Capability for variable sections?

[beshaj]

We are looking into a new software for my group at work that would allow us to get away from Word. We are making batch records for various processes and various clients. Within these record we could have multiple possibilities for any given section within a record. Currently we will modify old records that closely matches to fit them into a new process. My question is would Flare allow me to input multiple sections/modules that I could essentially pick one depending on what we need. I attached a picture to try to explain it better given 2 scenario's (blue line or orange line). I would need the sections to link for a printable record and allow references between the sections (currently using a ton of field codes in Word). Thanks in advance.

[trent the thief]

Yes, it does, Flare uses conditional markers with which you can tag with any topic, image, or bit of text and then associate that marker with a build Target. The Target can include or exclude markers based on what is needed for that particular client.

It sounds as though you'll need to tag a lot of links. It may look messy in the source code, but it works like a champ. I've never had any issues with conditional marking.

Welcome

[beshaj]

So once everything is tied together I should be able to change the output by selecting different options. Basically having a parent file and being able to create differing outputs depending on the selected variables? Thanks for the previous answer Trent.

[trent the thief]

Right. In this case we call them Targets and they're based on the final published format (HTML5, PDF, etc). Each target has a a set of conditions and a reference to a TOC. The conditions you set on the content decides if a piece is excluded or included in the target build. You can have a separate TOC for each target or set conditions on a topics within a shared TOC. The target also references the publishing locations and allows you to config the settings specific to the final output.

[GerardFalla]

Also worth pointing out that with topic-based authoring and multiple TOCs (which in Flare are used to control content inclusion, not just report it) you can have multiple ways of tying your dataset together: in other words it doesn't *have* to be all controlled via conditions or tags - that is one option, but not the only management tool available. As a result, you don't have to end up with labyrinthine condition tagging systems: just as much as needed.

[beshaj]

So in my illustration above, given the information you two have presented, will I have to tie all the "modules" (variable, process, fixed in the diagram) to each individual precursor if I want the conditions in those modules to change? Basically we have step references from each module to other modules before it. There may be just a few to many given the combination linking to the module before or after it. Essentially will I have to build every combination of the given record to be able to create differing outputs? Thanks everyone for the great insight.

One additional question, if I create output to Word, will this create a fixed value on all linked information in Flare? This is my assumption just looking to see if this is correct.*
*Redacted but leaving in for the following comment

[SteveS]

Looking at your diagram I've got to say I would create 2 master TOCs, one for the blue line and one for the orange. I'm guessing you are using the different colours to represent different outputs. You can then add the modules required for each output to its master TOC. If I'm making the correct assumptions that would mean you create a seperate master TOC for each of your clients/ outputs.

You can also use conditional tags within each topic if you want to customise content within that topic. You would need to associate the include for customer X condition in customer X's master TOC and exclude it from all other customers.

I'm not sure what you mean by fixing the variables in Word.

Hope this makes sense, and helps.

[beshaj]

I'm not sure what you mean by fixing the variables in Word.

I think I was more centered on the field code output on Word, so I don't believe this is relevant. But thanks for the information on the rest of the reply. We basically have X amount of variables that we use to process many different clients. So in turn I think I'm going to have to make various TOCs to do what I want to, but, from everything I'm seeing it seems like its possible to do what I want. Will be a lot of work up front to get it to function how I want it, but seems like it may be possible. The diagram I showed is a simplified version (using 1 segmented process and 2 outputs, we have multiple segments in our process [10-12] and multiple clients so looking for better ways to make output than to do it all manually). Thanks for the help!

[AlexFox]

One minor possibly pedantic point. Variables in Flare are different to what you're referring to here. Conditional Text is what you'll need to use to include/exclude specific content per topic/TOC/target etc. Variables in Flare are purely for printing different values into content based on your settings. Good luck!