Theme
The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of recent updates and integrations within the Engager platform, focusing on Adfin integration, dynamic pricing tools, and best practices for managing client data and communications. Attendees were encouraged to utilise new features, access available resources, and participate in product development through feedback and voting.

Takeaways
1. Adfin integration setup and configuration options, including direct debit mandates.
2. Dynamic pricing tools using custom fields and multipliers based on client metrics.
3. Integration with Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and FreeAgent to maintain data integrity.
4. Ability to disable warnings for incomplete data in specific services.
5. Upcoming Xenon integration for enhanced client data and job prioritisation.
6. Access to webinars, guides, and community resources for pricing and integration.
7. Automation of accounting records requests and email communications.
8. Job card ordering, customisation, and tracking job phases.
9. Best practices for email sending via shared mailboxes for compliance.
10. Voting on feature requests to guide product development and receive updates.

Highlights
- `"Voting is important to make sure we're building the products in the right direction."
- `"Better information, live in product for you to price your clients with."
- `"If you can think of it in Excel, you can normally be it here."
- `"Your car can go over 70 miles an hour. Doesn't make it legal."`
- `"The best email template builder in the world is ChatGPT."`
- `"We try to protect you from yourselves by making sure you send it from a shared inbox."`

Chapters & Topics
1. **Engager Live Introduction and Housekeeping**
   > The session began with greetings and confirmation of audio/visual clarity. Attendees were reminded to submit questions via the Q&A box rather than comments to ensure they are addressed.
   - Engager Live is a weekly live show discussing Engager.
   - Attendees should use the Q&A box for questions.
   - Multiple attendees greeted and confirmed presence.
2. **New Features in Engager**
   > Two main updates were introduced: the Adfin integration is now live, and a new feature allows users to disable warnings for missing information in services where such data is not required (e.g., software services not needing a deadline date). Another highly requested feature from the roadmap has also been implemented.
   - Adfin integration is now live in Engager.
   - Users can disable warnings for incomplete data in certain services.
   - A new feature from the roadmap has been released.
3. **Adfin Integration Details**
   > Adfin integration setup involves authorising via the integrations page, choosing name formats, trading suffix inclusion, secondary contacts, and direct debit mandate preferences. Users can link, unlink, or create new client records, manage direct debit mandates, and send letters of engagement with direct debit options. The global default for direct debit mandates is mandatory, but can be adjusted per client.
   - Adfin integration setup includes authorisation and configuration of client data preferences.
   - Direct debit mandate options: mandatory, optional, or not offered.
   - Client records can be linked, unlinked, or created anew.
   - Direct debit mandates can be managed directly within Engager.
4. **Integration with Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and FreeAgent**
   > For Adfin integration to work seamlessly, Xero or QuickBooks must be connected to Engager, as they act as intermediaries to prevent client duplication and ensure data integrity. Sage and FreeAgent do not require connection but may result in duplicate clients and data management challenges. FreeAgent users must manually upload invoices to Adfin.
   - Xero or QuickBooks must be connected for optimal Adfin integration.
   - Engager acts as a middleman to maintain client data integrity.
   - Sage and FreeAgent users face potential data duplication.
   - FreeAgent invoices must be manually uploaded to Adfin.
5. **Integration Fees and API Charges**
   > A fee of £4 per month is charged for Xero integration, which is the exact cost of accessing their API. Engager does not profit from this fee. QuickBooks will introduce similar charges from December, with a high data threshold currently not met by Engager. If thresholds change, a £4 monthly fee may also apply for QuickBooks users.
   - Xero integration costs £4 per month, matching their API charge.
   - Engager does not profit from integration fees.
   - QuickBooks API charges begin in December, with current data usage at 25% of the threshold.
   - Future fee changes depend on QuickBooks' threshold adjustments.
6. **Director Identification and Mailing Suggestions**
   > For director identification and related communications, a webinar is available in the Help Centre under Videos on Demand (ACSP webinar), which covers templated emails and action plans.
   - Director identification guidance is available via a webinar in the Help Centre.
   - The webinar includes templated emails and action plans.
7. **Adfin Feature Update and Warning Disable Functionality**
   > Adfin now allows users to disable warnings on services where reminders about missing key information are not needed. Starting next Monday night, users will be prompted every time they leave a client's record with unsaved changes, regardless of the size of the change. This update was the second highest voted requirement request, with 110 votes, and was not originally on the roadmap but was prioritised due to demand.
   - Ability to disable warnings for specific services.
   - New prompt for unsaved changes when leaving a client's record, effective from next Monday night.
