AutoPrice ODBC XTensions Module

The AutoPrice™ ODBC software module for QuarkXPress® and Adobe® InDesign® allows the AutoPrice software to communicate directly with most SQL-compliant database systems. This eliminates the need to provide an intermediate, “flat-file” data extract, and also provides true bi-directional database connectivity for your document pages.

How it Works

The system has a very flexible design – Users construct their own SQL query statements and save them as “fragments”. Fragments can be created using any text editor, but we also provide a built-in fragment editor that lets you create, modify, and test your fragments without leaving QuarkXPress.

Each SQL fragment is constructed to query a database and retrieve a discrete piece of information. The information returned by the query may be text or picture information (picture information is returned as filename or full path to an image file that exists on an available storage volume). Fragments may also be constructed using a pre-defined list of "replaceable parameters" that will be substituted with relevant data just before the query is submitted to the database. A sample query is presented below:

Select ItemPrice from <TABLE_1> where ItemNumber='<SEARCH_KEY>'

In the above sample query,< SEARCH_KEY> and <TABLE_1> are replaceable parameters. The <SEARCH_KEY> parameter will be replaced with the actual search key value (typically, a product SKU) that has been attached to the AutoPrice placeholder currently being processed. The <TABLE_1> parameter will be replaced with whatever the user has identified as the name of the database table to query (this is defined in the globals section of the Replaceable Parameters setup). The “translated” query (that is, the query that is actually submitted to the database once the replaceable parameters have been substituted by AutoPrice) might look something like this:

Select ItemPrice from USPriceTable where ItemNumber='J16-084'

The above query, if successful, would return the U.S. price for the product associated with SKU J16-084. This price would be inserted into the document, replacing the text that had been there previously.

Lots of Links

One or more of the SQL fragments are attached to AutoPrice placeholders inside of the document, and there is virtually no limit to the number of placeholder links that can be placed on a document page (well, there actually is a limit, but it's somewhere in the thousands - we never actually bothered to count them). When the document is updated, AutoPrice will substitute any of the replaceable parameters that were used in the query, and then submit the fully composed query for each placeholder to the currently selected database. The data returned by the query will then replace the existing data inside of the QuarkXPress or InDesign document.

Easy to De-Bug

The ODBC module allows you to test your queries using sample data without leaving the dialog window. In addition, if you enable the special “debug mode”, the ODBC dialog window will be displayed each time a query is about to be submitted to the database. This effectively lets you step through an AutoPrice update session, verifying each and every query that is submitted. Turn off debug mode and the session will continue normally, without prompting.

Flat-File Updates Available Too

You can instantly switch from ODBC to flat-file update mode with one menu selection. In flat-file mode, AutoPrice queries a database extract file rather than a database system. This means that last-minute changes (such as pricing) which may be supplied from a separate business system can be incorporated quickly, without the need to modify any of the AutoPrice links inside of the QuarkXPress or InDesign document.

Works with Most Database Systems

The AutoPrice ODBC module requires the use of third-party software drivers. The recommended drivers are different for Macintosh OS 9 and OS X systems.

Macintosh OS 9 Systems

For OS 9 systems, we recommend the software drivers developed by DataDirect Technologies, and distributed by Datavations.com. These software drivers must be purchased separately. Click here for more information about obtaining the appropriate ODBC driver software for your Macintosh OS 9 system.

Macintosh OS X Systems

For OS X systems, we recommend the software drivers developed by OpenLink Software, Inc. These software drivers must be purchased separately. Click here for more information about obtaining the appropriate ODBC driver software for your Macintosh OS X system.