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-   -   Appointment scheduler? (http://www.studiopress.com/support/showthread.php?t=47136)

Sandal Woods 12-30-2010 07:21 AM

Appointment scheduler?
 
I need an appointment scheduler, as used in a busy office medical or dental office. Is Gravity Forms the way to go?

I look forward to your feedback - thanks!

Al

NicktheGeek 12-30-2010 09:07 AM

Gravity forms is a great forms tool, and can be adapted to this purpose, but there are several plugins that are specific to appt scheduling, tying into Google Calendar and other such options.

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/...?q=appointment

Sandal Woods 12-30-2010 09:34 AM

Thanks, Nick. One thing I asked for confirmation: How is the appointment tied into an office data base. In other words:
  1. Are the appointments automatically entered into a blank spot in the "real" appointment books?
  2. Does the system let the User know if the requested time is already booked?
  3. Does the system offer alternative times or dates?
I will check out the options shown in the search you provided, and determine which plugin might be best.

Question for developers:
Is Gravity Forms -easily- integrated with appointment data bases, in addition to Freshbooks? Has anyone succeeded doing this?

My thanks to all - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! :clap:

Al

NicktheGeek 12-30-2010 09:53 AM

The answers will be dependent on the plugin you are using and should be asked of the plugin developers.

For gravity forms, if you have the developer level account with them they offer a plugin integrating GF into Freshbooks. As for appointment DB integration and availability feedback, that would require additional customization. It can be done if the appointment DB can be accessed by a server based program, again more details needed, but you would have to write the code to access the DB unless it is part of WordPress. If it is an SQL DB that isn't too difficult, but if it is another format then it depends on the DB for how you would interact with it. Some systems use a proprietary interface that may not be easily accessed via php.

officeto-go 12-30-2010 03:24 PM

I have clients who use Schedulicity and Appointment Plus and GenBook.

golden 12-30-2010 03:45 PM

I find it curious that Schedulicity's site has a free trial, but doesn't mention price...

Anyone know how much it costs? Any good free ones out there?

officeto-go 12-30-2010 03:49 PM

Problem with free is how long will they be around. If I think of any I'll let you know.

NicktheGeek 12-30-2010 03:58 PM

for priceing you just need to look a bit on their site and you will find this page
http://www.schedulicity.com/Essentials/Price.aspx

The link is under "price" in the bottom menu.

Sandal Woods 12-30-2010 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicktheGeek (Post 242466)
... If it is an SQL DB that isn't too difficult, but if it is another format then it depends on the DB for how you would interact with it. Some systems use a proprietary interface that may not be easily accessed via php.

Thanks, Nick. I will confirm needs with the client, to ensure I stay on the right path.



Quote:

Originally Posted by officeto-go (Post 242694)
I have clients who use Schedulicity and Appointment Plus and GenBook.

Thanks, Cyndi! I will check them out!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Al

golden 12-31-2010 06:33 PM

I've been looking around... Does anyone have any experience with Appointy ?

SoZo 12-31-2010 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by officeto-go (Post 242708)
Problem with free is how long will they be around. If I think of any I'll let you know.

Paying for something is no guarantee that it will be around :wink:

sojollynow 02-01-2011 07:26 PM

Appointment Journal
 
There are several considerations to your decision;

1.) Your appointments are your business...
2.) Monthly reoccurring fees versus a "stand alone plugin."
3.) No matter what method you choose -- it's all about your database, code, server speed, reliability and backup. (Since you can't afford to loose your physical appointment book imagine if your plugin fails or burps. (I wonder what percentage of people even backup their WordPress database(s) regularly?? My point is this type of solution has to be like your telecommunications land line --- 100% reliable and available.
4.) Watch out for other kinds of fees. Some company's charge extra to place your logo. As another example, most company's want to charge you another percentage of each appointment set if want your customers to prepay.

I have a conflict of interest with the third recommendation, as my wife owns the company, so I have listed two other company's for your consideration. Good luck!

Appointment Quest

Time Center

AppointmentJournal.com


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