   - 110 users voted for this feature; all received an email when it entered testing.
   - Voting on feature requests ensures users are informed about updates and helps guide product development.
8. **Proposal Tool and Admin Integration Update**
   > The new admin integration for the proposal tool is nearly complete, with most work finished. After final testing and beta testing in two firms, the release is expected within six to eight weeks at the latest, possibly sooner.
   - New admin integration is being built into the proposal tool.
   - Beta testing will occur in two firms to iron out bugs.
   - Estimated release timeframe is six to eight weeks, possibly sooner.
9. **Xenon Integration and Functionality**
   > Xenon integration is scheduled for release within the next six to eight weeks. The integration will link clients in Xenon to clients in Engager, allowing users to prioritise work not only by date but also by health score, transaction numbers, and other metrics. Xenon will push key client data such as turnover, sales transactions, and bank accounts directly into Engager, streamlining pricing and job prioritisation.
   - Xenon integration will allow prioritisation of jobs by health score, transaction numbers, and more.
   - Client data (e.g., turnover, sales transactions, bank accounts) will be pushed from Xenon to Engager.
   - Annual revenue and other metrics will be surfaced in Engager for easier and more accurate client pricing.
   - Integration requires each client to be on Xenon.
   - Optimisation is ongoing to handle large data sets efficiently.
10. **Dynamic Pricing Criteria and Tools**
> Dynamic pricing in Engager can be set up using custom fields and multipliers based on client metrics such as annual turnover, trade type, record type, and record quality. Users can configure drop-down options with numeric values to adjust base fees. Pricing can be calculated linearly or using advanced formulas similar to Excel, with resources available including a free 30+ page PDF pricing guide and a more detailed book on Amazon.
```
- Custom fields allow dynamic pricing based on client metrics.
```
- `Multipliers can be set for turnover, trade type, record type, and record quality.`
- `Pricing can be calculated linearly or with advanced formulas (BODMAS).`
- `Resources include a free PDF pricing guide (30+ pages) and a book on Amazon.`
- `Help centre contains webinars and deep dives on pricing.`
11. **Access to Resources and Community Support**
> The help centre and Engager YouTube channel provide extensive resources, including webinars, deep dives, and guides on pricing and integration features. The free pricing guide PDF is available via a link, requiring only a name and email address. Community members actively share resources and support.
```
- Help centre contains webinars, videos, and guides on pricing and features.
```
- `Free pricing guide PDF available; book on Amazon for deeper insights.`
- `Community members share links and resources in chat and groups.`
12. **Session Timing and Free Plan Limitations**
> The session reached the half-hour mark, triggering automatic logouts for users on the free plan, which is limited to 30 minutes. This affects AI transcription and summary capabilities.
```
- Free plan users are limited to 30 minutes per session.
```
- `Automatic logout occurs at the half-hour mark.`
13. **Upcoming Event: Accountex Manchester**
> Accountex Manchester is the next major event, scheduled to take place in about a month's time. The stand design is complete, and the team will share a stand with TaxCalc. There are plans for multiple releases before the event.
```
- Accountex Manchester is happening in about a month.
```
- `Stand design is finished.`
- `Shared stand with TaxCalc.`
- `Multiple releases planned before the event.`
14. **HMRC Records Integration and Security**
> The team is considering integrating features similar to AddsumDo to display HMRC records, such as outstanding amounts, unpaid dues, and penalties for clients. TaxCalc is also exploring this. HMRC APIs are still being opened up, and security standards and permissions need to be addressed to ensure only authorised users can view sensitive information.
```
- Feature to surface HMRC records is on the list.
```
- `TaxCalc is also working on similar integration.`
- `Need to meet HMRC security standards.`
- `Permissions will be required for sensitive data.`
- `HMRC APIs are not fully available yet.`
15. **Atom Fees and Ethical Lending**
> Atom fees have increased after accountants questioned their business practices. Previously, Atom offered low fees and payday loan-style funding for VAT payments, which was deemed unethical. The speaker advises against recommending such loans to clients.
```
- Atom fees were low but increased after scrutiny.
```
- `Atom offered payday loan-style funding for VAT.`
- `Practice considered unethical.`
- `Speaker does not recommend this to clients.`
16. **Job Card Ordering and Customisation**
> Job cards are ordered by date and can be grouped by staff member, week, or due period. The system refreshes every five minutes, allowing real-time monitoring of overdue and upcoming tasks. While jobs can't be manually reordered, they can be organised by priority or deadline. The order of job types is determined by the order of services in settings, which can be customised.
```
- Job cards are structured by date order.
