ACS welcomed a number of client representatives to Ann Arbor on May 6 and 7 for
a Client Forum focused on the Advertising module. We have found that the “forum”
format works best to involve you in identifying the best direction forward for an
area of the system – in this case the Advertising module.
Participants from Kalmbach Publishing, Motor Information Systems,
and The Taunton Press were able to attend. Other clients (Oxford
University Press and Traplet Publications) while not
able to attend in person, provided input on features that are important to them.
Why Advertising? The Advertising Contract and Insertion Order screens are going
to be moved to the new user interface. (This has already been done for the table
views.) Improvements can often be incorporated during such a transition. Also, it
is a good time to identify functional improvements and additional features in general.
We reviewed functional designs for the key screens and for every potential improvement
suggestion that had been made in the last five years. Participants ranked what was
most important. The clear winners were the screen improvements and support for Internet
Ads.
The Data Entry Script feature (now available at MSTDAT/FST) will be included with
the new screen. The Advertising Insertion Order has many data elements and every
client wants a different set of them. The ability to control which fields open for
input was particularly exciting. The Data Entry Script feature also lets you set
default values. This feature will make it easier to enter these orders – easy
enough that a sales rep will want to do it!! Guaranteed!
Many thanks to all who participated! Your input is invaluable. It is always great
to work with you.
