Group Page Versions

For a given folder of subjects, it is possible to create multiple group pages identified via a 'version'. The different versions can be ordered independently, selectively printed in NeoGroup, called onto a NeoPack template, or ordered online.

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 additional groups are given a version code

• 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 8×10group.tgt. However, for each class, another group is also needed for use in yearbook production called “5×7GroupYB.tgt”. This group is to be only 5"x7" in size and is a completely different design from the standard group. This can be accommodated with group versions. This version will use the same subject/group information, just in a secondary layout.

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.

Different versions of groups will contain the same names in the names list - it is not possible 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

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 an 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

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

Name formatting and versions

Since it may be desirable to format names differently in different versions, this functionality is accessible in Form Pages Mode and the Group Page Version window.

NOTE

The use of prefix and suffix for name formatting remains a function of the name list itself and therefore remains in Names Mode.

Printing versions in NeoGroup

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

1. The 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)

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

NOTE

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'

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:

Version Specific Products

Generic Group Products

Ordering with a version-specific product

The Timestone Administrator (tsAdmin) allows group products to be given a version in the same manner as a portrait product is given a Template Key. In fact, the same column is used in tsAdmin, as can be seen in Figure 5 below.

Since the different group versions are now different products, they may be added to an offer and ordered 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.

Note that the first product is a generic group, and the second and third have Versions assigned

Ordering with a generic group product

The previous method requires additional products to be added to tsAdmin that match the version code given to the group pages in NeoGroup or GroupBuilder. Alternatively, the user can use a single Generic product to order the Default group, or combine it with Manual order entry options, such as Barcodes or keyboard entry, to designate the desired version.

Ordering Via Barcode

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 Barcodes

/%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