A very simple overview of configuration. What it means, why you should do it, and how to do it.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What does configuration mean in Senta?  

 

Configuration refers to the steps you need to take in order to get Senta to automate your work exactly the way you'd like it to. You can of course work using Senta's already made templates, but if your practice works in a specific way or you would like specific workflows, you would need to configure them yourself.


In Senta, we have Tasks, which are part of a Job, which in turn is part of a Service. 



In the Service, you can group up and set the frequency for your Jobs, so that they kick off automatically when you need them to. It may seem a little complicated, but really all this means is that there’s three different levels to configure your setup. 


Those are the fundamental steps, but there are some additional (and optional) steps, that can really help you make the exact workflows you'd like to make. These are Forms, and Lookups.

  • Forms - The way Senta captures and stores information for clients.
  • Lookups - A dropdown menu. These are used in forms and are a good way to capture information when there is a fixed amount of options and one must be selected.


Below is a diagram of this workflow, and the way Senta works:



Let's take a look at what this would look like, using a VAT return service as an example. The VAT Service comes with Senta out of the box, but it's a great example to use in order to create more workflows from scratch:



Why should you configure your workspace?


Configuring your workspace is to take advantage of what makes Senta special: being completely customisable. You can have Senta run your practice exactly as you need it to, without the worry of forgetting anything - especially if you have a lot of clients. You can add as many services, jobs and tasks as you need, as well as any amount of lookups and forms too.


You can of course use Senta as it comes out of the box too: as soon as you sign up for a free trial, you'll see a number of Jobs and Services already set up. 


Senta is so customisable in fact, that you can also use it even if you're not an accountant or bookkeeper - we have several users who have created completely different set ups for vastly different jobs, using our client relationship manager and our workflow tools.



How should you configure your workspace?


It's important to note, when creating a workflow from scratch, you should always map this out beforehand. Either make a diagram, or even simply write it out on some post-it notes; but this makes it a lot easier when configuring Senta.


The other important thing to keep in mind when configuring Senta, is that you should start at the bottom; the lowest layer of the workflow should be created first, then you go up layer by layer from there:



Let's use the example shown earlier of the VAT Service to see how we'd need to configure this from scratch below - you'll notice the order has all been swapped around!


Click any of the the links below to skip ahead one of the steps, or keep scrolling to see the full step by step instructions.



  • Step 1: Create the Lookup


First of all, we'll create the Lookup and add the options to choose from.



What does this look like in Senta?





  • Step 2: Create the Form


Next, we'll create the form we want to capture the VAT setup information for your client. This form will include the Lookup we created in Step 1.



What does this look like in Senta?







  • Step 3: Create the Setup Job and add the Tasks


Next, we'll create the VAT setup Job, which will include a "fill in a form" task type, containing the form we created above.



What does this look like in Senta?






  • Step 4: Create the VAT Job and add the Tasks


Next, we'll create the VAT Job, which will include all tasks needed to carry out the VAT job for your client.



What does this look like in Senta?



  • Step 5: Create the VAT Service and add the Jobs


Next, we'll create the VAT Service, which will include a One-off setup Job, and several frequencies of the VAT Job we created.



What does this look like in Senta?







And there you have it, this was how the entire VAT Service was configured! You can use this example to make all sorts of different workflows in your workspace.


If you need any help with configuration, just drop us an email at support@senta.co or take a look at our Knowledge base articles on forms, jobs and services to find out what else you can do! 


We also run Config 101 and Config 102 webinars twice a month so feel free to sign up below:

Config 101

Config 102