Some publications will stick to a design-first workflow, and others will take a content-first approach, but the beauty of InCopy really shines when InCopy and InDesign users work together in a real-time parallel workflow instead of a linear workflow. By working in parallel, an editor doesn't have to wait for a designer to finish a layout before a story can be edited. Similarly, a designer doesn't have to wait for an editor to finish editing a story before a last-minute advertisement can be placed. Different departments can work on the same layout at the same time and the LiveEdit Workflow plug-ins (or a third-party system) negotiate the check-in/check-out and all the updates (Figure 9.3).
Figure 9.3. A parallel workflow allows design and editorial departments to work together on different pieces of the same layout at the same time.
Here's an outline of what a parallel workflow might look like:A common file server is established so that all users, regardless of geographic location, computer platform (Mac and Windows), or role, have access to the same set of files.Everybody agrees on a naming convention for files, including InDesign layouts (.indd), InCopy stories (.incx), and InCopy assignments (.inca). Using consistent filenames helps ensure that users work on the right files. A standard file organization scheme is also important so users know where to find the files they need.A parallel workflow starts like a design-first workflow (see the section "Design-first Workflow" earlier in this chapter) in that the InDesign user creates templates or draft layouts and then exports InCopy stories and assignments for the InCopy users.InCopy users open either an InDesign layout or an InCopy assignment, check out stories, and write and edit as needed. InCopy users can open the InCopy stories in stand-alone mode, but they don't have the benefits of copyfit calculations or page visualization. InCopy assignments are usually the ideal compromise between opening large InDesign layouts an d stand-alone InCopy stories.The real-time collaboration enabled by the appendix A. The LiveEdit Workflow plug-ins function as designed, but they are intended for smaller workgroups of 2-10 users. Performance will suffer if you have too many users participating in a LiveEdit Workflow on one server.Ensure that all InCopy and appendix C for a list of InCopy training partners. You should also check out the InCopy video training series recorded for Chapter 8).As you may know, the Macintosh and Windows operating systems use different authentication and permission systems. Without third-party server or client-side software to help mitigate these issues, you're likely to encounter file-locking and file-access issues using InCopy in a mixed-platform environment. Some possible solutions include purchasing and installing software on a Windows server, such as Extreme ZIP from Group Logic ([www.grouplogic.com/products/extreme/overview.cfm]) or AdmitMac from Thursby Software ([www.thursby.com]). Both solutions support both Mac networking protocols (AFP and SMB) and mitigate resource-fork issues. Another option is to purchase and install Macintosh client software such as Dave from Thursby Software to help Macintosh clients play well with Windows servers.Adobe's Expert Support program offers a subscription-based support contract for various sized organizations. The Solutions Expert for Workgroups plan contract is a great option at a reasonable price. Expert Support plans also offer direct access to trained Adobe workflow specialists via extended phone hours, web case submissions, and unlimited toll-free phone calls. Learn more at [www.adobe.com/support/expert_support] and purchase an Expert Support annual plan by calling 866-MYADOBE (866-692-3623).Communicate. It might sound silly, but in all our years of experience, the pitfalls of new workflows usually have more to do with poor communication between team members than with technical problems.The scenarios outlined in this chapter aren't the only way to work with InCopy and InDesign, but they do a good job of summarizing the options. You understand the history, staff, and deadlines of your publication better than anybody else, so take what you've learned from this chapter and find the right combination for your workflow.
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