There are 2 functionally identical output streams: We have called them Proposal and Contract, but they could be anything else.
They are each built up from 5 sources:
| • | Preamble Text Built up from a selection of standard notes. |
These usually do not change from quote to quote and selections are stored locally
| • | Main Text Dynamically built up from the Main Texts of the standard model as well as all selected non PC options. |
If the options are sorted by Group, group headings are inserted before options texts (if they exist)
| • | PC Items Dynamically built up from the PC Items Texts of all selected PC Items |
| • | Special Conditions Free form entry for each quote. This is the only field that the operator can alter. |
All other content comes directly from the model, options, PC Items or standard notes selected.
| • | Follow On Text Built up from a selection of standard notes. |
These usually do not change from quote to quote and selections are stored locally
As well, the system applies substitutions to the texts to replace Text Variables . The full list of these variables can be viewed in the RTF layout editor
In each stream, there are 2 types of formatting. Both methods can export to Word processors to give even more flexibility.
| Crystal Reports | A pre-set format using Crystal Reports |
| RTF format | Based on any rich text format document, this obviously gives more flexibility, but initial setup take longer |
| General formatting. |
These layouts and their theory and formatting are covered in detail in Custom Reports / Rich Text Format
However, there are some Front End specific features:
| • | Special fields "[QTY]" and "[Price]" are replaced by formatted values on each line of options |
| • | Tabular data is generated that populates any 3x3 or greater table on the layout. The table is built up thus: |
If a base node (Base Model Inclusions, Global Options, Model options or PC Items) is checked, then that node name and any checked options below it are added to the table with their description, quantity and unit price. Group Names are also added if they exist
Buttons
Select a previously stored Databuild Layout
Edit the existing Layout, or create a new one
Output using user defined format
Output using Crystal Reports fixed format. This requires no setup, but you do not have any control over the document layout. However you can then export the report to a standard Word Processing format for further editting
Simply press the printer symbol to print