Hi, I'm looking for an automated workflow. We have a folder that PDFs are saved into on our network and I need certain people to be alerted to the fact a new PDF has been put into that folder... prefer also that they maybe have a preview of item put in flash up on screen and stays there until they either close it down or double click on it to open the PDF. We are all on macs, mostly snow leopard but some leopard. Is there one made, or can someone make one? Regards, Tim

Hi Tim,

Folder Manager X is used for batch creating folders, not for watching folders.

One option for the task you've described would be to use Automator to create a "Folder Action" workflow. You would create a workflow that displays an alert, and then attach it to the desired folder, to run automatically whenever the contents of the folder changes. You can learn more about Folder Action workflows in one of my articles for Apple, which you can find in the Tips section of my website here... http://www.automatedworkflows.com/tips/users/apple/apple.html. My Automator book covers Folder Actions too... http://www.automatedworkflows.com/books/automator_vqs10.6.html.

If Automator won't meet your needs, then a custom AppleScript could be written to perform the desired task. If you're interested in hiring someone to develop something for you, please feel free to submit your request via my website, and I'll be happy to provide you with information about my consulting services http://www.automatedworkflows.com/contact/requestconsult.html.

Regards,

-Ben

Hi Ben, thanks for getting back, I tried your article on Apple but got stuck at step 3 ... couldn't find Preview Category... but basically it pretty much suits what we need... maybe a few tweaks... I'll use the request consultation feature on your site. Regards, Tim

Ah, yes. The article was written for Automator in Mac OS X 10.4.x Tiger. In Leopard and Snow Leopard, Automator has undergone a number of interface changes. One of those changes is that, by default, actions are no longer listed by application. Rather, they are listed by category. So, preview actions would be found in the "Photos" category. You could also configure Automator to list actions by category by choosing "View > Arrange Actions By > Category" from the menu bar.

I'll reply to you off-forum regarding your email.

Regards,

-Ben

Depending on how large the deployment. This would only be feasible with a small amount of computers.

In each computers Users folder, there is a 'Public' folder

In that folder is another called 'Drop Box'

Duplicate that folder. Change the name of the folder to 'Required' etc. Whatever suits your needs.

Create a folder action for each of them (with a folder action that works with the corresponding OS 10.4, 10.5, 10.6)

In 10.6 you can do as follows:



Folder action receives files and folders added to

Add the action

Add the action
(make sure to add relevant text to both fields)

This method is quick and dirty, and intrusive.

You might also consider using a triggered action in mail. Then you can email eveyone who needs the document. When it appears in their inbox, then an applescript lauches the application and displays the document.

Im sure Ben has much better options.

Cheers!
Bo