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'SHOWMAN' is an integrated suite of programmes designed for use as a Show Organiser, Exhibition Organiser or Event Organiser - ie; any occasion where Entrants or Entries are organised into (possibly competitive) Groups.

ShowMan can be 'User Set' to allow it to be used with records that use from 3 to 8 fields plus an optional 'Age' field which makes it suitable for use in many types of events. The 'Event Name' and Group Name' can also be user set.

These notes are a brief summary of the capabilities of the programs - the Help File and 'Online' manuals available when the program has been installed describe the features in much more detail.

Please also see the 'Frequent Questions' Page. As I get feedback, I will add Questions and Answers on that page.

The Suite

SHOWMAN is a set of 12 or so programs, which form an integrated suite. These programs allow the process of organising and controlling a 'Show', 'Display', 'Exhibition' or 'Competition' to be carried out on a Computer running the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Although these programs were developed for use in one Section of a large 'Annual Show', they are sufficiently varied and flexibile in setting up to be adapted to a wide range of Displays, Exhibitions or Competitions, where people exhibit or display things in 'Classes', 'Groups' or 'Collections', which may be competitive, and where Trophies and Money Prizes may be awarded.

In particular, users can set up their own choice of words to be used in place of the words 'Show', 'Class' and Classes' wherever these words appear ON SCREEN or in Reports created by the programmes. This makes the program suitable for use as a Show Manager, Exhibition Manager or Event Manager. See 'Suite Setup' below.

The words 'Show' and 'Class' and 'Classes' are used in Manuals and Help file, but should be taken to mean any of the alternatives mentioned above, and could relate to many diverse activities.

This suite is suitable for processing small to medium size shows in their entirety, but for larger multi-section Shows, it would be preferable for each section to have a separate copy of this suite on its' own PC, as much of the work - making entries, processing class cards, producing Schedules or Catalogues, entering winners, processing results, etc; would be very difficult on one machine, as the work tends to peak at certain times, and often completely different persons organise and run the different sections.

• In the case of a large Show with one organiser, the Multiple Section version of Showman would be ideal.

The organisation of a 'Show', 'Exhibition' or similar Event is a complex and varied task. One of the main objectives in the design of these programs has been to provide a lot of flexibility. Although these programs form an 'integrated' system, it is NOT necessary to use ALL of them at any time. They can be used progressively as described in detail in the Help file. As users gain in confidence and understanding they can build up to more intensive use as described.

Shows and Show Organisation.

The Author of these programs has been associated with Stithians Show for some years. This Show is described elsewhere on this web site.

It has around 13 'major' Sections. eg; Domestic, Horticulture, Show Jumping, Dog Show, etc;. Each Section in this Show has its' own Secretary.

There are large differences between the various 'Major Sections' of the 'Show'. Each one produces its own Schedules, since the Officials, the Number of Classes, Rules, Judges, Entry Fees, Prizes and Prize Money, etc, etc; vary considerably from Section to Section.

The Section with which the Author is associated has about 120-150 'Classes' each year, and it attracts approximately 1200 -1800 ENTRIES from around 300 - 400 different ENTRANTS.

These programs provide the user with many options in respect of Data Processing, Output Formats, Data Checking, and Results Analysis. In particular, these programs provide numerous options for the production of output files to be used in the creation of 'Schedules' and 'Catalogues', if this is required.

The evaluation programs are restricted to 20 Classes, 12 Entries per Class, and 200 Entries in total. The 'Address' module will allow data files of up to 20 records.

'Single Section' Registered versions of the suite will handle ONE Section, with up to 999 Classes of up to 400 Entrants per Class, and the number of Address records is unimited.

• The 'Multiple Section' version will support up to 31 Sections with the same limits

A set of 'sample' data and configuration files are installed from the distribution disks/downloads, and you can use them to explore the features of the suite. Back them up FIRST, using the built-in Backup routines, so that you can copy them back and reuse them until you feel comfortable with the programs. The files concerned are all of the files that were installed in the 'TipFiles', 'Data', 'InfoFiles' and 'SchedCat' sub-folders of the 'ShowData' folder.

It would be a good idea to also back up the files 'ADDRESS.CFG', 'CCARDS.CFG'' and 'SHOWMAN.CFG' which will be in the 'ShowData' folder, and the file 'Showman.Cfg' in the 'Showman 2' folder.

When using the programs for your own event, you can use the 'Backup' options within the program, and you can also do this with the sample files as you experiment.

A Summary of the Programs and Files in this Suite, and their Purpose.