```
- `Grouping options include staff member, week, or due period.`
- `System refreshes every five minutes.`
- `Jobs can be prioritised or ordered by deadline.`
- `Order of job types follows the order in settings/services.`
17. **Automation of Accounting Records Requests**
> Requests for accounting records can be automated by setting up an email automation nine months before the due date, which is the day after the year-end. Alternatively, a template can be used for manual but efficient emailing. Automating this process is recommended for efficiency.
```
- Email automation can be set nine months before due date.
```
- `Templates available for manual requests.`
- `Automation is recommended for efficiency.`
18. **Tracking Job Phases and Reporting**
> While there is no dedicated report for tracking how long a job remains at a particular phase, the information is available by clicking into the job. Dates for phase changes are recorded, allowing users to investigate delays.
```
- No specific report for job phase duration.
```
- `Phase change dates are recorded and accessible.`
- `Users can manually check for delays.`
19. **Customising Job Lists and Filters**
> Job lists can be customised firm-wide by adjusting service order in settings. Individual users can untick irrelevant jobs to shorten their lists. Filters can be saved and recalled by entering via 'previously filtered job types'. Future plans include allowing users to create and save their own boards and preferences.
```
- Service order in settings determines job list order firm-wide.
```
- `Users can untick irrelevant jobs for personalisation.`
- `Filters can be saved and recalled.`
- `Future updates will allow saving custom boards and preferences.`
20. **Email Templates and Communication**
> Standard email templates are built into the system and can be accessed via Settings > Communication and Message Templates. Additional templates are available in the Help Center, including service templates, privacy notices, letters of engagement, and more. ChatGPT is recommended as a powerful tool for building email templates.
```
- Built-in email templates available in settings.
```
- `Help Center offers a wide range of templates.`
- `ChatGPT recommended for creating templates.`
21. **Saving Filter Preferences and Board Customisation**
> Filters reset only when new filters are applied or when entering via certain widgets. Entering via 'previously filtered job types' retains filter settings. Future updates will allow users to create and save their own boards and filter preferences.
```
- Filters reset when new ones are applied or via widgets.
```
- `Using 'previously filtered job types' retains filters.`
- `Future plans for saving custom boards and preferences.`
22. **Email Sending Best Practices and Outbox Settings**
> It is recommended to send emails via Microsoft 365 or Gmail outboxes for reliability and to avoid spam filters. Shared mailboxes (e.g., support@, hello@) are preferred for teams to ensure visibility and compliance. Personal inboxes can be used only by sole traders, but must be unlinked if additional users join. Automations from personal inboxes are restricted to prevent unauthorised sending and potential legal issues.
```
- Use Microsoft 365 or Gmail outboxes for sending emails.
```
- `Shared mailboxes are recommended for teams.`
- `Personal inboxes allowed only for sole traders.`
- `Automations from personal inboxes are restricted for compliance.`
- `Future solution may allow consent-based sending from personal inboxes.`
23. **System Updates and User Experience**
> Starting Tuesday morning, users will be required to save information before leaving pages to prevent data loss. The next session will reveal further updates.
```
- Mandatory save before leaving pages from Tuesday morning.
```
- `Further updates to be revealed in the next session.`
 

Suggestions
- Always use the Q&A box for questions to ensure they are answered.
- Utilise the new slider to manage warnings for incomplete data according to service needs.
- Adjust direct debit mandate settings per client to suit individual payment preferences.
- Connect Xero or QuickBooks to Engager to minimise client duplication and maintain data quality.
- Monitor API usage and fee changes to anticipate future costs.
- Refer to the ACSP webinar in the Help Centre for comprehensive guidance on director identification.
- Vote on feature requests to stay informed and influence product direction.
- Monitor updates for proposal tool integration to prepare for upcoming changes.
- Consider onboarding clients to Xenon to fully utilise integration benefits.
- Utilise the free pricing guide and help centre resources to optimise pricing strategies.
> **AI Suggestion**
> - The core of this lesson is understanding Adfin integration setup. It's recommended to start with connecting your accounting software (Xero or QuickBooks) to Engager and configuring Adfin settings for a sample client to grasp Adfin integration setup through hands-on practice.
> - Core content of Adfin integration setup: Authorisation and configuration options include name format, trading suffix, secondary contacts, and direct debit mandate preferences; mandates can be managed per client.
> - Additionally, here are some extracurricular resources:
> - Practical application of Adfin integration setup: https://help.engager.io/adfin-integration-guide
> - Alternative perspective on Adfin integration setup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adfinintegrationtutorial