Create and Manage Formula Templates

What is column configuration?

Column configuration is the ability to group columns or attributes together under the name of a template. A template saves which columns are displayed, and in what order. TraceGains users can create templates for Formula Management. These templates sync with specification report attributes, so that the columns in the Formula Tab match the columns that display on a spec. Users can also choose to hide certain columns from the display on the spec.

Why create templates?

With Formula Templates, users are no longer required to manually configure which columns to display each time they create a new formula. A template saves that configuration for repeated use.

How to Create a Formula Template

Configure Formula Management columns right in the Formulas tab. To learn how to create a new formula first, click here. FM users creating their first template should start with “Create New,” discussed following the initial navigation steps below.

Step 1: Navigate to the Formulas tab and click the blue edit icon associated with your formula. 

ft1.png

Step 2: In the formula's Items tab, click the Manage Columns button.

ft2.png

Step 3: In the popup:

  1. Click Manage Templates
  2. Select Create New
If you do not have access to Manage Templates, your system administrator will need to enable and assign this feature to your role. 
ft3.png

Step 4: There are two ways to create a template:

  1. Create New: Start from scratch to build a unique template. This approach is useful for users just getting started with templates, or for creating an entirely unique template.
  2. Add Existing: Copy and modify an existing one for quicker setup with minimal adjustments.
 
Note: when adding a new column, it will automatically go to the bottom of your list. You will have to drag it in place.
ft4.png

Step 5: Name the template using a clear, easily referenced name, such as 'Default Template,' 'Frozen Food Template,' etc.

ft5.png

Step 6: Select the checkboxes to choose which existing columns should be included in the new template.

ft6.png

Step 7: Next, choose between the two options:

  • Add Existing 
  • Create New
Step 8: A pop up appears. Choose between the 2 options:
  • Create new formula item attribute
  • Use other data sheet attribute
Then, click Next. 
ft8.png

Step 9: Complete the following:

  • Enter a Column Name
  • Select a Data Type
  • Click Save
ft9.png

Step 10: A pop up to manage the column template appears. Order the columns for the new template by clicking and dragging each row.

Note: if you accidentally click the 'X' as shown, the attribute will be deleted. You will need to add it back. 
 
Click Save when you're done. 
ft10.png
This is an example of the re-arranged column headers.
 
Please note that not all columns are visible in this view, as the image is zoomed in for clarity.
ft11.png

Copy an Existing Template

Step 1: Navigate to the Formulas Tab.

Step 2: Click the edit icon for a given formula. 

Step 3: In the formula's Items tab, click the Manage Columns icon. 

Step 4:  Click Copy.

Manage Formula Column Templates 3.png

Edit and Use an Existing Template

Step 1: Navigate to the Formulas tab and click the blue edit icon associated with your desired formula. 

Step 2: In the formula's Items tab, click the Manage Columns icon. 

Step 3: Click Manage Templates.

ET 3.png

Step 4: Select the template you want to edit by clicking on the edit gear. 

ET 4.png

Step 5: In this example, a custom column attribute is being adjusted:

  1. Click the edit gear to open the column attribute manager.
  2. Edit the attributes as needed.
  3. Click Save after each column adjustment.
  4. Reorder the columns by clicking and dragging each row.
  5. Click Save. The adjusted template is now ready for use.
ET 5.png

Step 6: In a custom column attribute, you have additional options such as inserting a calculation by clicking Edit Calculation. 

ET 6.png

This shows the 'Edit Calculation' screen which opens in a new browser. You can edit/define custom formulas and expressions for the column attribute. Click Save when you are done editing. 

manage cacl.png

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