Viewer Variables enable dynamic content customization by replacing placeholders with real-time values for each Viewer. These variables can be used in text fields, data providers, rules, filters, and other elements, ensuring that displayed content is specific to each Viewer without requiring separate presentations.

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Managing Viewer Variables

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System Management (Administrator Level)

  • Viewer Variables are created in PADS4 System Management.
  • Each variable has a default value assigned.
  • These variables apply to all Viewers unless overridden.
  • Users cannot add or remove variables through PADS4 Agent.

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PADS4 Agent (User Level)

  • Viewer variables can be modified via PADS4 Agent (Server tab).
  • Changes made here overwrite the default values set in System Management.

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Viewer Options (Local Adjustment)

  • The Viewer Options window in the PADS4 Viewer application allows local adjustments.
  • These changes override both System Management and PADS4 Agent settings.

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Using Viewer Variables

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How Viewer Variables Are Identified

  • A Viewer Variable is written as #VariableName#.
  • Example: #Store Name#.

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Using Viewer Variables in Text Elements

  • Example:
    • System Management: #Store Name# = New York Health
    • Text Element: Welcome to #Store Name#!
    • Displayed Output: Welcome to New York Health!
This method allows one presentation to be used across multiple locations while dynamically adjusting text.

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Where Can Viewer Variables Be Used?

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Text-Based Fields

  • Playlist text content.
  • Rule conditions.
  • Property bindings.
  • Data provider connections.

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Data Providers

  • Used in sorting, filtering, expressions, file references, parameters, SQL queries.

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Automation Use Cases

  • Store Size Filtering:
    • If a store has a Viewer Variable for size (L, XL, XXL), only products relevant to that size are displayed.
  • Location-Based Content:
    • A GPS-based Viewer Variable allows location-specific maps or ads to be displayed.
  • Single Presentation for Multiple Viewers:
    • Instead of creating multiple presentations, one presentation can be used with Viewer Variables to change store names, addresses, or promotions dynamically.

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When NOT to Use Viewer Variables

  • For continuous real-time updates (e.g., rapidly changing stock prices).
  • In these cases, a data provider should be used instead.

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When Are Viewer Variables Updated?

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Inside the Data Source

  • When the Viewer retrieves data, the variables are replaced immediately.
  • If the data provider updates, the new values are applied.

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In Data Providers

  • If a Viewer Variable is used in filters, sorting, or queries, it is replaced at the start of data retrieval.
  • If a data provider updates once per hour, Viewer Variables only update after the next read cycle.

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In Presentations

  • When a presentation loads, Viewer Variables in elements (text, images, videos) are replaced.

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In Rules

  • Viewer Variables in rules are replaced only when the rule is checked.
  • Rule checks do not trigger automatically if a Viewer Variable changes.

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In Property Bindings

  • If a data provider updates on a set interval, the newest Viewer Variable values replace the old ones.
  • However, changing a Viewer Variable does not force the data provider to refresh.

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In Playlists

  • If the playlist contains only one item, the Viewer Variable is replaced only once (it does not update).
  • If playlist alternation is enabled, the Viewer Variable is replaced with new values after each interval.

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Key Benefits of Viewer Variables

  • One presentation can be used across multiple locations, reducing duplication.
  • Automated content personalization, such as store names and locations.
  • Works seamlessly with data providers, filters, and rules.
  • Efficient updates without redesigning presentations.