How to use the Data Manager in the Reflex Content Management System
The Reflex Content Management System works with database-driven websites which allow even the most non-technical users to fully control all the data used for their site. All this information is stored in databases which can be accessed, edited and updated using Reflex via the Data Manager tool.
There are many examples of how databases can be used to deliver content for a website. A product database, for instance, could be used to store and display all the products for sale on a site. As well as providing content, databases can also be used to store important information. A customer database, for example, could be used to store the details of visitors who have filled in a contact or enquiry form.
To understand the benefits of the Data Manager, first you need to understand the difference between ‘static’ web pages and ‘dynamic’ web pages. The content on static pages is set and cannot be changed, unless the entire page is edited and uploaded to the web server again. Dynamic pages are much more adaptable and can be updated at any time. The most popular way to store, edit and update this content is via a database, and that is where the Data Manager comes in.
The Data Manager is a straightforward, non-technical interface which gives the user complete control over all the information on their site – from the ‘Contact us’ address details to the product descriptions on an e-commerce site.
Like all the tools within the comprehensive Reflex Content Management System, the Data Manager has many plain, user-friendly features to make it easy for anyone to control their website. These features include:
• A simple drop-down menu structure
• Informative on-screen guides and descriptions
• Easy to use filter tools
• User-friendly import and export functions
• Detailed audit trails
All these features combine to make our Reflex system a simple yet highly powerful content management tool. The Data Manager within this system provides many benefits to the user, such as:
• Complete control of website content
• Separate design and content without sacrificing consistency
• Easily manage data storage and retrieval
When you access the Data Manager, you can select the particular database you wish to view by selecting it from the drop-down menu:
After the database is selected, a full list of the fields within the database will be visible on the left hand side of the page. The ‘Show?’ option allows you to choose whether this field, and the data within it, is displayed on your site or not.
There is also a filter tool that includes a search box so you can sort all the records within a database and only view the ones you need to. This can prove a very useful time saving tool, especially if your site uses large databases.
You can now view all the information within your database by selecting the ‘Display Table’ tab:
To create a new entry into the database, simply click on the ‘Create New Record’ button. This will create a new record in the list. When this new record (or any existing record) is highlighted the ‘Update Record’ tab will become visible.
Now you can input all the details relating to your new record, or update any of the details for an existing entry. Your new record will be shown on your website as long as the ‘Displayed’ option is selected.
Please note that each different database for each website will have its own individual database fields to fill in. The above example is taken from a website displaying fast-food menus, and as you can see has bespoke field entries tailored to its specific needs.
When you have input all the relevant data, you can also add files relating to this new record using the ‘Update Records Files’ tab:
By clicking the ‘Upload New File’ button you can add new files, like product images, to your database entry. These can also be edited using the ‘Edit File’ button, so you can crop and resize your image to fit your own specifications.
A useful section of the Data Manager tool is the ‘Export Data’ tab. This allows you to export your database in a number of different formats:
From here you can choose whether to export the entire database, just the records you have filtered or just the ones that are ‘Displayed’. You can also export the database direct as an email.
As you can see, the Data Manager is a hugely important and powerful tool that contains a number of responsive, easy-to-use features that enable anyone to manage their own site.