Text blocks

Text block functionality enables users to create documents and correspondence based on pre-defined, reusable text-blocks. Changing the textual content of a text block is a straightforward task that can be performed by business users, if appropriately authorized. Therefore changes can be made rapidly without the need to involve IT resources - enabling short time-to-market.

What you see is what you get

The Text Block Editor enables the business to modify the Text Block content without specific word processing- and ITP Language knowledge. Text Blocks that are inserted in the result document are laid out according to a set of especially declared styles. Text blocks are word processor and word processing styles independent and can be used at numerous places in various different styles.

Text blocks stored in repository

Text block management features are available within the ITP/MDK Repository, including role-based authorization, version management, spell check, revision comparison functions and dependency analysis.

Each ITP/MDK Repository project has its own pre-defined default text block folder in which the text blocks may be organized for use within that particular project. A specific role of 'Text Block Manager' has been introduced for users that are empowered to organize text block folders, text blocks and the field sets for the variable fields. The specific role of 'Text Editor' has been implemented for users that are only authorized to change the text of existing text blocks.

Text blocks can also be stored in a library making them available for multiple projects within the ITP/MDK Repository. If required, Text blocks may contain variable fields embedded within the text. These fields are listed in the 'Available fields' panel within the text block editor.

Minimizing time-to-market

Text blocks are retrieved from the Repository at runtime, which means that the ITP model does not require recreation if a text block has changed. In order to make a changed text block available for use in a 'live' environment, the only action required is to mark the new text block revision as 'accepted'. This can be controlled by a user that is especially authorized for this task, for example, a 'Text Block Manager'. This procedure minimizes the time-to-market for changes to the content of a document.

Editable textblock needed

Sometimes, not all the text required to create a document is present in the ITP/MDK Repository as a text block and the user needs to add text during document creation process. Or, a default text block is present but a user should have the opportunity to change the text block while creating a document.

Editable Text Block Questions offer a controlled environment that allows users to edit an existing text block or to create new text in a text editor as part of the interactive document generation process. This editor provides basic lay out and, if available, variable fields that the user can utilize.