Dynamic Media Building allows administrators to upload PDF files for users to customize and order as high quality print material. PDF files are uploaded as templates with static text and images along with customizable blocks that allow users to enter/select their own text and images. The images are pulled in from Digital Asset Management. Templates can also be grouped together as a kit, allowing users to fill in similar data fields across multiple PDFs.
Templates
Any PDF file can be uploaded into the site as a template: post card size, single page, or multiple page PDF. Each template assigned to Template Groups can have specific permissions to User Roles. All customizable blocks setup on a template can be adjusted by an Administrator. Administrators can require any block to have a value selected or entered.
Image Blocks
An image block allows users to add an image into the block area. It can be setup with the following user interaction:
- Selecting an image from a predetermined set of images
- Running a search on assets from Digital Asset Management
- Choosing from user uploaded images
Text Blocks
Single line or multiple line text blocks are available for a template. Each text block has its own font, font color, and font size. Any Open Type or True Type font can be used. Text blocks have the following user interaction:
- Can be setup with predetermined values
- Allow users to enter their own text
- Pre-populated from personal user information
- Select metadata from Digital Asset Management
- Bulleted text can be added to multiple line text blocks
Content
Product images and product information can be entered into the site as Content and then associated to template blocks. A user will select a product and be presented with only images and text that applies to that product. Administrators can update the images and/or text for each product at any time. Content is also assigned to Content Groups which have specific permission to Roles of users.
Figure 1: Search Results Example
Searching for Templates
Users search for templates to build through a Quick Search, Template Category Search, or Content Category Search (See Figure 1). Only templates and content the user has permission to view and build are returned by the search.
Quick Search
Every site has Quick Search, which searches across the filename, description and keywords of templates, in addition to the filename and metadata of assets used in a template or content. This search can be restricted so individual Roles can search on specified metadata fields.
Category Search
A Category Tree can be defined by Administrators and assets assigned into categories. Users can then navigate through the Category Tree and select the category of templates or content to browse. A visual representation of a category can be displayed by using the Spotlight Categories. A category can have any asset preview assigned to it so users can quickly see it when they access Dynamic Media Builder.
Figure 2: The Build Media Process
Building Media
Once a user selects a template or media kit to use, they can begin the media build process. The build process takes the user through steps to select values for each customizable block. The user will be presented with images, text and content the Administrator has setup for the template. Once all required blocks are completed, the user can then order the media.
Order Media
Media (completed template) and media kits (groups of media) can be ordered individually at the end of the build process or added to the cart, where the user can proceed through the Checkout Process.
Checkout
The Checkout process allows the user to easily order many media at one time in multiple conversions formats to themselves or to other people. One does not need to be a user of the site to receive orders. Users can collect media into a cart throughout their use of the site. After all the media is added to the cart, the user proceeds through the Checkout process.
If necessary, the Checkout process can have an End User License Agreement (EULA) presented to the user before the checkout or order pickup. The user must agree to the EULA before proceeding with the checkout or downloading the media.
The user can then select the recipient of the order, the Delivery Method and Conversion formats. Orders can be sent by Internet or Carrier Delivery Methods (UPS or FedEx). For Internet Delivery Methods, recipients will receive an email with a link to the Order Pickup page. From this page, the recipient can then download each media. If the recipient does not have a high speed internet connection, a CD or DVD with the media can be mailed to them using a Carrier Delivery Method.
All the available Conversion Formats are displayed during the Checkout Process. Media can be converted into high resolution PDF, low resolution PDF, JPEG, or TIFF formats. The user can select one or multiple formats to send to their recipient.