Welcome to SAM's Get Started Guides!

In this video, we’ll walk through the basics — how to navigate SAM and key terms to know. A glossary is included below for easy reference.

We recommend having SAM open so you can follow along and practice as you watch.

Let's Get Started!

Glossary of SAM Terms

To help everyone stay on the same page, here are key terms to know when using SAM: 

1. My Records (Main Entities)
2. Tables & Fields 
3. Forms 
4. Documents 
5. Templates
6. Communications
7. Auto Actions
8. Reports 

My Records

Under My Records in the navigation bar, you can add and access the main records you work with.

Common record types include: Family (Adoptive), Child, Birth Parent (Mother and Father), Foster, Organization, and Person. Your site may have slightly different options depending on your programs.

Tables & Fields

Every database is made up of tables and fields.

Tables organize information (like cases, home studies, parent education, or progress reports).

Fields live inside tables and store specific details (like case program, stage, start date, or referral date).

Forms

Forms are the screens where you view and enter data in SAM. There are three main types of forms:

Cover Pages
The main page you see when opening a client record. It shows key information and links to more details. You can view information and edit fields individually by clicking on them or the blue pencil. Layouts may vary by program.

Edit Forms – Screens where all fields can be edited at once.

Public Forms
Forms completed by clients or partner organizations, such as applications or the Family Portal.

Multi-Record Forms
Forms used to track multiple entries over time, like case notes, communications, trainings, or placements.

Documents

Documents are electronic versions of paper files stored in your site. They can be uploaded directly within forms or attached to checklist items.

Checklists

From a record’s sidebar, you can open its Checklist — this is where your workflow is organized and tracked.

Some checklist sections can be shared with end users (like families) to guide them through your process. Each checklist item can include due dates, assigned staff, linked documents, and related forms.

Templates

Templates are pre-written, branded messages that pull information from client records for email or print. When used with Auto Actions, templates can send case updates and notifications to your team and clients.

Auto Actions

If you notice SAM completing tasks automatically, it’s likely an Auto Action at work.

Auto Actions are triggered or scheduled tasks that send email notifications and update records for your team. SAM Leads can set these up, so pay attention to repetitive tasks — many of them can be automated to save time and reduce manual work.

Reports

Reports are powerful, real-time spreadsheets that let you filter, search, and sort your data.

From a report, your team can open records, send emails, and make bulk updates. SAM Leads can create custom reports to group, summarize, and analyze information in SAM.

🎉You Did It! 

Great work. Taking the time to read, watch, and practice in SAM is the fastest way to build confidence and make it part of your daily routine.

Keep going — each step forward makes your team stronger. See you in the next guide!