The purpose of this article is to unpack the steps of how to manage and maintain the Master Display Structure (MDS) in the DotActiv software.
Applicable Products: DotActiv Enterprise
Ensure that you are working on a database before continuing with the following steps.
To log in to a database, open the DotActiv software. Select the applicable configuration, untick the ‘No Database’ box, enter the relevant details, and click ‘OK’, as seen below.
The purpose of the Master Display Structure is to create consistency when it comes to classifications. It is also a tool that ensures classifications are done more efficiently and seamlessly. It helps to ensure that inaccurate classifications can be identified and corrected within the database on a Primary or Secondary level.
In the following steps, we will show you how to view and maintain the Master Display Structure fields of the database that you are logged on to.
Viewing The Master Display Structure
Step 1: Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Data’ tab, and click on ‘Master Display Structure’ which is found in the Tools section of the ribbon.
You will be presented with the ‘Master Display Structure’ window, as seen below.
Maintaining The Master Display Structure
Here you will be able to make changes to the display structure. As seen in the gif below, you are able to fill in the blank fields. For the populated fields, you can choose a different classification from a drop-down menu.
Any changes made will be displayed in red.
If there are rows within the Master Display structure that are already highlighted in red, this means that it is an invalid path and the classifications need to be reviewed, as seen below:
If there are rows, on the other hand, that are highlighted in orange, this means that there are no products associated with them, as seen below:
If you’d like to add a new structure, you can click on the ‘Add New’ button and the following window will appear. From each of the fields, you can select a relevant option from the drop-down menu next to it. Once you’re happy, click ‘OK’. This is also relevant if you are setting up a new Master Display Structure, as you will add classifications here that will reflect when you classify new product lines by your Data View:
You can also delete selected levels from the grid where the first column is checked, by clicking on ‘Delete Selected’ as seen below.
You can also search the ‘Product Library which is accessible on the right-hand side of the window. If you click on ‘Search’ the following window will appear.
Once you are happy with the changes you have made, you can update the database.
How To Remove The Restriction Of Classifying According To The Master Display Structure
If you’d like to make use of your own classification and remove the restriction of classifying according to the drop-down suggestions when working in the Master Display Structure, you can set this in your application settings.
To do so, navigate to ‘File’, then click on ‘Setup’, and lastly, ‘Application Settings’. Here you will be able to make the relevant changes by clicking on ‘Master Display Structure’ and unticking the relevant box.
Alternatively, if you do enforce the Master Display Structure by ticking the box as displayed above, you can classify according to the MDS in your Data View. This will allow you to select existing classification fields from all levels of the Master Display Structure – including Category, Sub Category, Segment, and Sub Segment. This makes classifications more standardized and improves the quality and time taken when completing classifications.
Please note that you will not be able to add additional fields on your Data View when classifying while the Master Display Structure is enforced, for example, a new product flavour if it is not already on the Master Display Structure.
If the steps listed above do not work for you, please log a ticket for our IT Support team who is always willing to assist.