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Introduction
PDI allows users to customize the program to suit the needs of the campaign. The software has been designed to be flexible to give users the ability to use aspects of the program in unique ways. Despite the openness of the program, we recommend that account admins and users follow certain principles to create a sustainable account that can grow with the campaign throughout the election season.
Flags and Surveys
Flag IDs - Flag IDs should be reused as much as possible to limit the amount of Flag IDs in an account. We recommend that users use the candidate/issues and accurate survey questions to help minimize the need for too many additional ID Flags.
Response Code Sets and Survey Questions - We have removed the creation of new response code sets from our system, because while they are simple to use, their meaning can become ambiguous if an account grows too large in scale and the response codes are used for another question. To prevent the need to create a large number of ID Flags, survey questions give campaigns the ability to associate Flag IDs to multiple survey questions. Survey questions are also attached to Candidates/Issues. Combining all of these options allow users to add context to their flags, which makes data viable through multiple campaign seasons.
Canvassing Tools
Electronic vs Paper Canvassing - PDI has built a robust electronic canvassing system that allows for logical surveys, real-time updating, and no need for manual data entry. Electronic canvassing also allows for real-time tracking of canvassing statistics, along with valuable meta-data so canvass coordinators can better manage the canvassers.
Paper Canvassing - All data entry should be done before producing another list that intersects with a previously created list. By doing this, the new paper list will remove all of the voters who no longer meet the criteria of the universe.
Universes
Universes that Should be Created - Since universes are dynamic and will grow or shrink over the campaign season, it is best that users set up some universes early on to better track the progress of their canvassing program.
Organizing your Universes - Since the amount of universes for an account can increase significantly over time, we recommend that users create 'Universe Categories' to better organize the account list of universes. Doing this will also make it easier for to search for to search for their previously created universes.
Volunteers/Events
Use our Volunteers/Events Tools - PDI provides a robust contact management tool in the 'Volunteers Management' module. Fully using this tool allows users to manage their volunteers, keep track of the hours they have worked, and schedule shifts. Users can also invite their volunteers and contacts to events, and use PDI to keep a list of those who attended, and those who did not. This is not only a great tool for managing a guest list, but also can be used to track your strongest supporters.
Data Entry
Use the Correct Acquisition Type - Using the correct acquisition type allows users to identify where their best canvassing is taking place. Using this can help users review and compare their volunteers efforts versus their paid canvassers.
Enter in all Accurate Data - PDI has made data entry as simple as possible, but despite this, data entry can still prove to be a tedious process. However, we strongly recommend that campaigns enter in all of their accurately obtained data. Ensuring all data entry is up to date allows campaigns to better focus their canvassing and understand the effectiveness of their campaign efforts.