Manage Formula Column 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.

Navigate to Template Manager

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: Click the Formulas Tab

Step 2: Click the edit gear of the desired formula. Do not navigate away from the Items grid.

Step 3: Click Manage Columns.

Step 4: In the popup, click Manage Templates.

Step 5: Click Create New.

Create a new Template

There are two starting points for creating a template:

1. Create a new template from scratch. This approach is useful for users just getting started with templates, or for creating an entirely unique template.
2. Copy and modify an existing template that closely resembles the desired effect of the new template. This approach jump starts the process, especially when only a few tweaks need to be made between a new template and an existing template’s column configuration.

Step 1: Name the template something easily referenced, like Default Template, Baked Goods Default, Frozen Food Template, etc.

Step 2: Click the checkboxes to determine which of the existing columns to include in the new template.

Step 3: Add pre-configured columns to the new template using the Add Existing button. When done adding columns, click Add column(s).

Step 4: Create new columns as needed using the 'Create New' button. For help configuring columns for calculations, read this article.

Step 5: Click 'Submit'.

Step 6: Order the columns for the new template by clicking and dragging each row.

Step 7: Click 'Save'.

Copy Existing Template

Step 1: Click the Formulas Tab

Step 2: Click the edit gear of the desired formula. Do not navigate away from the Items grid.

Step 3: Click Manage Columns

Step 4: Select desired template

Step 5: Click Copy

Edit and Use Existing Template

Step 1: Click 'Manage Templates'.

Step 2: Choose between existing templates to edit its columns.

Step 3: Click the edit gear to open the column attribute manager.

Step 4: Edit the column attributes as desired.

Step 5: Click 'Submit' following each column adjustment.

Step 6: Order the columns, clicking and dragging each row.

Step 7: Click 'Save'. The adjusted template is now ready for use.