Major Feature Announcement: Bulk and 1:1 Proofing!

We’re pleased to introduce two new ways to proof variable products in Propago: Bulk proofing and 1:1 proofing are here! We’re adding bulk proofing to the list of bulk actions you can do with Propago, because bulk actions make administrators happy.

Bulk proofing makes ordering multiple versions of a part as simple as uploading a spreadsheet. The system will match columns in your spreadsheet to variables and generate proofs for each record. Then you can preview all the proofs to make sure everything looks right and add them to your cart. Bulk proofing creates a separate order line for each proof so you can define the quantity of each before you order.

1:1 proofing makes it possible to upload a spreadsheet of data to populate all or just some of the variables for a customized product to create a multi-record production output.

The key ability with 1:1 proofing is that it’s possible to set up a part so that some of the variables are populated via a spreadsheet and some variables will be the same across all the versions that are proofed.

For example, with 1:1, a user can bulk proof many business cards at once with names and phone numbers that differ per version but a department name and address which are variable but constant across all proofs.

Also, unlike bulk proofing, 1:1 proofing outputs a single multi-page production file so that it’s treated as one order line.

With these two new features, it’s easier than ever for users to take care of tasks like getting flyers ordered for a list of products or ordering a batch of new business cards for a whole team. Instead of proofing business cards or flyers one at a time, users can just upload a list, proof, order, and get on with their day.

Give your clients two new powerful time-saving abilities to improve their workflows with bulk proofing and 1:1 proofing.

Benefits to the Client

• Save time when ordering business cards, flyers, brochures, and other variable print in bulk.
• Use 1:1 proofing to create personalized products that have some variables which are populated with a spreadsheet and some variables which are constant across all versions.

Benefits to You

• Give clients new bulk action tools for speeding up their workflows when ordering variable print.
• 1:1 proofing generates a multi-page production file to streamline production.

How It Works

Bulk proofing is a setting on the part level. Any variable print part can be bulk proofed. To set up bulk proofing:

1. Go to the page of the variable print part in the back end: Part / Parts / Select Part
2. Find the Bulk Proofing setting in the Workflow Options section.

Once bulk proofing is enabled on a part, users can find the option to bulk proof when they hit the personalize button next to the Build Proof button.

1. Clicking bulk proof will take you to a page where you can upload a list of records to proof.
2. This page lists which variables can be included in the list and will also give the option to download a template with the column labels filled out.
3. Use the Select Files button or drag and drop the files to upload.
4. The next page will show which columns in the list were mapped and if any were not able to be matched to a variable. You can drag unmapped column labels to map them to a variable.
5. Click Continue and your records will proof.
6. You can use the arrow above the proof to flip through the multiple proofs and make sure everything looks correct.
7. Click Continue and add the proofs to your cart.

Setting up a part for 1:1 proofing is done in the variable template that is associated with the part. In the soft proof project page, you’ll need to turn on the option called List Variable for all the variables that you want to be populated by the spreadsheet upload.

On the front-end, ordering a 1:1 part starts with the personalize button. Unlike other variable parts, 1:1 parts will take you right to the list upload page when you click Personalize.

1. Use the Select Files button or drag and drop your file to upload.
2. Similar to a bulk proofing enabled part, this page will display which variables you can populate using your spreadsheet and allows you to download a template.
3. The next page is where you can map any unmapped columns in the file by dragging unmapped labels to the correct variable.
4. Click continue and the versions will be proofed. All the versions will be on the right side of the screen and you can click through to view each one.
5. For variables that aren’t defined as List Variables, you can click the personalize button to change them.
6. Once you’ve inputted these variables, click Build Proof and all the versions will be updated.
7. Click continue to add to cart.

*Note: For both bulk proofing and 1:1 proofing, the part needs to have the mailing list option turned on.

That’s bulk proofing and 1:1 proofing! We believe bulk proofing will be greatly welcomed by your clients and can be a significant selling point as you seek new clients. If you have any questions about bulk proofing or 1:1 proofing, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you!

Our Contact page: https://www.propago.com/contact/

Find all of our Did You Knows here: Knowledge Library