People ID Numbers

Searching for people is so easy and fast that most of the time you will not need to use a People ID Number (PID#). However, for certain functions a PID# is useful. So, let me answer a few questions related to this subject:

1. What is a People ID #?
   • It is a unique number that is generated at the time a people record is created. Everyone has a PID# and no two PID#'s are the same.
2. Where can I find the PID#?
   • While it isn't displayed prominently on a person's record, it is always lurking around:
     • When you are on a person's record, regardless of which tab you are viewing, the PID# is at the end of the URL - up at the top of the screen: http://church/bvcms.com/Person/Index/819918
     • Anywhere you see a person's name displayed, you can hover over the name and the PID# will appear at the bottom left of your screen (basically displaying the URL for their record).
     • On the Search dialog when you see a list of people displayed, hover over the person's address and you will see a box with the PID# and other information to help you identify which person in the list is the one you want.
3. Can I search for a person if I know their PID#?
   • Yes. Enter the PID# anywhere you would enter a name for a search: Quick Search in the Header; in the Name/ID# field on the People Search page; in the Name field in the Search for a Person dialog.
4. When would I ever need to know the PID#?
   • If you are entering contributions, the PID# is the fastest way to find the person. Some churches use the PID# in place of a separate envelope number and the PID# is printed on the envelopes that are in the mailed envelope sets.
   • If you are performing administrative functions such as moving/deleting records, having a PID# helps to ensure that you are viewing the correct record.

I won't even get into discussing family ID#s, but just know that every family has one...and no, you probably will never need it!

Read more about options on a person's record.