Workflow Manager is a self contained and fully integrated asset management system for graphics professionals. Workflow Manager allows users to access, control, track and report on digital assets from the integrated work environment. Workflow Manager reduces the cost and complexity of managing digital assets. No additional software is required. Just by adding Workflow Manager to an existing workflow, asset management becomes intuitive.
Workflow Manager has a simple, intuitive interface providing a full range
of asset management features. Using customizable terminology, and a story
board paradigm, Workflow Manager users can seamlessly integrate asset
management without changing existing workflow. Workflow Manager links
projects, tasks and assets to teams of designers, animators, architects
and artists. Workflow Manager also has a complete C++ API, so customization
is a snap.
Data storage |
Workflow Manager uses the industry standard MySQL database, or a
smaller, self contained ODBC based database. This allows users to
employ a database that is appropriate for the size of team, and length
of project. As your needs grows, Workflow Manager will support every
size of database from small, local databases, to large corporate systems.
Workflow Manager will support many projects in a single database. Sometimes, it would be more advantageous to configures a different database for each project. This allows for maximum flexibility in configuring, using and managing your project environment. |
Security |
Access to the database can be controlled to a security level that is appropriate for your operation. This includes user authentication through Login and Password control, as well as limiting access to administration functions to designated administrators. Convenience options in the program make it possible to make security painless and simple. |
Access to
Data |
Real time, concurrent sharing of data means that everyone knows what’s changing in the project as it happens. As one user changes information, other users are instantly kept up to date through the shared data mechanisms |
User Defined
Terminology |
The terminology used in your business is the same terminology used by Workflow Manager. If there are special job titles, status flags, file types, or activities that are common or unique to you business, just bring up a simple dialog, and add them in. Instantly, everyone is using the same terminology to describe who they are, and what they’re doing. |
Access Control
for Elements |
Access to files that are shared by team members can be controlled by checking them out for update, then returning them once the changes have been made. While they’re checked out by one user, other user can view, but not make changes. When the file has been checked back in to the library, other team members can then check them out to change them. No changes are lost. The administrator can roll back an asset to an earlier version |
Convenient
Archival |
Files can be grouped together into libraries that share a common storage location. These files can then be checked out and back in by team members. When the works all done, the folder can be copied to a backup device such as CDR or tape backup for a permanent record. As assets are updated, the older versions are archived. The archived versions can be restored by the administrator. Thumbnail images of the library's contents are also created and shared among all the users. |
Activity Tracking |
As team members perform various operations, and file status reports, a permanent record of all this activity is made, allowing managers and other team members to review activity and pinpoint exactly when an even took place. The activity log can also be saved as a text file, so that it becomes a permanent part of the library, or other record keeping for the project. |
Direct import,
check in and release of 3ds max or VIZ project files |
Users of Workflow Manager can import sets of files directly from their
discreet 3ds max or Autodesk VIZ work environment. 3ds max or VIZ
files usually reference other external files for maps, etc. These
files can all be imported into project libraries with the push of
a button. There's no need to manually keep track of all the referenced
files. It's all done automatically.
Once imported into the library, the file set can be check-pointed with one press of a button as well. The current set in the library is automatically updated so that other users get access to the latest version. All with with just a push of the button. Once updated, the files are immediately checked out again. The artist retains control of the files while their work continues. When the work is done, one button refreshes the library's copy of the files. One more button, and all the files are released so that other users can make changes. |
Story board
View |
All projects are presented to the users as story boards, allowing all project members to create, work and track in a familiar environment. As changes are made to the tasks and assets that make up a project, they are immediately visible and accessible to everyone from the story board interface. |
Library Access |
All digital assets for a project are stored in a common library. All team members have access to the library, and can view status and history of any asset, obtain read only, or modifiable copies of all assets from the library and all current and outstanding tasks associated with those assets. Library functionality includes full version control, check-in, check-out, restore and release functions |
Drop Box File
Import |
Libraries support a drop box folder. This folder is a location in a file system where users can deposit files or folders to be imported into the library. The contents of the drop box can be imported on demand with a single push of a button. |
File Summary
Info |
Information managed by Workflow Manager is added to the Summary Information of the max file. This allows critical information to be accessible at all times, and to all users directly from the .max file. This information is updated each time the user accesses the Workflow Manager utility functions. |
APIs |
Programming interfaces are available via 3ds max's Function Publishing interface. This includes over five hundred functions and properties are exposed to allow virtually any function to be implemented or customized by a knowledgeable user using MaxScript or C++ |
Library Cross
Linking |
Elements stored in one library can be moved, copied or referenced in another library. This allows assets to be managed with maximum flexibility |
Simplified
Archiving |
All elements, their thumbnails, and older versions of the elements are all stored within the library folder. Simply backing up the library folder backs up everything at once |
Persistent
settings |
All setting used in the program are persistent and will be restored each time Workflow Manager is restarted |
Visual Reference
|
All asset views have thumbnail images for visual reference |
No built in
limits |
There are no built in limits, so there can be any number of teams, people, projects, story boards, or any other object used in Workflow Manager. |
Any user can
... |
Access all library asset management functions directly from max.
Import, update or release files referenced by the current 3ds
max / VIZ project into the project library. |
Any user with
admin privileges can also ... |
Pperform any administrative task required for system or project
maintenance
Define the terminology used in Workflow Manager. |