How Agencies Get Started

Onboarding runs in a specific order. Getting it right means everyone else can hit the ground running.

Critical Reach

Critical Reach configures your agency

We set up your agency account in APBnet, configure agency-level settings, and designate your User Admin(s). You'll receive confirmation — and an IT Admin contact — when this is complete.

If your agency hasn't received this notification yet, email support@apbnet.org with your agency name and ORI.

IT Admin

IT Admin completes technical configuration

Your IT Admin gets access first. APBnet cannot be made available to your team until the technical foundation is in place.

Configure allowed account domains (controls which email addresses can create accounts)
Set up SSO / authentication settings if your agency uses single sign-on
Add IP addresses to the allowlist if your agency restricts access by network
Review and confirm any other technical prerequisites

IT Admins: see the IT Admin getting-started guide for step-by-step instructions.

User Admin

User Admin creates accounts for your team

Once IT Admin configuration is complete, User Admin gets access to the account management panel and can create accounts for agency personnel.

Create an account for each person on your team
Assign the appropriate role(s) to each account: Creator, Viewer, Program Admin, IT Admin, Billing Admin
Send invitations — each user receives an email with setup instructions

Roles determine what each person can do in APBnet. You can assign multiple roles to one person.

Each User

Each user completes their own onboarding

Every user receives an invitation email. The onboarding workflow guides them through the steps required before they can use the platform.

Set a password and configure multi-factor authentication
Configure notification preferences (which bulletin types, which channels, which frequency)
Complete a short orientation to their role's key features

Users can update their preferences at any time after onboarding.

Screenshot pending

migration/agency-setup-flow.png

Onboarding flow — Critical Reach sets up agency → IT Admin configures technical settings → User Admin creates accounts → each user completes onboarding workflow

1000 × 500

Onboarding flow — Critical Reach sets up agency → IT Admin configures technical settings → User Admin creates accounts → each user completes onboarding workflow

After onboarding is complete

The one-time setup is done. Here's what ongoing account management looks like:

User Admin

Managing your team

Create accounts for new hires
Update roles when responsibilities change
Deactivate accounts when personnel leave
Resend invitations to users who haven't completed onboarding

IT Admin

Technical configuration

Update allowed domains when your agency's email structure changes
Manage MFA policy and authentication requirements
Adjust device access controls
Review and update IP allowlist entries

Haven't heard from Critical Reach yet?

If your agency hasn't received onboarding communications from Critical Reach, reach out directly. We can confirm your agency's migration status and timeline.

Email support@apbnet.org with your agency name and ORI.