Purpose Statement

The Training Module Settings section provides administrators with essential configuration options to customize how the training module operates within their department. These settings control payroll integration, category associations, user requirements, session management, and display preferences to ensure the training module aligns with departmental workflows and compliance needs.

Background Information

The Settings section within Training Module Setup allows administrators to fine-tune the training module's behavior and user experience. These configurations affect how users interact with training classes, manage payroll data, navigate category hierarchies, and handle session timeouts. Proper configuration ensures efficient training management while maintaining data integrity and compliance requirements. This feature is particularly valuable for departments that need to integrate training data with payroll systems or maintain strict associations between training categories, topics, and objectives.

Access Required: Only users with administrative permissions can modify these settings.

Required Permissions

1. Manage Settings--Allows User to access the Settings, Notification, List Configuration and Instructor Management sections of Training Setup.
   
   

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Navigate to: Training Module > Setup > Settings
   

• Toggle Enable Payroll Summary Grid to ON.
• Effect: Displays a "Payroll Summary" tab when creating or editing a class.
• Benefit: Allows direct entry or review of payroll-related data during class setup.
  

• Toggle the setting to ON.
• Effect: Enforces a decision-tree-like workflow when creating a class.
• User Flow:
  1. Select a Training Category
  2. View only associated Topics
  3. Then view only Objectives associated with the selected Topic
• When OFF: Users see associations but can select any available Category, Topic, or Objective, regardless of relationships.

• Toggle the setting to ON.
• Effect: When a user marks an objective as "Failed" during training documentation, a comment becomes mandatory.
• Benefit: Ensures accountability and provides context for training gaps.
  

• Configure a time for Inactivity Timeout for Training Module (e.g., 10 minutes, 15 minutes).
• Effect: If a user is idle for the specified time while in a class, they are automatically removed from the class session.
• Use Case: Helps prevent unintended session holding or stale training records.
  

Note: This does not log the user out of the system — only removes them from the class.

• Set Actual Start of the Day time (e.g., 06:00 AM).
• Effect: Establishes the time at which a new "training day" begins in the system.
• Use Case: Useful for night shifts or 24-hour operations where shift changes do not align with midnight.
  

• Choose between:
  • Apparatus Name
  • Associated Dispatch Unit
• Effect: Determines how responding units are displayed during class creation.
• Use Case: Supports accurate reporting based on operational terminology (station-based vs dispatch-based naming).
  

Best Practices

Do's

• Review all settings with department leadership before implementation
• Test settings changes with a small group of users first
• Document your configuration choices for future reference
• Regularly review timeout settings to ensure they align with typical training session lengths
• Consider your department's shift schedule when setting the start of day time

Don'ts

• Don't activate association-only limitations without first ensuring all categories, topics, and objectives are properly associated
• Don't set session timeouts too short, which could frustrate users during longer training sessions
• Don't change the start of day setting without coordinating with dispatch and reporting needs
• Don't modify payroll settings without consulting your payroll department

Tips & Recommendations

• If using payroll integration, coordinate with your payroll department to ensure data compatibility
• When enforcing associations, maintain your category/topic/objective relationships regularly
• Consider seasonal training patterns when setting session timeouts
• Use the apparatus name display if your personnel are more familiar with apparatus names than dispatch units
• Document failed objective comments thoroughly for compliance and improvement purposes
  

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What happens if I activate association limitations but haven't set up associations?
A: Users will have very limited or no options when creating training classes. Ensure all necessary associations are configured before activating this setting.

Q: Can I change the session timeout after users are already in training classes?
A: Yes, but the new timeout will only apply to new sessions. Current active sessions will maintain their original timeout setting.

Q: Does the payroll summary grid automatically sync with our payroll system?
A: The grid displays payroll-related training data within First Due. Integration with external payroll systems may require additional configuration.

Q: What's the difference between apparatus name and dispatch unit display?
A: Apparatus name shows the actual vehicle name (e.g., "Engine 1"), while dispatch unit shows the radio identifier used by dispatch (e.g., "E1").

Q: If a user is removed due to timeout, do they lose their work?
A: The system removes them from the class but typically saves progress. Users should check with their administrator about data retention during timeouts.

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