MusicMaster Blog

by Brian Wheeler

A fantastic feature of MusicMaster Client-Server is the ability to use category groups to set specific rules for your station’s database. For example, if you decide you want to have a specific set of rules that only your current categories would use, you can achieve this by applying rules in a Current Category folder in your rule tree. This allows you to set rules that only apply to the current categories indicated therein, enabling you to quickly apply rules to a group of categories without having to individualize the rules for each category. You can still create individual rules for individual categories, of course, but if there are broad rule applications you’d like to apply to a specific group of categories, Category Groups streamlines the task.

The first step in the process is to define a category group. To do this, go to Library, Categories, or simply right-click on your Info Bar and select Category Groups. You can now select the categories you wish to include in the category group, name the group, and then save your group. The new group will now appear in your rule tree.

Pictured here is a rule tree with several specific category groups. Note: the category groups entitled Music Categories and Non-Music categories will be pre-built in your database.

Using the category groups already in place, you can apply rules to all of your Music categories and a separate set of rules for all of your Non-Music categories if you so choose. In my photo example, this database can now have another set of rules for Currents and Recurrents, and yet another set of rules for Golds can be enforced as well. Perhaps you want to have more relaxed rules for your holiday music? You can do it with ease by using the Category Groups.

Of course, MusicMaster CS still provides all the capabilities of MusicMaster Pro, with the ability to apply rules to all categories, rules isolated by category, the ability to bypass specific categories, and our world-class Optimum Goal Scheduling features.

As always, should you have any questions regarding this great new feature or any others in MusicMaster Pro or MusicMaster CS, your helpful MusicMaster Scheduling Consultants are a phone call or email away!

by Jerry Butler

Everyone is wearing multiple hats these days, efficiency and precision are paramount. MusicMaster CS offers a powerful feature—Automated Tasks—that can streamline multiple processes, ensuring your station runs smoothly with minimal manual intervention.

Understanding Automated Tasks in MusicMaster CS

Automated Tasks in MusicMaster CS allow users to schedule routine operations to occur automatically at specified intervals. These tasks can be configured to run daily, weekly, monthly, or at custom frequency, providing flexibility to meet your station’s unique needs. Here are just a few of the key tasks that can be automated:

• Automatic Scheduling: Automatically generate music logs based on your predefined rules and criteria.
• Exporting Logs to Automation Systems: Seamlessly transfer scheduled logs to your automation system without manual intervention.
• Database Backups: Ensure your data is regularly backed up to prevent loss.
• Reconciliation: Automatically match scheduled logs with actual airplay to identify discrepancies.
• System Maintenance: Automated tasks can manage system maintenance activities, such as purging old data and rebuilding indexes, keeping the database optimized without manual effort.

Benefits of Using Automated Tasks

1. Time Efficiency: By automating routine tasks, programmers can focus on more strategic activities, such as curating content and analyzing audience engagement.
2. Consistency and Accuracy: Automation reduces the risk of human error, ensuring that tasks like scheduling and data backups are performed consistently and accurately.
3. Reliability During Absences: Automated scheduling ensures that your station remains on-air with fresh content, even during holidays or staff absences. This is particularly beneficial for educational institutions during breaks.
4. Enhanced Productivity: With routine tasks handled automatically, staff can allocate their time to creative and value-added activities, enhancing overall productivity.

Today we will run through setting up an Automated task to Auto Schedule.

Implementing Automated Tasks

Setting up Automated Tasks in MusicMaster CS is straightforward:

1. Navigate to the Automated Tasks: Click on the gear icon and select “Automated Tasks” and “Add New Automated Task.”

1. Select the Task: Choose the specific task you wish to automate. In this case, we are choosing “Start Automatic Scheduler.”

1. Set the Frequency: Determine how often the task should run—daily, weekly, or at a custom interval including hour and minute for a start time.

1. Configure Parameters: Click the “Details” button and specify which station or stations you would like to auto-schedule. Once you select a station and move to the station to schedule window on the right, you can configure exactly what you want to schedule.

1. Select what you want to schedule: Choose all or specific categories, special sets, and library query elements you want to schedule. Select all hours or specific hours. These options are just like your auto-scheduler window in the individual station. Once you have made your selections, click OK.

1. You can see in the picture below that we have selected and configured four stations to auto-schedule in this single automated task. Click OK to return to the opening automated task window.

1. Activate the Task: Click Save here and the automated task is ready to go on the schedule you have set. If you’d like to run the task now, click “Run Task Now”

Many programmers use this automated task to have their stations auto-schedule in the middle of the night. When they come into the station in the morning, the logs are ready for them to edit and fine-tune.

By leveraging Automated Tasks in MusicMaster CS, stations can enhance operational efficiency, maintain consistent programming, and ensure reliable performance, all while freeing up valuable time for creative endeavors.

For automated tasks to operate, your station must have the automated task feature enabled on the server. If you are not sure, discuss it with your IT department or operations manager.

If you have questions or would like help setting up an automated task, reach out to your MusicMaster Scheduling Consultant.