How It Works

Data to Design - Method Process

PROCESS

  1. Enter/build new classes or products into the management system.
  2. Pull a course/product data report from the system.
  3. Prep data in Excel; save a copy in tab-delimited text format.
  4. Import data file into an InDesign template; data is formatted by customized InData code.
  5. Create catalog layout for print reproduction or online promotion, with the assistance of a graphic designer.

COMPONENTS

  • InData software plug-in for Adobe InDesign®; available from emsoftware.com
  • Customized InData import code within an InDesign template; provided by DATAtoDESIGN (see Services)
  • Course data report, preferably available in a spreadsheet (Excel) format, then saved as tab-delimited text for import

DATAtoDESIGN has successfully implemented this method for users of several different data management and online registration systems.

Many of our clients are users of Lumens from Augusoft, which has provided workable and customizable data reports. We have also assisted users of Banner, Datatel, Aceware, LACES, rSchoolToday, PeopleSoft, and Destiny Solutions, among others.

If your system can generate consistent reports that contain the data fields needed in a printed catalog (preferably in a spreadsheet format), the DATAtoDESIGN method can be implemented to help your catalog process become more efficient.

If you are unsure whether that is possible with your current system, we would be happy to discuss it with you, so please feel free to contact us.

POSSIBILITIES

During import into the customized template, these functions can be performed:

  • Apply text styles
  • Insert text, bullets, tabs, etc
  • Eliminate redundant data
  • Insert graphics or icons
  • Substitute text
  • Embed hyperlinks
  • Arrange data in variable ways
  • Calculate numbers
  • Insert data into page headers

NOTE: The assistance of a graphic designer for layout enhancement (addition of images, design of cover, etc) is still needed, but the time-consuming task of text formatting and clean-up is eliminated. (see Benefits)

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