N.B. ALL programmes (except the manuals button, which opens a sigle page) have an icon panel down the left hand side, providing access to the various pages (screens) within that programme.

All programmes (except the manuals button, which opens a sigle page) have from 2 to 7 pages (screens) of routines and options

Suite Programme Integrator Screen

All programs are accessed from one 'Integrator' Window. Icons on the left hand edge of this page will cause one of four panels to appear across the top half of the window. Each of these panels carry three of four Icons, each of which will open one of the routines in Showman. The Icons on each panel are grouped (roughly) in accordance to their function in the suite.

View Main Integrator (Main Menu) Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

In addition to the usual standard Windows 'Help' file, accessible on the Help menu at the top of the screen, there are a number of 'Brief' manuals available from a 'button' on the Integrator screen, and also from the Suite Editor menu. These manuals describe the more important aspects of the programs. They can be viewed on-screen, printed and even edited.

Full Manual Button

This button will open a FULL manual about ShowMan - this manual is in '.pdf' format, so you will need a suitable PDF reader programme installed (eg Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader).

• There is also a button to open the 'Setting Up Showman' manual, as incorrect setting up can cause errors in the way Showman works for YOU!

The following items list the programs as they appear on the four programme Groups accessed from the Program 'Integrator' (Main Menu) screen, via the four 'Icons' on the left hand side of the screen.

Group 1 - Preparation of Supporting Data

Names and Addresses Program.

This program stores the Names, and Addresses of prospective and past entrants together with their Telephone Numbers, Numbers of Schedules to be sent, Last Year Entered and Method of Delivery of Schedules.

View Address Data Entry Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

Yout can print SINGLE, SELECTED or ALL address records, either on Labels or Envalopes so that you can mail prospective entrants. You can print in small 'Batches' if you prefer. It also prints a 'Summary List' of the stored data.

This program can also relate the Address database to the Show 'Entrants' database, making it easier to update the 'Last Year of Entry' field.

Class Titles (Class Names) Program.

This program handles the Class Titles for the 'Groups' or 'Classes' in the Show/Exhibition. The titles are stored in the database and are used by several other programs, as well as in Schedules and Catalogues. The Titles list may also be printed out if required.

View Titles opening Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

Each Title can contain UP TO 6 lines and 320 characters.

Class Entries Program.

This program handles the Entrants and the Entries in the various 'Groups' or 'Classes'. All records are stored in the database. Although the 'Entries' records are not stored on a 'By Class' basis, the programmes in the suite will present the data as if it were and any displayed 'Classes' are named 'CLASSxxx where the XXX will be the used class number, from 1 up to a maximum of 999.

View 'Edit Entrants' Data Entry and Edit Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

New Entrants are added via the above screen, and you can also EDIT details of any Entrants already in your database.

Making Entries

You can place entries into the Class Files 'By Class', or 'By Person'. The latter method is a quick and powerful way of making the entries. For both methods you must use the Entrants records added via the 'Edit Entrants' Data Entry and Edit Screen'. This avoids you having to type the data again and helps to avoid errors.

View 'By Class' Data Entry Screen  (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

View 'By Person' Data Entry Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

This program also has a page where you can directly edit database records, delete Entrants (and Entries if any) and also correct various errors.

View 'Database Edit' Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

You can also use one of several 'Class Card' numbering schemes, and preset up to 20 frequently used Names of Towns or Clubs, to simplify using the 'Edit Entrants' Data Entry and Edit Screen '.

Class Cards Program.

View Class Cards Main Screen  (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

If they are required, this program allows you to print Class Cards in Alphabetical Order of Entrant, or Class by Class, either on adhesive labels, or on thin card. You can use Headers, Footers and Logos on the cards.

You can also print class cards with just an ID Number in a VERY LARGE font - suitable for race meetings and similar events.

View Class Cards Label Layout Screen  (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

Group 2- Processing Winners, Trophies and Money Prizes

Winners Program

This program allows all 'Winners' to be entered on a 'Class by Class' basis. Multiple winners are allowed in a Class (eg Several Firsts, etc;), and up to NINE levels of prize.

View Winners Win Position Entry Screen  (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

You can also 'flag' Special Prize winners, and print lists of these. (Up to six Special Prize categories).

Trophies Program.

After winners have been entered, this program then computes the Points won by the 'Winners' in respect of the various Cups and Trophies to be awarded. You can set up the program so that up to 50 trophies can be processed, for any arrangement of classes.

View Trophies Main Screen  (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

You can have two points options - SAME points for ALL Classes or Different Points for EACH TROPHY.

