Liftoff has a multitude of useful features, and we want to make sure our
subscribers are aware of the potential they have in front of them! One notably
handy feature is our Records tool. Records serves as Liftoff’s extendable and
scalable database option, allowing you to create your own custom data, file,
and object storage buckets.
What does Records do?
The Records tool provides a powerful framework for relational data storage,
file storage, dynamic images and content for web-to-print templates, and so
much more. Touted as one of Liftoff’s most popular features, Records provides
flexibility and scale not seen on similar platforms.
What are the benefits of using Records?
Below are just some of the many benefits of Records:
Records provides data and asset management that can be tailored at the account level, allowing you to create your own custom tables that can store information such as:
Data
Files
Images
List-based data
You may use Records to establish and extend your own custom digital asset management storage that interacts with variable data products.
The data you store in Records can be used to create customized user interfaces and tabular data displays through Handlebars.js.
Create and deploy your own RSS, XML, and formatted data feeds for consumption by outside sources.
Records can be used to extend the data you collect to describe your customers, products, and even order data, and it can even inform downstream processes such as our rules and events engine.
Compliance updates can be simplified by using Records as a single source of truth for your data.
What do I need to know before using Records?
We asked our Subscriber Services Manager, Kris Howard, for expert tips on
getting started with Records and using it to its fullest potential.
Kris says,
“Before folks start using Records to store whatever data they have, they need to think about how the data is going to be used so they know how to prep it. A common scenario would be a list of addresses/locations for use in a template like a business card or envelope. We all know the parts of an address, but what about the ways those data might be used? When users are selecting this address from a drop-down, should there be a record field for "Location Name" so users don't have to identify it by the street-level address? Even if a phone or fax field is not being used on an envelope, should it still be a part of the location record set for use on a business card? Should there be a file or image field type to store a location-specific logo or QR code? Thinking about how the data will be utilized and whether it can be used in multiple ways for different templates is crucial to setup and execution. For example, the same record set can be used for business card information and an employee directory, including employee photos.”
With a tool like Liftoff in your hands, make the most out of it! Provide resources for download, a directory of contacts, and so much more with Records! Kris also recommends that you could “help maintain and enforce brand standards by using records to store a list of available titles for selection on stationery. By having something as simple as an address/location dropdown for variable print, you can ensure that the addresses are consistent and match across your products.”
Where can I learn more about Records?
The best place to start is by reviewing our online documentation. It provides a full resource for understanding the technology, including how-to guides for creating and using your own custom data tables. For more information, features, and further explanation, we recommend setting up a demo from our experts by contacting info@launchpad.is!