This idea is about 2 simple, quick changes for a smoother user interface structure & active feedback; I'm not proposing an intensive & long overhaul of the design.

Many windows in the Raiser's Edge interface open as modal windows, but this is inconsistent. For example, if opening a constituent record from an event record, the modal interface prevents the user from viewing (let alone changing) the parent record, obstructing workflows which requires both to be visible. Yet opening a constituent record from the relationships tab of another constituent, does not open a modal window, as it is not necessary. So, modal windows should be avoided whenever possible, as they are recognized to be a poor user experience and obstruct workflows.

A specific instance of modal windows in RE is in user feedback during lengthy processes. For example, when creating or importing an import file, a process which can take many hours due to the design of RE's database interface, A modal dialog will open to acknowledge the process has begun, but moving to any other application (inevitable with such slow processing), results in simply blank windows with the title '(Not Responding)'. This provides no feedback on progress for _hours_ and sometimes days (who doesn't have to leave RE processes running overnight these days?) This is very very very poor, and almost every other application in the 21st century either separates threads for the interface with the user & the database, or uses some other task-management to allow users to at least restore the window that is feeding back about the work.

The benefit to users of having a responsive interface is massive compared to the cost of coding it, and is considered a minimum user experience for any new application this century.