Viewer variables

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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!

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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.