I am currently running the Wembley S.C. rostering system, using Excel, but am considering switching to "Dutyman".  It seems to do all we need.  Does any other club have experience of using this system?  It was discussed a previous thread (Col B 25 Nov 05), but I would like some more recent input.

Alan,

Our club uses Dutyman - from a member's perspective it is much easier to manage duty exchanges and replacements than the older (phone everyone you can think of!) system.

I'd suggest that for a view from the organiser's perspective you phone our club's administrator - and view the link under "Duties" from the home page.

I'll add the club contact:- The Administrator works a normal day i.e. phone in working hours!

Burghfield SC
Hangar Road
Theale
Reading
Berks RG7 4AP
01189 303 604
[email protected]

Cheers,

Colin

Hi Alan,

We use Dutyman at Hayling and have found it very good; the oportunity to choose when you want to do a duty is a bonus.

No criticisms of the system.

GGGGGGG

Dear GGGGGGG

I think you meant to say  "the oportunity to choose when you want to do a doody is a bonus"

Can someone tell us about this dutyman - is it web based? We use the "Go to the AGM if you want to choose your slot or get what's left" method and the desperate emails of "People needed" and "Can I swap.." are very common so other methods are worth investigating.

It is web based....this is the link to their site which explains everything

http://www.dutyman.biz/

From a user perspective:-

1) I receive a list of dates with my name against (e.g.) ARO. (by post from the club administrator)
2) this is also published on the club website
3) I receive an email reminding me about the duty a week or two ahead of time.

I can, if the date is inconvenient, use the system to request a duty swap (all by email) with someone else, or I can do an additional duty, or substitute for another.

The list is maintained automatically, so the administration of the duties isn't a burden on the administrator. It does need some management (like all systems).

You do need to have a majority of your members available by email - otherwise the communications system is harder.
I suspect that once it's used and becomes accepted, you won't move back.

Colin
(link to dutyman website below)

I tried the demo.  Seems a massive improvement on the alternatives.  90 days free trial might get us hooked, but could we afford it after that?  Anyone know Emma Chissett?

I did check out the annual licence fee - it's around £27...

Having done Sailing Secretary (and duty rostering) it would be a brave committee that didn't agree for that cost!

Colin

Thanks for all your replies.  Those who have used it gave favourable reports, so we are going to give it a trey at Wembley.