The Subject Key is an 8-character code that is automatically generated and is unique across all subjects and jobs within the database.
The Key:
Is automatically generated each time a subject is created
Cannot be modified, added, duplicated or removed
Is needed to see a subject’s images in the Timestone Software Internet Ordering System
Can be used to find a subject in the apps
Can be printed onto the subject’s products
Is preserved when exporting a job to TNJ
How Does the Key Differ from the Subject’s Unique Field ID?
The traditional unique field (often referred to as the subject’s ID) uniquely identifies a subject WITHIN its job. In the case of a school photographer, it is often supplied by the school. The photographer is also free to create a Subject ID.
The Subject Key, by contrast, uniquely identifies a subject within the entire database and, therefore, across all jobs. It is allocated to a subject by the software and not the user. It is not possible for two subjects to have the same subject key even if they are in different jobs.
Figures 1 and 2 contain images of two jobs that contain a John Smith with the Field ID of 666. The User should note the different Keys.
Figure 1: Job A showing John Smith
Figure 2: Job B showing John Smith
Using the Subject Key to Find a Subject
The Subject key can be used in the same way as the unique ID to find a subject.
To encode a barcode using the subject key, use:
/%K@key
The Barcode can be used to find a subject in any area of the software, regardless of which job is open or even if no job is open at all. This barcode can also be used to look up subjects in CapturePost.
Displaying the Subject Key on a Layout
The Subject Key can be printed on any subject-specific product by adding a text object encoded with @key.
Using the Subject Key with IOS
Keys and, in particular, subject keys are paramount to Timestone Software’s online ordering system. The Subject Key allows an online customer to directly order for the subject and see their images if available.
Further Reading: Online Ordering
For more information on implementing the Online Ordering System
FAQ
What is the Subject Key?
The Subject Key is an 8-character code that is automatically generated and is assigned to a subject when the subject is created. It is unique across all subjects and jobs within the database.
Can the Subject Key be modified or removed?
No, the Subject Key cannot be modified, added, duplicated, or removed.
How is the Subject Key used in the Timestone Software Internet Ordering System?
The Subject Key is needed to directly order for a subject and see the subject’s images if available.
Is the Subject Key the same as the Subject's Unique Field ID?
No, the Subject Key uniquely identifies a subject across the entire database, while the Unique Field ID identifies a subject within its specific job. The Subject Key is randomly and automatically generated whereas the ID is often a supplied value.
Can the Subject Key be printed on products?
Yes, the Subject Key can be printed onto the subject’s products.
How can I find a subject using the Subject Key?
You can use the Subject Key in the same way as the unique ID to find a subject, including encoding a barcode with the format: /%K@key.
Is the Subject Key preserved when exporting a job?
Yes, the Subject Key is preserved when exporting a job to TNJ.
Can the Subject Key be used in CapturePost?
Yes, the barcode created from the Subject Key can be used to look up subjects in CapturePost.