Full Report - the Missouri Bar
Full Report - the Missouri Bar
Full Report - the Missouri Bar
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Information Technology<br />
Information technology advances at The <strong>Missouri</strong> <strong>Bar</strong><br />
during <strong>the</strong> past year were dominated by <strong>the</strong> development<br />
and implementation of a new eCommerce system.<br />
Items offered for sale though The <strong>Missouri</strong> <strong>Bar</strong> include<br />
CLE publications, CLE programs, and event/conference<br />
registrations. In <strong>the</strong> past, transactions with The <strong>Missouri</strong><br />
<strong>Bar</strong> were completed in various, and often labor intensive,<br />
methods. This resulted in extra work for bar staff and an<br />
inconsistent purchasing environment for members. To<br />
move forward, it was determined that an eCommerce system<br />
was needed that could be integrated with <strong>the</strong> organization’s<br />
membership management database. Also, due to<br />
<strong>the</strong> often complex pricing structure for CLE programs and<br />
conference registrations, it was also necessary to have a<br />
system that was highly customized.<br />
To that end, in late 2011 <strong>the</strong> development of a new<br />
eCommerce system was initiated. An internal team was<br />
formed and requirements of a new eCommerce system<br />
were documented. After a bidding process, a contract<br />
was signed with a third party company with experience<br />
in custom development of eCommerce systems and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
integration into <strong>the</strong> state bar’s membership management<br />
application. During <strong>the</strong> last half of 2012, <strong>the</strong> eCommerce<br />
application and its numerous customizations were developed.<br />
In mid-December 2012, <strong>the</strong> eCommerce application<br />
was launched. Though <strong>the</strong>re are still improvements that<br />
need to be made, <strong>the</strong> goal of creating a system that has <strong>the</strong><br />
desired customizations and integration with <strong>the</strong> membership<br />
management application was achieved.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r projects completed throughout <strong>the</strong> year include a<br />
major software upgrade of The <strong>Missouri</strong> <strong>Bar</strong>’s membership<br />
management application (iMIS), continued upgrades<br />
of <strong>the</strong> organization’s website to help meet <strong>the</strong> needs of<br />
members and <strong>the</strong> public, and information technology infrastructure<br />
upgrades.<br />
In addition, <strong>the</strong> election of members of <strong>the</strong> Young<br />
Lawyers’ Section Council took place using an internally<br />
developed online voting application. The goal is to utilize<br />
electronic voting using this method for all <strong>Missouri</strong> <strong>Bar</strong><br />
elections.<br />
Projects planned for 2013 include:<br />
• Adding refinements and additional functionality<br />
to <strong>the</strong> eCommerce system launched in late<br />
2012.<br />
• Installing and implementing IT support equipment<br />
associated with <strong>the</strong> addition of a third<br />
floor to The <strong>Missouri</strong> <strong>Bar</strong> Center.<br />
• Upgrading IT infrastructure to better manage<br />
higher website usage during peak periods<br />
(MCLE reporting, dues processing, online<br />
voting, etc.).<br />
• Developing and using online voting processes<br />
for <strong>Missouri</strong> <strong>Bar</strong> elections.<br />
• Creating an online fundraising application that<br />
will streamline <strong>the</strong> donation process.<br />
• Upgrading The <strong>Missouri</strong> <strong>Bar</strong>’s internal network/domain<br />
controllers.<br />
• Implementing, in conjunction with <strong>the</strong> eCommerce<br />
system, online payment of MCLE late<br />
fees.<br />
• Migrating and upgrading <strong>the</strong> dues process to a<br />
new server.<br />
• Making improvements to <strong>the</strong> MCLE process,<br />
including opening submission of hours at <strong>the</strong><br />
beginning of <strong>the</strong> reporting year and allowing<br />
online submission of previous MCLE hours.<br />
• Investigating listserv replacements that will<br />
better meet <strong>the</strong> needs of both <strong>the</strong> organization<br />
and its members.<br />
• Creating a custom time tracking/timesheet<br />
application for internal use at The <strong>Missouri</strong><br />
<strong>Bar</strong> that will allow for easier tracking of staff<br />
hours and less labor associated with managing<br />
staff hours.<br />
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