The Simplest Help Desk Ever using Google Docs

[SimpleSi]

As you all know - the simpler the better as far as I'm concerned.

 

So for all Primary Techs out there - create a Google Docs spreadsheet with columns for names/dates/issue/update etc and use Tools- Notifcations to get emails when someone amends it.

 

Stick shortcut to URL in staff public drive

 

Job done.

 

You can probably even make it better with a form but not tried that yet

 

Simon

[jmak]

Excellent idea! Would thoroughly recommend looking at forms: You'll master it seconds, you'll have more hope of getting the information you want and will look (even more) slick and professional

 

One of the best features of forms for me is the auto-creation of a responses spreadsheet, so you'd still have all the information organised for you.

 

Currently using Spiceworks, which has the advantage of SSO, but looking to provide AD sync with GAFE soon. This would also allow access to staff off site, which Spiceworks doesn't.

[edutech4schools]

I use Google Forms at all my primary schools. Even simpler than sheets but has themes so looks professional.

[elsiegee40]

I use Google Forms at all my primary schools. Even simpler than sheets but has themes so looks professional.

 

I am another Google forms fan. I sorted out quite a lot of stuff into them for the Bursar... everything from recording the meter readings to claiming pay adjustments.

[BKGarry]

@elsiegee40 have you moved order forms etc into it?

 

I am quite interested in seeing how it works

[mikeprice]

Just tried this - took me about 15 mins to sort out the complete system - around uploading photos to web sites, fixing white boards etc etc

 

So - VERY simple - and it looks professional!

[jmak]

@elsiegee40 have you moved order forms etc into it?

 

I am quite interested in seeing how it works

 

We use it for all of our forms sent to parents - saves ages in the office and replies are much easier to organise. If you're still sending paper letters to parents you can either use a short url (provided when you "share" the document) or generate a QR code. We get so few parents requiring paper letters that we just print 5 copies of the form which the late adopters come to the office to complete.

 

PM'd

[GuyJD]

Just set up a Google form this morning that I'm going to put a link to on the teacher desktop, such a simple and elegant way of getting fault reports, unless the report is no internet of course. Edited May 13, 2015 by GuyJD
typo

[caffrey]

I tried Google forms here to replace our ancient paper based form system, the forms turned out great but the data presentation wasn't well received (they didn't like a sheet showing the data) they need a system where certain parts of the form go to certain departments (without emails as they complained that the jobs would be lost in their inboxes) and need some form of output to say what jobs are outstanding and a button to acknowledge the job completion. I'm currently attempting to learn the scripting side of things but Google apps scripting is awful and frustrating (for me anyway)

[jmak]

unless the report is no internet of course.

 

Forms work from smartphones!

[GuyJD]

Forms work from smartphones!

yeah but try explaining to a teacher how to get the URL from the Desktop shortcut and put it into their smartphone browser, such a simple task for you or I but near impossible for them to comprehend.

[mikeprice]

I put a link to the help system on our website so they can use it from anywhere without having to put a URL in

[theeggmaster]

I've also played around with Google Collaborative Groups as a cloud-based free alternative to Spiceworks, but it just didn't do quite enough for what we currently use the ticketing system in Spiceworks for. It may help some people, though.

 

https://support.google.com/a/answer/167430?hl=en

[rf600]

just been looking at forms as they'd be great for replacing the order forms

but cant figure out if you can add tables?

ie the form has normal stuff on, person ordering, budget, supplier, etc

but then theres a table that has four column

QTY Ref No Description Cost

 

Any ideas?

[jmak]

just been looking at forms as they'd be great for replacing the order forms

but cant figure out if you can add tables?

ie the form has normal stuff on, person ordering, budget, supplier, etc

but then theres a table that has four column

QTY Ref No Description Cost

 

Any ideas?

 

Try question type = grid

[Griff]

Really living up to your name there liking it

[rf600]

Tried that, it gives me radio buttons.

can you alter it to give cells?

[NotSoFast]

I don't think the order form will work. Forms doesn't do relational data and an order form has some fields that are part of Order (date, staff name etc) and some that are part of each Orderline (item, quantity etc).