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rtd_manual_ch_01_introduction [2012/02/11 20:36] mark [THE PAYOFF]		rtd_manual_ch_01_introduction [2012/02/15 08:00] (current) mark [QUICK START]
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	Welcome to the world of RealTimeDesigner. From it's roots in 1997, the RealTimeDesigner has developed into a robust solution powering websites for an array of companies offering an even wider array of products. Built on the concept of offering a cutting edge platform for producers of customized products, the RealTimeDesigner gives you a powerful custom coded solution without the expense of a		Welcome to the world of RealTimeDesigner. From it's roots in 1997, the RealTimeDesigner has developed into a robust solution powering websites for an array of companies offering an even wider array of products. Built on the concept of offering a cutting edge platform for producers of customized products, the RealTimeDesigner gives you a powerful custom coded solution without the expense of a
	staff programmer. The tools of the leading websites are now within reach of all shops - big or small.		staff programmer. The tools of the leading websites are now within reach of all shops - big or small.
-	==== INTRODUCTION ====	+	==== QUICK START ====
-	Before beginning to configure your RealTimeDesigner site, you should have a good understanding of	+	The RealTimeDesigner has evolved into a nearly turn-key solution specific to the sign and screen print industries. Here are the basic steps involved in setting up your site.  Much of the data required in these steps is already contained within the RealTimeDesigner but you should check the entries before making your site live:
		+	- Set up your Header and Footer in the RealTimeDesigner to maintain consistency between your existing website and the RealTimeDesigner.
		+	- Review the list of predefined products contained in your site. Turn off any products that you do not offer (deleting them will mean extra work should you decide to add them later).
		+	- Verify the pricing on each product.
		+	- Set up shipping & payment options.
		+	- Configure your response emails.
		+
		+	When the steps above are complete and you have verified the configuration, you are ready to add DESIGN IT ONLINE links to your website.  We recommend that you thoroughly verify the configuration by submitting several test orders and reviewing the flow very carefully. The Quick Start Guide is [[quick_start_guide|here]]. The manual is devoted to the details of custom configuration of the RealTimeDesigner.
		+	==== CUSTOM CONFIGURATION ====
		+	Before beginning custom configuration of your RealTimeDesigner site, you should have a good understanding of
	the operation of all aspects of the software. This will help you to fully utilize the features and save you		the operation of all aspects of the software. This will help you to fully utilize the features and save you
	countless hours of re-configuration. The time you spend planning will be well spent. We also		countless hours of re-configuration. The time you spend planning will be well spent. We also
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	always been at the forefront is ensuring our users are receiving maximum benefit from their investment		always been at the forefront is ensuring our users are receiving maximum benefit from their investment
	in the RealTimeDesigner. Educating users about the power behind the RealTimeDesigner is key to our		in the RealTimeDesigner. Educating users about the power behind the RealTimeDesigner is key to our
-	success. Whether you choose to learn the intricacies yourself, assign a staff member, or hire a service	+	success. This document, just the like the RealTimeDesigner, is constantly changing.  Please make it a point to periodically brush up on your RealTimeDesigner knowledge because:
		+	- The RealTimeDesigner is ever growing and improving. New features and enhancements will certainly become available.  It is standard policy for us to make new features an option that needs to be enabled by you so that changes don't affect our existing users sites.
		+	- Current features that don't seem necessary now, will be more enticing as your online business grows.
		+	Whether you choose to learn the intricacies yourself, assign a staff member, or hire a service
	provider, there are several ways to learn about the RealTimeDesigner. This manual, tutorial videos, the		provider, there are several ways to learn about the RealTimeDesigner. This manual, tutorial videos, the
	User Forum and instructional classes are provided to assist. No one method works for everyone and		User Forum and instructional classes are provided to assist. No one method works for everyone and
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	RealTimeDesigner.		RealTimeDesigner.
	* Chapter 1 Describes the purpose and general considerations that should be thoroughly investigated prior to jumping in head first. By choosing the RealTimeDesigner you are making a considerable investment of both money and time.		* Chapter 1 Describes the purpose and general considerations that should be thoroughly investigated prior to jumping in head first. By choosing the RealTimeDesigner you are making a considerable investment of both money and time.
-	* [[rtd_manual:company_setup|Chapter 2]] will guide you through the company setup of the RealTimeDesigner. This is where you set up your company information that will be used by any product within the system such as color charts, fonts and the general look of your site.	+	* Chapter 2 will guide you through the company setup of the RealTimeDesigner. This is where you set up your company information that will be used by any product within the system such as color charts, fonts and the general look of your site.
-	* [[rtd_manual:catalog_setup|Chapter 3]] goes into great detail about customizing the default catalog that is used to display your product line up. Many of our core users do not use this feature, but instead use a 3rd party shopping cart or some other system they've developed in-house.	+	* Chapter 3 goes into great detail about customizing the default catalog that is used to display your product line up. Many of our core users do not use this feature, but instead use a 3rd party shopping cart or some other system they've developed in-house.
-	* [[rtd_manual:designer_setup|Chapter 4]] explains how to set up the designer environment that is common to all your products, including buttons, labels and screen colors.	+	* Chapter 4 explains how to set up the designer environment that is common to all your products, including buttons, labels and screen colors.
-	* [[rtd_manual:checkout_process|Chapter 5]] relates to the checkout process - what happens when a user has completed his design. This like sales tax, shipping and payment gateway are covered here.	+	* Chapter 5 relates to the checkout process - what happens when a user has completed his design. This like sales tax, shipping and payment gateway are covered here.
	* Chapter 6 explains the use of libraries within the RealTimeDesigner. Colors, fonts and clip art are stored in libraries which keep them organized.		* Chapter 6 explains the use of libraries within the RealTimeDesigner. Colors, fonts and clip art are stored in libraries which keep them organized.
	* Chapter 7 holds the key to what many people find is the most important part of the RealTimeDesigner - ARTWORK TEMPLATES. By creating a selection of pre-designed layout templates, your users can create a designs in just a few clicks. This empowers the end user and saves you countless hours of artist time.		* Chapter 7 holds the key to what many people find is the most important part of the RealTimeDesigner - ARTWORK TEMPLATES. By creating a selection of pre-designed layout templates, your users can create a designs in just a few clicks. This empowers the end user and saves you countless hours of artist time.
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	be involved. But like any other technology based product, the RTD will continue to evolve. We		be involved. But like any other technology based product, the RTD will continue to evolve. We
	encourage you to stay active with the RTD community. You will learn of new developments. Before		encourage you to stay active with the RTD community. You will learn of new developments. Before
-	long you may even be able to share your insight with other users. GOOD LUCK![[rtd_manual_ch_02_company_setup|{{ :next_arrow.gif?nolink&100 |}}]]	+	long you may even be able to share your insight with other users. GOOD LUCK![[rtd_manual_ch_02_company_setup|{{ :next_arrow_c.gif?nolink&100 |}}]]