Schools are closing, and temperatures are rising: Summer is arriving. As end-users are preparing to leave for the traditional family vacation, here are five (often forgotten) tools to help them work smarter.

1. Keyboard Shortcuts

Help your users save a few mouse clicks by teaching them some Keyboard Shortcuts. You can either distribute the official [Download not found], or distill the shortcuts for common tasks into a distributable format, such as our Quick Start Guide.

2. Function Keys

Save users from repetitious typing by teaching them how to create a custom set of Function Keys. Identify cataloging standards that are free-text, but contain repetitive terms or phrases – like credit line or medium/materials – and use these to create a set for all catalogers to use.

3. Packages

Object Packages have a myriad of uses; basically, any reason a user wants for contextualizing artifacts together. The best feature is that packages can be shared with other users. Conservators can select objects to be moved, and share the package with art handlers, or catalogers can package together records to be reviewed and share them with curators. Check the Gallery Systems’ Community Portal for training materials.

4. Custom Data Entry Forms

Use the Form Designer to setup a data entry screen that follows your cataloging workflow. This will help catalogers to perform data entry with greater ease, without having to find fields on tabs or sub-modules. As a general rule, only build a custom data entry screen for individuals actually performing data entry. However, if a user only needs to review information, either have them use an existing data entry screen or design a custom Crystal Report.

5. Custom List Views

The next time you have a request for a custom Crystal Report, consider whether you can achieve the same results by utilizing the List View Designer. With a little SQL, List Views are a snap to make, and are easier to export into Microsoft Excel than Crystal Report. Remember, helping your end-users to be more productive does not have to be a time sink for yourself.