Welcome, new readers! The Compass is a compilation of our latest customer stories, news, resources, and events. We'll deliver the goods four times a year to help you improve productivity and make the most of your software. (Note: New customers are automatically subscribed. Not your cup of tea? You can opt-out and manage your email preferences here.) 

Did you know your agency has a dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM) whose sole responsibility is to help you use our software to its full potential?

You need a partner to help navigate the path to success. That’s why your CSM is here.

Think of your CSM as your point person, advocate, and connector. He or she will provide tools, tips, and best practices to boost adoption and retention of your solution. Your CSM can also put you in touch with Northwoods' best and brightest resources to address your unique needs as they arise.

Haven't had the chance to talk to your CSM? Reach out and say hello! (Psst! View this territory map or email CustomerSuccess@teamnorthwoods.com if you're not sure who to contact.)

PS: The team has heard some excellent tips and tricks while visiting customers over the past few months. Be on the lookout for emails and videos later this year sharing the best advice. Email your CSM if you have something to share, or anything specific you want to learn.

Check Out the Northwoods University Course Catalog

As you know, Northwoods University is your on-demand destination for tutorial videos and product training. (Watch A Quick Guide to Northwoods University if you need a refresher!)

Did you know you now have the option to self-enroll in most courses? Simply click "Course Catalog" in the main menu to see what's available. You can easily read a short description of each course and subscribe to the ones that interest you.

Log in to explore.

Please Read: You May Need to Upgrade Your Microsoft Software to Operate Your Compass® Solution

Microsoft will be ending support for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 on July 9, 2019, and Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 on January 14, 2020. If your agency is using this software to operate your Compass solution, please consider upgrading to newer versions before these dates. 

Read more, and reach out to Aaron Caldwell, director of the Northwoods Support Center, if you have questions.

Tips for Technology Implementation and Adoption

Adopting new tools and processes can be intimidating, but there are some simple things you can do to overcome obstacles and ensure higher adoption. Whether you're new to Northwoods or you've been using our solutions for years, these resources can help you be more successful:

Download A Field Guide to User Adoption for five proven ways to make sure technology has the impact you want.

Download Mitigating Risk and Removing Fear from Organizational Process Change to ease potential growing pains.

Read the story, Embracing Technology to Do Better Social Work, to learn how one social worker stepped outside her comfort zone to adopt technology as an essential part of her job.

View the infographic, The Do's and Don'ts of Human Services Technology Implementation, for quick, easy-to-remember tips.

Inspiring Foster Care Stories

In honor of National Foster Care Month in May, we shared a roundup of 10 amazing foster care success stories, plus a personal reflection from Rich Bowlen, our Vice President of Protective Services, based on his time in the field.

Whether you work in foster care or any other program/unit, we hope you find these stories to be a heartwarming reminder of why you work so hard every day for children and families.

Building Software to Solve Social Problems (Q&A with Northwoods' Chief Technology Officer Don Abney)

In case you missed it last quarter, our Chief Technology Officer Don Abney shared how product delivery (PD) at Northwoods is constantly evolving to meet your needs and help you make the most impact on your clients and community.

View Don's Q&A to get a peek at what goes on behind the scenes to ensure our software always works the way you do.

Meet Our Team at These Upcoming Events:

• NYPWA Summer Conference: July 15-18; Saratoga Springs, NY
• North Carolina Child Support Council Conference: August 23-25; Asheville, NC
• NAPSA Annual Conference: August 28-30; Anaheim, CA
• ISM Annual Conference: September 16-19; Seattle, WA
• CCISDA Fall Conference: September 16-19; San Diego, CA
• PCSAO Annual Conference: September 19-21; Columbus, OH

Conference season is in full swing, so we've got a busy schedule ahead! See more upcoming events and view our upcoming and On Demand Webinars.