aC forum: Image viewing and approval process in aC?

Post #16 by ideapower

ideapower — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 20:00:36 UTC

as for file formats, my main concern would be jpeg and PDF (with multi-page viewing, even if it converted each page into a separate raster image). If a PDF is only viewable in this interface as a raster image, though, it would be necessary to have a link to the PDF that could be downloaded.

version control would be nice as ekajatik says, but not crucial, at least starting out.

a crucial element for sure would be automatic email notification when revisions or approval are posted. but this would just involve integrating with existing AC features.

Post #15 by ekajatik

ekajatik — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 02:54:52 UTC

Yes, what does it really need? you would really need to be able to post jpg, flash, video, dhtml files (even docs and ppt?)... functioning rich media, such that a client can view it and make comments in a text box beside the media... then click on one of 3 buttons as skelley mentions. Version control on the project approvals would be a plus, as would automatic storage of previous versions. Also an easy admin interface, maybe just a button associated with attachments like 'requires approval?' and a details form to send out to whoever needs to approve.

We need to start with something... It can always be built out further.

Post #14 by ideapower

ideapower — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:17:14 UTC

I agree with what skelley suggested. Something very simple, as a template of sorts on a project. Something could be created that's much more complicated and feature-rich, but when it comes down to it, a simple form like that would do the trick for most people.

Post #13 by ekajatik

ekajatik — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:11:40 UTC

Any further activity on this?

I am with an agency and am looking at a variety of workflow management tools, some OS, some proprietary. I would be willing to share costs on developing a custom proofing tool plugin for aC based on other pro tools. For instance meta-Comms Workgroups 2007 solution called 'Approval manager' has some very nice features... http://www.meta-comm.com/products/approval_manager/... though a bit complex for aC, would be nice to use it as a baseline and implement the best features.

Post #12 by skelley

skelley — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:15:53 UTC

Another vote for the approval form within aC messages. I would imagine the easiest way to handle this would be an option at the bottom of a new message that allows you to "Add an approval form", with 2 different standard forms:

1. Approval Form with 1 embedded image and the following options:
• approved
• approved with changes [text area]
• make revisions [text area]

2. Feedback form with several embedded images that each have a text area (perfect for logos or ad mockups)

This may be a little more specialized than would make sense for a plugin, but I wanted to put it out there for discussion. If there are other design/dev agencies out there that would be interested in pooling some money toward a plugin that we can all agree on, please let me know.

Thanks!

_sean

Post #11 by Sulcalibur

Sulcalibur — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:22:00 UTC

Yeah a sign off box that the client can tick off would be good.

Post #10 by ideapower

ideapower — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:57:27 UTC

Well, one is approved and one isn't (yet). It's the same as the difference between "beta" and "commercial release" :)

Post #9 by Ilija Studen

Ilija Studen — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:30:03 UTC

Something like this would be easy to do as a plugin. What is the difference between "Approved with changes" and "Make revisions"?

Post #8 by ideapower

ideapower — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 01:44:07 UTC

this really wouldn't have to be quite as complex as i originally proposed to be EXTREMELY useful.

all that's really needed here is a simple "form" that accompanies a file, that's customizable - for the administrator only - so that each admin can create their own workflow. for example, i'd simply want "radio button" options for:
• approved
• approved with changes [text area]
• make revisions [text area]

and obviously each would be noted with the username and date/time stamp when the client user is logged in.

obviously what I call "simple" may not necessarily be so simple, but hopefully it is! :)

Post #7 by senixon

senixon — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:53:40 UTC

Another vote for image/document/URL approval plugin

I run a web dev/design company and was just about a build a simple client extranet when I ran into activeCollab. Why reinvent the wheel, right?

The way we do this now (and clients like it) is I build a static HTML page with links + descriptions of screen shots or documents and have them click each one with lots of "Back button" action.

When I was brainstorming building this functionality on my own, I wanted to use a "sideshow" technique with "Next" and "Previous" buttons and on each side would have a button with Approve/Decline and text area for notes, this of course is all tied to a login that tells me who proofed the work and weather or not they have the privileges to do so in the first place.

I would be happy to contribute my time to help develop this functionally just contact me and tell me how I can help best. websiteman {@} gmail {dot} com, I have the necessary skill set for the job.