OutreachSystems

Although OutreachSystems provides out-of-the-box text throughout eCenter Direct, almost all of this default text can be customized to reflect your program's unique operations. A prime example of this is eCenter's main welcome page; as shown in the next graphic, most of the text on this page can be customized (represented by the orange highlights).

eCenter interface customization is performed from within WebCATS, from one (or both) of two places:

• eCenter global configuration. Available to WebCATS administrators only from Manage|eCenter Configuration, any interface changes made from eCenter's global configurations cascade down to the entire database.
• Center record(s). Each public center within your network can override the globally configured text on a center-by-center basis from their center record. This allows individual centers to create their own look and feel on eCenter. Center-specific configurations become visible to logged-in eCenter users that belong to the center--or to any user when doing something pertaining to that center such as signing up for services from that center or viewing that center's online events.

Note: If your program consists of a single center, then you will likely want to perform all interface edits from the global level.

The steps for customizing an area of eCenter's interface are outlined next.

1. First decide if you are customizing text on a global level (Manage|eCenter Configuration) or on a per-center level (from the center record). Reminder: Only WebCATS administrators have access to eCenter's global customizations.
2. Open the eCenter Interface tab.
3. You'll notice that there are several categories of interface text, as shown next. Expand the one that you're interested in and then expand again to find that one specific text block to edit.



Note: You will need to correlate the eCenter text block with the correct text in eCenter. The naming convention used is fairly self explanatory, but it is good to refer back and forth between the two systems to make sure you are editing the correct area.

4. Upon expanding a single text block, you are presented with an Edit button, as shown next. Click this button to open the text in edit mode.



5. Make your edits as appropriate and click the OK button to save.

Note: eCenter's interface text fully supports HTML so you can include color, bolding, italicizing, even images in your text customizations.

Note: As discussed in the following section, you can also include substitution variables in your text. These variables are replaced at the time of page rendering with data found in the WebCATS database.

6. Notice that WebCATS now stores a current and default version of the text block, shown in the next graphic. This allows you to revert back to the default version at any time. If you're editing eCenter's global configurations, the default version is the out-of-the-box text provided with WebCATS. If you're editing center-specific eCenter configurations, the default version is whatever is currently set at the global level.



7. Go into eCenter to double-check your edits and make sure they look as intended. You can use the eCenter hyperlink at the top of the page for easy access.

Note: If you're editing text from eCenter's global configurations, the URL listed in the eCenter URL field located on the General tab takes you to the main introduction page for the entire eCenter account. If you're editing text on a per-center basis, use the "[Public Center Link]" hyperlink located on the Center Detail tab to jump right into a "deep" link to your center's pages. This URL can also be used to refer clients directly to your center's version of eCenter.

Using Substitution Variables

There may be some text areas within eCenter where you want to display information that varies depending upon who is visiting the page. For example, when a user is logged on to eCenter, they will see the name, phone number, and e-mail address of their counselor at the bottom of the page. However, different clients have different counselors and for that reason you don't want to "hard code" a name into the text. Instead, you want eCenter to be smart and display the name of the appropriate counselor depending upon who is currently logged in.

WebCATS allows this type of variable substitution by providing you with a list of variables available for insertion from the edit box. To bring up this list, simply right-click from the location in which you would like to insert the variable. Then, hover over the variable and click once on it and it will be inserted into the current cursor location. All customizable text boxes can include variables if so desired, even those that do not show the use of variables by default.

As shown next, all substitution variables are highlighted in yellow.

Note: You must not remove the brackets around the variables or change their name. In order to use the variables correctly you must maintain their formatting.

For more information on this, view our other popular resources on this topic:

• FAQ: How do I customize the e-mail messages automatically generated by WebCATS and eCenter?
• FAQ: How do I configure the eCenter left hand menu?
• FAQ: How do I customize the "Network of Centers" listing on eCenter Direct?

Want more? Browse our extensive list of WebCATS FAQs.