Money Prizes Program.

This program calculates the prize money won by the prize winners and provides two printouts - a summary list, and a detailed list. The winners MUST have been entered via the 'Winners' program.

You can set up so that variable amounts of prize money can be used for different class groupings, and can set for various currency symbols and their placement.

View 'Money Prizes for One Person' Screen  (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

Group 3- Schedule and Catalogue Production, Entrants and Entries Lists, and Database Maintenance

Editor Program

This programme is a fairly powerful Word Processor, with special additional features to permit production of Schedules and/or Catalogues. It can handle files of any size, and provides text formatting features like a WordProcessor.

Facilities are available to 'Import' or 'Insert' the Class Titles, Class Listings, Entrants Lists, Entries Lists as well as any other files you wish, directly into the document.

View Schedule/Catalogue Editor Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

You can Save any file (or selected part) as Plain Text (ASCII), Microsoft Word format, or as Rich Text (see below). You can also Open or Import files in these formats.

From the manu bar you can load, view, print or edit all of the small 'manuals' distributed with 'ShowMan' and you can also IMPORT the various RESULTS and ANALYSES produced by other routines in the suite.

View Editor with a Brief Manual (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

One special feature of the editor is its' ability to directly INSERT Class Titles and Class Listings into the document being edited.

View Editor INSERT Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

Entrants and Entries Lists Program.

The program produces a summary 'List of Entrants' (split by sub-Section if required), intended for inclusion in the draft 'Show Catalogue', and can be so placed manually, or automatically by using a 'merge' or 'import' option from the 'Template' or 'Editor' program.

View Entrants List etc; Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

You can also produces a 'Consolidated' List of Entrants to make it easy for users to check the data for errors like spelling mistakes and names for one Entrant entered in several different formats. (Once found, the 'View and Maintain' feature of the Index maintenance program is an easy way to correct the errors). It is essential to correct such errors if you intended to use the WINNERS, TROPHIES and MONEY programs.

You can also create a 'Brief Catalogue' for use by your Stewards on the day(s) of the Show. This file contains ONLY the Class Titles and Class Entry Listings.

A third List of Entrants is also created, based on records from the Address file, which you could also use in your Catalogue if you wish.

It also produces a list of Entrants in Alpha order, together with their entries in each Class that they have entered. This can be used for reference or error checking.

Database Maintenance and Print.

This Maintenance program allows you to prepare the database file 'SHOWMAN.MDB' for use in the NEXT Show (by removing certain OLD records relating to your PREVIOUS Show.

View 'Database Maintain and Prepare' Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

You can also 'Compact' or 'Rewrite' the database, or print out the Entrants records.

When you carry out any 'operation' on the Database, a 'local' backup is AUTOMATICALLY made so that you can go back to the LAST backed up copy, in the event of a problem.

Group Page 4- Backup, Restore, General Setup and Section Setup

File Backup Program.

This option allows you to 'BACK UP' ALL of your Data and Configuration files. You can set (and save) the drive and optional folder to be used for BACKUP/RESTORE operations

View 'Backup' Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

File Restore Program.

This option allows you to 'Restore' ALL of your Data and Configuration files.

View 'Restore' Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

General Setup Program.

This program allows you to 'set up' various options that apply throughout the suite.

View 'General Setup' Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

In particular, users can set up their OWN CHOICE of words to be used by the programmes in place of the words 'Show', 'Class' and Classes' wherever these words appear ON SCREEN or in Reports created by the programmes.

You can set the Units of Measurement to 'inches' or 'centimeters', and you can set up the Page Margins for printing from all routines except the Suite Editor which has it's own Page Setup facility.

You can set the Name of the Single Section to your preference. If you have a 'Multiple Section' version, you can CREATE Additional Sections (up to 30).

You can enable/disable some standard warning messages.

Section Setup Program

This program allows you to 'set up' various options that apply at SECTION level. This includes the Number of Classes in each Section and so on.

View 'Section Setup' Screen (May take 10 - 15 seconds on 56k modem systems)

You can also set up the field HEADINGS for your data fields, and set how many fields 3 to 8, each Section will use.

You can also set up fonts to be used for use ON SCREEN, and for 'Imported/Inserted' items like Titles, Class Listings and Entrants Lists and Brief Catalogues.

Another item allows you to set how many fields will be used in Inserted items like Class Listings and Brief Catalogues.

Another page enables you to set the tabulation of results lists that will be imported into the Editor.

More Information on ShowMan

• Go back to the ShowMan Main Page and download the Showman 'Full' manual.

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