Group page versions

Applies to: NeoGroup, GroupBuilder

Overview

With version 4.6 of NeoGroup and GroupBuilder it became possible to create multiple versions of the same group. In other words, for a given folder of subjects it became possible to create multiple group pages identified via a 'version'. The different versions can be ordered independantly, selecteively printed in NeoGroup, called onto a NeoPackProfessional template, or used in the Timestone Internet Ordering System.

It is important the reader understand the difference (and similarities) between versions and subtypes. To this end it is highly recommended the reader consult the following document. Subtypes and Versions

Key points

• For any folder, multiple group pages can be formed with each page using a different template. These are referred to as versions
• The first group formed is referred to as the 'default' version
• The additonal groups are given a versioncode
• Functionality exists elsewhere in the software to make use of different group versions

The concept of group versions is perhaps best illustrated by way of example. Consider a school where each class is offered a 'standard' named group. The template used to create this product is 8"x10" and is simply called stdgrp.tgt. However, for each class, another group is also needed for use in yearbook production. This group is to be only 5"x7" in size and is a completely different design to the standard group. Clearly a second group page needs to be formed and requires a different template - yrbkgrp.tgt.

Prior to version 4.6 it was not possible to accomodate this scenario without significant, time consuming, workarounds. However with Version 4.6 the above scenario can be accomodated with group versions.

Creating multiple versions

Extra versions for groups are created in the Form Pages Mode of NeoGroup and GroupBuilder. This can be performed at any time although it is most commonly done after names have been assigned in Names Mode.

Differnet versions of groups will contain the same names in the names list - it is not posible to change the subjects' rows and positions from version to version (nor does it make sense to do so). However it is possible to format the names differently as described below.

To create a version of a group

1. Enter Form Pages Mode (F7)
2. Select the group or groups as desired. It is possible to select multiple groups at once
3. From the menu select Edit>New version, click the New version icon on the toolbar, or use the Shift+Ctrl+D keyboard shortcut
4. The Group Page Version window appears. Give the version a code and select the required template
5. Optionally give the version a description, format the names and elect whether to exclude this version from online ordering
6. Click OK to create the extra version
7. Repeat if further group versions are required

Figure 1: The Group Page Version window

As can be seen from the screen grab above, the Group Page Version window performs four functions.

• Assign a version code. The version code may not be left blank
• Select the template to be applied to the group
• Optional name formatting and description
• Optional description to be used in IOS and option to exclude this version from online ordering

When selecting the default group, the Group Page Version window allows for entry of a subtype rather than a version.

Once versions have been formed, the group's name is prefixed with an expandable + symbol. Click the symbol to reveal the different versions of the group

Figure 2: The Form Pages Mode window showing the ‘book’ version for 10A

Note the 'default' group does not have a version as per the screen grab below

Figure 3: The Form Pages Mode window showing the ‘default’ group for 10A

Name formatting and versions

Prior to Version 4.6 name formating, when needed, was performed in Names Mode. Since it may be desirable to format names differently in different versions this functionality has been moved to Form Pages Mode and the Group Page Version window.

For more information on name formatting please refer to Formatting names in NeoGroup

Note the use of prefix and suffix for name formatting remains a function of the name list itself and therefore remains in Names Mode. Prefixes and suffixes can also be used (and not used) in name formatting as described at the end of the article referenced above.

Printing versions in NeoGroup

The print window in Version 4.6 of NeoGroup was modified to take into account group versions.

1. Drop down version selector indicates folders with that version by turning their name bold
2. Print copies options can be set in the Print Window (and hence for each version)

Figure 4: The Print window in NeoGroup. Note the version selection of 'book'. Groups with this version are bold

Although for the most part the print copies options are self-explanatory they are described below

For each of the copies option (apart from 'one only') it is possible to specifically add extra copies with the 'plus extra copies per group option'

With Version 4.6 of NeoPack now supporting groups (and composites) it is envisaged many people will elect to print groups from within NeoPack rather than NeoGroup.

Ordering group versions

The most common of the above options is possibly 'according to subject's order' since group pages are only printed for subjects who have ordered a group. With this in mind it is important to understand the different ways of ordering specific group versions

Consider a school where you wish to offer four different group designs - a 'default' design and three other versions , design1, design2 and design3. The subject (paper orders) or customer (IOS) is to be able to order any or all of these designs.

Ordering with a version specific product

Enhancements to the Timestone Administrator (tsAdmin) allows group products to be given a version in the same manner a portrait product is given a Template Key. In fact the same column is used in tsAdmin as can be seen in the screen grab below.

Figure 5: The products table in tsAdministrator. Note the first five products - a generic group product and four group products with a version.

Since the different group versions are now different products they may be added to an offer and orderd in the normal way. In NeoGroup the group pages are formed for each version and given version codes that match the version code set for the products in tsAdmin.

Ordering with a generic group product

The method above requires additional products to be added to tsAdminsitrator that match the version code given to the group pages in NeoGroup or GroupBuilder.

An alternative method is to use a single group product in tsAdministrator. Sticky or non-sticky barcodes can then be used in conjunction with package barcodes to order specific versions. Keyboard order entry via the F3 key can also be used.

Sticky barcode

• /%O$/G2version code
• Scan before a package or a set of packages
• Stays active until turned off with another sticky barcode
• /%O$/G2design1 orders a group version 'design1'
• /%O$/G2yearbook orders a group version 'yearbook'

Non-sticky barcode

• /%O+/G2subtype
• Scan after a package or for the current package
• /%O+/G2design1 orders a group version 'design1'
• /%O+/G2yearbook orders a group version 'yearbook'

End of article