Document Modeling (Create Model document and Create Model)

Once the DID is created its data descriptions can be used in a Model Document. A Model Document is a normal word processor document containing literal text and ITP Instructions written in the ITP Model Language. Word processor functions can be used to define the lay out of the document and ITP Instructions are used to provide dynamic content.

The ITP Model Language is a very versatile language allowing you for example to:

• Use data from a database or databases.
• (Re) format data from a database or databases.
• Incorporate data with a 'one to many' structure from a database or databases.
• Use variables, conditional headers and/or footers.
• Calculate content dynamically.
• Use conditional text(s).
• Divide functionality over several Model Documents that can be (conditionally) included in multiple main documents.

And because all word-processor functions can be used it is also possible to:

• Use color in documents.
• Use the font or fonts you want.
• Use Logos or other images, conditionally if required.
• Use tables to present data in a clear and structured way.
• Use a Kix code in addresses cutting mailing costs.
• Use signatures, personalizing the document even more.
• Use all formatting instructions, bold, italic, underlined etcetera, to produce a visually appealing document.
• Use drawings and diagrams.

Model development environment

ITP/MDK is installed with 2 Model Development environments:

Model development environment
The Model development window offers all facilities the Model developer needs to create Model Documents, compile these Model Documents into Models and test these Models. The ITP - Model Creation environment can be used with any word processor that is supported.
The Model development window can be found in the ITP menu group in the start menu.

Model Development Kit
Although the ITP Model Language can be used in any word processor an addition to Microsoft Word has been made to facilitate the process; the MDK. It adds ITP to Microsoft Word functionality such as compiling and running models, browsing DIDs and browsing Include documents, to Microsoft Word.
The Model Development Kit is available for Microsoft Word 97 and later Microsoft Word versions.

Create Model

When the Model Developer has finished developing a Model Document, the Model Document needs to be compiled into a model. A model is a binary file generated from a Model Document. It contains an optimized form of the Model Document, including all text, lay-out, and formatting, DID data retrieval definitions and ITP Language instructions. A model can be looked upon as the program that will generate a result document.

Several ITP programs can create models from Model Documents. Depending on your setup one of the following is used:

Model development environment
From within the Model Development window you can compile a model from a Model Document by pressing the button Create.

Model Development Kit
During development a model can be created from within Microsoft Word using the menu item Create Model.

MakeITP
If larger numbers of models need to be compiled it is possible to use the program MakeITP. Multiple Model Documents or a folder with Model Documents can be selected for compiling in a batch style process.

ITP/MDK Repository

The ITP/MDK Repository is the development environment for ITP Models. In particular organizations with a multitude of models and include documents can take advantage of this product. The ITP/MDK Repository is a document management system. Although it can store all kinds of files, the ITP/MDK Repository specifically aims at supporting the development of ITP Microsoft Word Model Documents.

Features:

• Central storage of documents and models, supporting back-up and security.
• Project Organization of documents and models.
• Revision control.
• Reporting facilities.
• User activity tracking.
• Multi-User Access control, protecting document integrity.
• Dependency tracking.
• Document editing facilities.
• ITP Development support for compiling and running models.
• Central storage of DID files.