can customize these in the Lists section.
Can I track multiple programs?
Each program you offer would be set up as a program button on the Services tab. You would select the button for the program(s) that your clients are visiting that day. The standard package includes 3 programs and the premium package includes unlimited program buttons.
Data Entry
Can I import my client data from another system into Link2Feed?
Client profile data can be migrated into Link2Feed from another system using the import feature; click here for more information on the Standard Import feature. There is a cost to obtaining the Importer role - please contact your Implementation Specialist to learn more.
Is there barcode scanning?
Barcodes are scanned into the client profile to associate the barcode with the client. Barcodes can be scanned with a scanner gun or using a device camera. See the article here. Visits can be easily recorded using the standard visit recording; see article here or the Quick Click feature; see article here.
The Link2Feed system is designed for organizations to utilize their own barcodes to avoid the need for printing. This gives flexibility for the desired barcode format (ex. key fobs) and enables the re-use of existing ID cards.
What if a client doesn’t want to answer a required field?
For each question, there is an option to select Didn't Ask, Don't Know, or Prefer Not to Answer. For address, they have the option of selecting No Fixed Address or Prefer Not to Answer.
Can I download a list of my clients?
For security purposes, the system does not have a downloadable list of clients that have been entered into the system. Any clients entered into the system are accessible via the Client Search function at any time.
The Visit Export provides a CSV file of all clients who have a service recorded.
Can the system flag duplicates?
Yes, when inputting new clients, the system will check to see if three out of the four duplicate criteria (first name, last name, date of birth, address line 1) match any clients in the system. If there are matches, the system will make you review those before proceeding.
Can addresses be auto-populated when adding a client or editing an address?
Currently, we are using the open maps API to get location information for address lookups (e.g., for the address autocomplete feature).
The open maps API doesn’t let us retrieve addresses for selected locations in Canada. We have put in place the option to enable USPS address API, which allows users to retrieve addresses from a different database. If the existing address lookup system is not working for your area, this switch can be requested through a Support ticket by a Network Admin to enable this.
When Food Banks Canada gains access to a network’s data through a data sharing agreement, are they receiving historical data or just the data as of the date of that data sharing agreement?
They will be receiving historical data entered prior to the agreement.
Reports
What sorts of reports can I get out of Link2Feed?
This article section - Reporting Articles - provides a full list of reports available and how they work. Note that your access to the different types of reports depends on which package you have.
How is data stored in Link2Feed?
The system uses the information in the household at the time of the visit for reporting and exporting. See more information here: Report Basics.
Efficiency and Timeliness of Report Generation
In our report generation process, we understand the significance of minimizing wait times for our users. Currently, the wait time is determined by the number of organizations included in the report and the duration covered. Let's delve into the details of our report queues for a clearer understanding.
We manage two queues: one for regular reports and another for large reports. We allow up to 20 reports to run simultaneously. This setup enables concurrent processing of multiple reports but may result in a slightly extended initial wait time to ensure efficiency.
Report size is determined by multiplying the number of sites by the duration in days, with a limit set at 50 sites x 180 days (equivalent to 9000). Anything exceeding this threshold is directed to the large queue.
Recognizing the complexity and scale of large reports, they are processed in a separate queue, occasionally resulting in wait times measured in hours. We understand the inconvenience and are actively working towards optimizing processing times for such reports in the future.
Conversely, our regular queue processes reports efficiently with a minimum wait time of 6 minutes per report. Multiple reports can run simultaneously, minimizing overall slowdowns. However, there are instances where regular reports may take longer, ranging from 20 to 30 minutes each. It's essential to note that even a quick report may experience delays if queued behind longer reports.
As we strive to optimize report processing times, your feedback is crucial. Please feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions, these contribute to our ongoing efforts to enhance and streamline this process for an improved user experience.
Self Enrollment
Can clients create their own profiles in Link2Feed?
Yes. The Premium and Elite small network packages include access to CNCT, L2F’s client self-enrollment tool. Clients can create a profile for their household, which will automatically migrate over to the Client Intake system. Clients can also log back in to make edits to their profiles and make appointments (if appointments are enabled).
Please talk to your Implementation Specialist if you are interested in using CNCT and if it is not already part of your package.
Volunteers
Can I track my volunteers in Link2Feed?
The Elite small network package includes access to the InitLive volunteer management platform. See more info here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHSHl8ZzCTQ&feature=youtu.be