This article describes the variable table features of AccurioPro VDP, and the ability for the software to remove empty or flagged table rows during a merge session. The variable table functionality is available by adding the optional AccurioPro VDP Pro Pack to your configuration.

AccurioPro VDP Pro Pack Module

The AccurioPro VDP Pro Pack Module is an optional add-on module for AccurioPro VDP, which provides a set of utility functions that have been integrated with AccurioPro VDP to perform various variable data tasks. The Pro Pack can be used with any version of AccurioPro VDP, and provides a very powerful set of tools for specific VDP applications. In addition to the built-in features provided by the Pro Pack, you can even develop your own Custom Actions, which truly expand the customization capabilities of the software. Listed below are just some of the features included in the Pro Pack. Please visit the Pro Pack page on our web site for more details.

Collapse Empty Table Rows...

For clients that are producing variable tables, it is often convenient to create them using the InDesign Table feature. Each cell of the table can be filled with variable data imported by AccurioPro VDP. Some clients prefer that when table rows do not contain any variable data, they be removed from the table to create a nice, clean look. This module automatically scans a document before it its printed, and removes empty table rows for tables that have been merged with data from AccurioPro VDP. This feature also allows you to set specific criteria for removing empty table rows. Check out the video below for an example of this powerful new feature.

... and Omit Empty Pages

AccurioPro VDP already supports the flow of variable text across pages in a document, but what about those records that do not include enough text to span across additional pages? In most instances, it is desirable to exclude the pages that do not contain any variable data from the print run. This module assists in the process by automatically detecting such text flows, and marking the page(s) for omission from the variable print stream. Please see the video above for an example of how to use the Frame Action feature provided by the Pro Pack to omit empty pages from the print output.

Tray Break Utility (split variable PDF files based on mailing trays)

For larger bulk mailing jobs, the Tray Break Utility automatically detects all of the Tray Breaks in your data file, then quickly merges (and optionally imposes) the variable PDF files, resulting in a set of press-ready PDF/VT files, optimized and separated for each tray. This powerful feature is sure to speed up the production of even your most complex variable direct mail pieces. Please click here, or see the video below for more details.

Advanced Title Case Conversion

This module performs advanced title case conversion on any variable text string being imported. The module handles simple initial case conversion (JOHN JONES becomes John Jones), but also has a built-in table for handing more complex names, which is nice for the McCormick's and MacDonald's of the world!

Price Parsing Module

Many of the variable jobs encountered by AccurioPro involve variable pricing information. This module provides a method for selectively grabbing just a portion of a particular price. For example, if a client has 2 for 1 pricing, this module allows them to selectively merge just the '2' and the '1' portion of the data independently, allowing for precise styling of this data after import. The price parser module handles many common retail scenarios, including standard and percent-off pricing.

Custom Rule Action Support

For custom Rule Actions, the Pro Pack module serves to expose a set of special programming routines that can be used to totally customize your AccurioPro functionality. All custom Actions are developed using JavaScript (a/k/a Adobe InDesign ExtendScript), and can be triggered by any AccurioPro Rule. Using this approach, the Actions you develop will have access to not only the AccurioPro scripting events, but to all of the Adobe InDesign events as well. This means that you can develop a Rule Action to handle just about any variable data need.

More Information

Please contact the Meadows sales team for more information about the Pro Pack module.