ScoutNET Certified Software : TroopMaster Software, Inc.

Internet Advancement
Internet Recharter

Only ScoutNET certified software can submit files through your council's Internet Recharter and Internet Advancement systems. Many councils are now requiring the use of these systems and our software has been fully tested to meet their interface requirements.

What is ScoutNET?
ScoutNET is BSA's computerized record keeping system which was initially launched in 1999 and now makes it possible for all BSA councils to keep their records within a standardized computer system. Before ScoutNET, many councils were using separate systems and some were still keeping only paper records on their units. ScoutNET also offers the councils a tremendous way to save data entry time since it can import information directly from files created using ScoutNET Certified software, such as TroopMaster or PackMaster. This process not only helps to get the data into their system in a more efficient manner, it also results in fewer errors since there is no manual re-entry of the data into their system. With the recent launch of their new Internet Advancement and Internet Recharter systems, this system further simplifies the process of transferring the data from your program directly to the council.
Troopmaster Software was the first company to receive ScoutNET certification and we are still fully compatible with the interface formats they are using today. With our new Software Licensing, you can also rest assured that any changes to the ScoutNET interface will be taken care of automatically by us so that your program can continue to interface with their system for years to come. This is important since many councils are now requiring the use of these new internet based systems to process your recharter and advancement data. Without a ScoutNET certified program like TroopMaster or PackMaster, you would be forced to manually re-enter all of this information into their system. So, before purchasing any software for your unit, make sure that it's ScoutNET Certified.

As you may know, BSA's Internet Advancement System is now being used by many of the local councils. The advancement/4403 report in both TroopMaster and PackMaster will produce a file that is fully compatible with this new system. BSA's system will refer to our recharter file as the UMS (Unit Management System) file.

To generate this file:

First, generate your advancement report using the program the same way you would if you were going to submit your 4403 report directly to the council office. If you are using TroopMaster, you will use the Reports>Awards/Advancement>Court of Honor/4403 report. For PackMaster, use the Reports>Awards/Advancement>Pack/Den Awards Report/4403 option.
Select the 'ScoutNET Report' setting under the '4403 Option' block in the lower left.
Once you generate the report, TroopMaster/PackMaster will create a paper report and will also allow you to save the advancement file to disk. The file name will be "ADVxxxxx.csv", where xxxx is your unit type/number.
When you have created this advancement file, processing the report using the Internet Advancement System is very easy.
1. Log into the Internet Advancement system.
2. Click "Continue" for the "1. Load Roster" step.
3. Select the "Upload Advancement File" option.
4. The system then displays a browse window so you can locate and select the desired file (ADVxxxxx.csv). Follow the instructions on this page.
5. After the file has been uploaded, the processing will begin.
  
  If you decide to stop the upload file processing, click Cancel Upload and you will go to Stage 2 - Update Member.
  Internet Advancement will match the members in your file with your registered youth members and exact member matches will be processed automatically.
  Stage 2 - Update Member: Click on Review Advancement Report to see the results of upload file processing. You may make other additions or changes as necessary before submitting this report.
  IMPORTANT: If you are using TroopMaster, both rank and merit badge advancement will be processed from this upload file. If you are using PackMaster, your scouts' rank badges will be processed from this upload file. BSA's Internet Advancement system is not currently set up to receive information on your Webelos Activity Badges, Compass Emblem/Points, or Arrow Points. Once they have added these capabilities to their system, you will be able to transfer this additional data for future advancement processing.

NOTE: If you have any specific questions regarding the internet advancement process for your unit, please contact your local council for more information.

As you may know, BSA's Internet Rechartering System is now being used by many of the local councils. The recharter report in both TroopMaster and PackMaster will produce a file that is fully compatible with this new system. BSA's system will refer to our recharter file as the UMS (Unit Management System) file.

To generate this file:

First, generate the Reports>Scout/Unit General>Councl Recharter report the same way you would if you were going to submit your recharter directly to the council office.
Once you generate the report, TroopMaster/PackMaster will create a paper report and will also allow you to save the recharter file to disk. The file name will be "CHTxxxxx.csv", where xxxx is your unit type/number. Procedures for creating the charter report are in the Council Recharter section of the Reports chapter in the PDF users manual (Help>View User's Manual).
When you have created this recharter file, processing the report using the Internet Rechartering System is very easy.
1. Log into the Internet Recharter system.
2. Select the "Upload Unit Management System (UMS) File" or "Load Council Info" option
3. Choose the Upload option. The system then pops up a browse window so you can locate and select the desired file (CHTxxxxx.csv).
4. After the file has been uploaded, the processing will begin.
  
  If there are are any problems matching members in the file to the ones in ScoutNET, you are asked to confirm that the two people are the same or add the new person to the database.
  While SSN is not a required entry in TroopMaster/PackMaster, the rechartering system will require one for any adult who has never before been registered. However, you must also submit a paper application for any new leader and SSN will also be on this application.
  NOTE: You can log out at any point and then resume later at the same spot. This makes it possible to go research a problem and still continue your recharter without having to start over.
  When you're finished with Internet Recharter process, you will also need to submit the signed paper report to your council along with your payment and new member applications.

NOTE: If you have any specific questions regarding the internet recharter process for your unit, please contact your local council for more information.