I always enjoy visiting studios to see all the great ways they implement Spectra and myStratus to automate their complex production processes.  We realize that the more we can help studios automate, the more money we can save them.  In Spectra 2015 and myStratus 2015, we’re adding some great new features in the area of Production and Digital Workflow

Workflow Enhancements

The grids on the main hubs in the software have always been very flexible, allowing you to choose which columns you want to see, resize and rearrange the columns, filter the information, and more.  In 2015, we’ve included those same tools on the Workflow hub. Just right-click on any column header in the grid to see all the new options! Also, the next time you restart the software, any changes you made will be still be there!

Another new tool, the Search Selector, provides a brand new way to quickly find sessions or orders on the Workflow hub. It works a lot like the search tool on the Session and Production hubs. You can search for almost any session or order right on the Workflow hub. In addition, you can also scan a session or production order bar code to quickly find and select a record.

Production Tracking

Traditionally, the software’s production order tracking has been based on the date a production order is created. Each stage of a production order’s completion is tracked in sequential order based on the default duration for each stage. In 2015, we’re introducing a new way of tracking production orders that instead works backward from the target delivery date. You can choose the method that works best for your business.

With this new method the software looks at the Approximate Delivery Date on the invoice. From there, it works backwards, creating production statuses for the necessary stages and assigning status due dates based on the default duration of each status. The result is a much more accurate workflow, giving priority to items that must be delivered first.

For example, let’s say there are four stages a print order goes through in your workflow:

• Retouching (typically takes 3 days)
• Printing (typically takes 2 days)
• Quality Control (typically takes 1 day)
• Shipping (the final stage)

And let’s say the approximate delivery date on the client’s invoice is July 31, 2015. The production statuses and their dues dates would then be set to the following:

• Retouch Pending (July 28, 2015)
• Printing Pending (July 30, 2015)
• QA Pending (July 31, 2015)
• Shipped

If another order comes in that needs to be shipped by July 15th, the software will automatically give priority to this new order, even though it was created after the first order. It’s a sophisticated new workflow for our sophisticated clients!

Production Based Triggers and Emails

In Spectra 2015 and myStratus Desktop 2015, you can now create production order based form letters and HTML emails, which allows you to insert merge fields directly from a production record. In addition, you can now trigger emails to your clients based on these new emails.

Organization and Yearbook Tracking

Spectra and myStratus Desktop are great tools for tracking your yearbook selections, preparing those yearbook images, and then delivering them to the schools. In 2015, we’ve given you the ability to select a different composite template to be used for the secondary yearbook selection for each organization. You are no longer required to use the same template for both the primary and secondary selections. Simply open the Organization maintenance record, click on the Yearbook Options tab, and select the template for the secondary image.

Also, you can now define which session types should require a user to choose an organization and/or graduation year.  Open the new Session Type maintenance form, select the Organization/School session style, and then click the desired checkboxes to require the organization and/or grad year.

Summary

An efficient production department is key to the profitability of any studio. We’re thrilled this year to take the power of Spectra and myStratus to the next level with these new production and workflow enhancements!