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A reporter, photographer or designer can easily log-in with any client device, including desktops, laptops or PDAs, that support a standard Web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape. Secure remote access allows quick retrieval of assignment information without trips to the office, plowing through emails, or playing phone tag. When a user first logs in to the system they immediately see a snapshot list of any assignments created by them or assigned to them for the next week.
Email messages can be sent to notify users of new or changed assignments. These assignments can easily be output in a printer friendly format with all the appropriate assignment information clearly visible including the corresponding publication logo.
Once a task is complete, any content files (stories, graphics or photos) can be quickly uploaded via the Web browser into the newsroom. Uploaded files are tied to the task assignment for tracking and fast retrieval. Uploaded photos can be previewed via NewsTask along with additional assignment, IPTC and EXIF header information.
MANAGING ASSIGNMENTS
Privileged users, typically editors, can view all requests and decide how best to approve requests and assign resources. When assigning resources, the assignment editor has one click access to all other assignments for the requested day to properly manage workflow and travel requirements. A powerful search function allows editors to search by data fields such as publication, section, resource name, or task status.
Additionally, an assignment editor can set a particular date to a status of Overbooked so that no more requests can be made for that date avoiding false expectations and last minute resource juggling.
All task and overbooking information is saved in the database so that editors can look up past assignments for reporting and planning to answer questions such as: How many people were assigned to write and photograph the 4th of July festivities in a particular town or region? How many days were we overbooked last month? Did sports really get more photos approved than news?
MANAGE MULTIPLE PUBLICATIONS
NewsTask is not just for managing tasks for a single large daily publication. Dozens of publications can be setup in a single system so that publishers with many products; daily, weekly or monthly, can manage resources across all publications.
FLEXIBLE TECHNOLOGY
Based on open source technologies, NewsTask will fit into any existing technology infrastructure and provide the widest range of access via standard web browsers, without requiring the installation of custom software on each workstation. The system works with any standard SQL database as well as on the web server of your choice.
The meta data (task information) and content files for a NewsTask assignment can easily be transferred to other systems, for example, a photo archive or newsroom editorial system using XML standards. Proprietary formats can also be supported on request and specification.
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