Linked vs. Unlinked Sessions

When using the Aloha Data Collection App, users have two options for how to run a session. The session can be run linked to an existing aloha appointment or as a “Stand Alone" session unlinked to an appointment.

Reference the table below to learn more about each type of appointment.

	Linked Session	Unlinked Session
What is it?	A session that is linked from its start to an appointment that has been created in Aloha. If Appointment Data is part of the Lesson Note template, then information from the Aloha appointment will auto-populate into the Lesson Note for this session.	A session that is not associated with an existing appointment in Aloha at the time it is being run. After it is completed, the session can be retroactively linked to Aloha. Learn more here: (https://support.alohaaba.com/portal/en/kb/articles/lesson-note-syncing-and-linking-to-aloha) Note: When retroactively linking Data Collection Lesson Notes to Aloha appointments, the Aloha appointment information will not* retroactively populate into the Lesson Note.*
When to use it?	When the session being run matches a currently scheduled Aloha appointment. When the user would like Aloha appointment data to populate into the session’s Lesson Note. When the user does not want to retroactively link the Lesson Note to an Aloha appointment.	When there is no currently existing appointment in Aloha for the session you are about to run (e.g. last minute schedule change occurred) When you wish to collect IOA data alongside the staff running a linked session. After completing this stand alone session, and checking its data against the staff’s data for IOA, this stand alone session can then be archived to not affect the client’s analytics.
How to run it?	Sessions widget OR Schedule Icon in the navigation bar	Clients widget OR Clients Icon in the navigation bar
Notes	When running Integrated Sessions, double-check the correct appointment is selected before starting the session: Correct Client Correct Service If an incorrect appointment is selected, then incorrect information will be imported into the Lesson Note.	When retroactively linking Data Collection Lesson Notes to Aloha appointments, the Aloha appointment information will not populate into the Lesson Note.