Has anybody worked out a way to add extra fields to the database which allow additional data to be stored for products. This would be useful as we have lots of fields which are relevant for the site itself but need to be stored with the product info.
 
I can add fields via mysql administrator via odbc however the problem then is how can these fields be updated via the viart interface and also what would happen after each new release would the fields dissapear again.
 
Can anybody help ?
 
Cheers
 
Dave

Sorry that should read which AREN'T relevant for the site

THe short answer is no, the database is hard wired. You can make schema changes using regualr sql tools, but there is no way to assure they will live through a software revision.
 
Viart has an interesting (but in no way intuitive!) way to add specification to products. Rather than explaining how it works, I'' walk through an example. Lets say you are selling tires and you want the database to a width, rim diameter and speed rating.
 
Step 1. Define a Product Type
goto: Administration > Products > Products Types
click: [New Product Type]
 
Name the product 'tire'
 
Step 2: Define Specification Groups.
This step basically defines containers for individial specs. You will define a group for each grouping of specs you want to containerize when rendered on the product pages. For instance, you may have "Size" that will show size, tread width, and overall height. Then another spec group, "Tech Specs" that shows load rating, speed rating, and tread life.
 
goto: Administration > Products > Specification Groups
click: [ New Specification Group ]
Give the group a name - lets say "Tire Specs"
click: [ New Specification Group ]
Give the group a name - lets say "Tech Specs"
 
Step 3: Predefining Specifications
goto: Administration > Products > Products Types
find the product type (Type Name column), click on [Predefined Specification]. Now you should be at the page: Administration > Products > Products Types > tire > Predefined Specification. In the Group Name column, select Size, then in the field below, enter DIAMETER. If you want a selection of predefined specs, enter them in the PREDEFINED VALUES column.
 
Repeat this step for ever spec you want to enter.
 
Step 4: Add the product to your database using the admin interface. While still in the admin interface, navigate to the product category that holds the product. For the product you want to modify, click SPECIFICATION. Fill in the blanks and click UPDATE.
 
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Step 3 isn't mandatory, but if you have a lot of similar products it's worthwhile.
 
Now look at the user side of your site, you should see the specs grouped together as we just defined them.
 
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The way Viart deployed this is quite clever. It's not documented well, nor is it intuitive -- but once you figure it out it's workable.
 
Suggestion: we record these things in using the Manual feature in the admin area. Suggest you do the same as some of these things are hard to remember, so the next time you might be just as stumped as you are now.
 
Hope this helps

Thanks Wazoodle, can't thanks you enough. This will do the trick and I have also figured a quick way of merging data from our current non viart a database by matching the spec field set up in viart with those in our access database.
 
There are many fields e.g size, label id, supplier id, ingredients 1,2,3,4 ....., full ingredints in one field e.g all 1,2,3,4 ...merged for labelling purpose ....the list is endless. We will now be able to merge this also with our lebelling software (bartender) and also with order processing system.
 
LikeI said this is a great tip
 
Cheers
 
Dave
 
p.s I will add to the manual, I wonder what that section was for ! Viart so much is there its just knowing about it

Very helpful wazoodle!

I actually added two fields to the va_items table in the database that I need to calculate shipping with UPS. I was able to alter the Viart code to get the fields to work with importing/exporting items - but now I've gotten stuck trying to get the field values alter the shipping estimates. Guess it's time to brush up on my PHP
 
I don't like hacking ViArt like this because I know it'll be a pain when trying to upgrade, but I really have no choice at the moment

Hi dani,
 
I asked Viart to price this for me.
 
I asked if there could be a function added allowing new fields to be added via the admin area. With the ability to choose the name of the field and also the field type.
 
price $600....which was a bit too much for me although I did post on the forum and nobody was interested.
 
I wonder if 20 fields already named could be added to a sepearte tab in the edit products tab.
 
e.g extrafield_1, extra_field2 and so on...... with the ability to change the static message for each label e.g EXTRA_FIELD_1 = shipping_code etc these could then be merged with any add on functions each Viart user may require them for.
 
This would at least allow us to store data required for additional functions at product level and enable easy data entry too + it would be upgrade proof.
 
I wonder if this would be any cheaper than the previous quote.
 
I have actually added 20 fields today and also 3 extra tables, so I can generate product labels, stock orders and also merge with my courier program. In addition I figured out a way of how to make the fields appear for editing on a edits product tab but changed my mind as i could just see trouble ahead with upgrades. So have instead made forms linked to the tables in viart Microsoft access and connect via odbc.
 
I may decide to pay for this feature once we get up and running.
 
Ah well nobody said it was going to be easy

Hi All,
 
I have been trying this out the hard way, then I found this thread and followed the instructions (well written thanks).
 
I am starting to understand how Viart expects things, but I am still having problems with my task.
 
I specifically need to modify/customize/add fields for the products so that when a USER (not admin) adds their own product for sale, that they go through the fields and select appropriate checkboxes or type text in appropriate label fields.
 
The admin will not be adding the products.
 
Is this possible? looks like I am using 3.3.2 and I can't upgrade to 3.6 because my shared host doesn't support that version of zend.
 
Your help is appreciated!

Hi,
 
I am NOT a programmer but am interested in adding sound samples 30-40 seconds each of CDs we sell to the product descriptions as a new field. Wil the approach you, Wazoodle, outlined above work for that application as well? Can I embed an mp3 player in any of the product fields? Wondered if you or anyone out there has any suggestions....
 
Thanks!