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An appointment list is a component that can be displayed on a menu in E-Receptionist which retrieves a list of appointment times and contacts and allows the user to check-in to their appointment.

The check-in process is defined by the particular data source used, and may involve an interactive process or a simple telephone call. Ideally, this process allows the staff member to quickly identify the attendee and purpose of the appointment.

A data source must be specified in order to populate the list of appointments, along with any configuration options required.

Currently, the following data sources are available:

  • ContactsLaw - The appointments are retrieved from ContactsLaw. When the user checks in to their appointment, a pop-up appears on the organiser's computer and allows them to either accept the request (inviting the attendee to take a seat), initiate a telephone call or defer to the fallback mechanism. If the pop-up is ignored or the timeout period elapses, the fallback mechanism is used.

  • SQL Database - The appointments are retrieved from an SQL database using ODBC. The configuration includes the connection string and query text. See E-Receptionist - Database requirements for more information. The check-in process simply telephones the organiser of the appointment.

  • Microsoft Outlook - The appointments are retrieved from a Microsoft Outlook calendar. Outlook must be installed on the kiosk PC in order to use this data source, and the user account must have read permissions for the calendar. The Visual Studio Tools for Office Runtime is also required. The check-in process simply telephones the organiser of the appointment. If the Outlook contact does not have a telephone number or the call is unanswered, a fallback extension can be configured.

  • iCal - The appointments are retrieved from a standard iCal file or webCal URL. The check-in process dials the same extension number(s) regardless of the organiser of the appointment.

  • XML - The appointments are read from an XML file conforming to a particular schema. A URL may be provided if the file is to be retrieved from a web address. The check-in process simply telephones the organiser of the appointment.

  • CSV - The appointments are read from a comma-separated or tab-delimited file conforming to a particular specification. A URL may be provided if the file is to be retrieved from a web address. The check-in process simply telephones the organiser of the appointment.