9 Replies Latest reply on Jan 31, 2012 10:38 AM by Corey Hinman

Setting Variables through Transitions

Rodney Michels Jan 25, 2012 5:47 PM

All,

I am trying to set some variables when a file gets transitioned. I would like to stop a transition when the Check By initials match the Drawn By initials.

What I am doing is this, when a file gets transitioned from the state "InDesign" to "Checked", in the "Ready for Release" transition,

I am automatically entering the users initials by using the Set Variable action.

so when you look at the data card after the transition, you see the users initials.

Image below is before transition

Image below is after transition

Does anyone know how to stop a transition if the Checked By Initials match the Drawn By initials?

Re: Setting Variables through Transitions

Rodney Michels Jan 25, 2012 6:23 PM (in response to Rodney Michels)

This does exactly what I want to do...but not hard code the initials.

I tried this, but it didnt work.
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- Re: Setting Variables through Transitions
  
  Joy Garon Jan 25, 2012 6:55 PM (in response to Rodney Michels)
  
  Hi Rodney,
  
  Assuming you have the same user trying to pass the document through two successive transitions, have you tried setting the option to disallow sequential state changes on the transition?
  
  Joy
  
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  - Re: Setting Variables through Transitions
    
    Rodney Michels Jan 26, 2012 2:54 PM (in response to Joy Garon)
    
    Joy, thanks for commenting, but do you have anymore ideas that might work with this? Please read my last comment.
    
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- Re: Setting Variables through Transitions
  
  Michael Dekoning Jan 25, 2012 6:58 PM (in response to Rodney Michels)
  
  Rodney,
  
  Why don't you check the "Disallow sequesntial state changes" for the "Ready for Release" transition?
  
  Mike
  EPDM 2011 SP2
  
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  - Re: Setting Variables through Transitions
    
    Rodney Michels Jan 26, 2012 8:35 AM (in response to Michael Dekoning)
    
    Because, if you look closely at the first image I put up...
    ...its the first transition. The "Disallow sequential state changes" will not work in this case.
    
    I have other issues with this function anyways. We do use it today, but it is cause us problems. Its more of a training issue then a problem with the software.
    
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Re: Setting Variables through Transitions

Jeff Hallgren Jan 27, 2012 3:03 PM (in response to Rodney Michels)

I know this is extra work, but try creating a state between inDesign and Checked states. Use automatic transisitions to set the checked by initials with another transistion to check if they are the same.

The idea is similiar to what happens in Parallel workflows scenerios. Do a search for these for the logic.

Jeff
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- Re: Setting Variables through Transitions
  
  Rodney Michels Jan 27, 2012 3:40 PM (in response to Jeff Hallgren)
  
  Thanks for all the responses, but I think we are just going without that action and checking it manually. The "Disallow sequential state changes" doesn't really work the greatest for us. Too many users even after training them over and over again, they will find someone to screw things up. Without trying to write a book about why, I will just stop with that.
  
  Thanks,
  
  Rodney
  
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  - Re: Setting Variables through Transitions
    
    Michael Dekoning Jan 31, 2012 8:38 AM (in response to Rodney Michels)
    
    Rodney,
    
    The only other thing I can suggest is to write an addin that cancels the transition when the Drawn By initials match the logged in user's initials.
    
    Mike
    EPDM 2011 SP2
    
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Re: Setting Variables through Transitions

Corey Hinman Jan 31, 2012 10:38 AM (in response to Rodney Michels)

How many designers are we talking about?

I suppose you could put a variable up front of "assigned designer", and then upon approval the name of the transition would be Checked by user A, if assigned designer=user A, don't allow. You would need a 2nd transition if assigned designer!=user A, allow.

User B would then need to check the file in order to advance it to MA.
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