Feedback on: Pathagoras Help System - The basicsIDB_The_basicsInstant Database Screen > The basics /Dear Support Staff,
The basics
Pathagoras' Instant Database module uses a straightforward ‘find & replace’ scheme for replacing document variables with personal information. Indeed, the IDB system is nothing more than a fancy adaptation of Word’s Find & Replace (Ctrl-H) feature. The differences are these:
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It works much more quickly than you could perform any single step in the process manually.
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It can act on up to 999 individual variables per session (30 to 60 is typical, but it is nice to know that there is no practical limit).
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It can handle multiple choice variables and other 'setups' that Find & Replace cannot.
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A variable can be automatically completed based on the answer to, or value of, another variable.
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It can store all of your answers in a reusable database. Of course, Find & Replace cannot do this.
"Instant Database" is so named because of its ability to 'instantly' create client, patient and customer records and to maintain a database of these records with little effort on your part.
Be aware, however, that at its core, Instant Database is simply a powerful "find & replace" tool. You can use Instant Database for all of your find and replace functions. It is not limited to replacing text in 'Pathagorized' documents.
To use Instant Database in this fashion, simply press <Alt-D> to display the screen. Then, type a value (a word or phrase that you want to replace) at the left of the IDB screen. Type a replacement value at the right. Repeat for as many items as you wish. Press Next>> and it's done! (If you want to save the values for use on other documents, feel free to do so.)
Instant Database is activated from the keyboard by pressing <Alt-D>. Here is a screen shot of what you will see.
Figure 1. Instant Database Mask
(initial view)
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The left side of the screen will contain the document's "variables" Variables are 'holding places' strategically placed throughout the document which are waiting to be replaced with 'real' names, places, dates and other value. To initially populate this section, press the <Scan> button in the lower left quadrant of the screen. Pathagoras will quickly scan the underlying document for bracketed variables and place them in the left column.
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The right column is where the user will insert the 'replacement' values (personal data) for each variable.
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When you are ready to signal Pathagoras to replace the variables at the left with the values typed at the right, click the Next>> button in the lower right corner of the screen.
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To access a series of helpful tools and utilities, click the red Power Tools button.
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The Input Form Masks dropdown contains all available 'masks' (pre-designed input templates, containing variables and completion tips)
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The Existing Records dropdown contains all of your saved data records, in alphabetical order. (The top of the list also displays the 9 most recently used records for easy selection.)
You can resize the Instant Database screen to your liking. If the 'Variable' or 'Replace With' fields are not wide enough, click the red <Power Tools> button. Look for the Resizing buttons to change the width or height of the screen.
"Instant Database" is so named because of its ability to 'instantly' create client, patient and customer records and to maintain a database of these records with little effort on your part.