In this article, we will walk you through the steps on how to replace your template with a new template in Spectora. This is particularly applicable to anyone who is affected by the template deletion on 11/6/2023.
For anyone looking for a visual guide, take a look at this video:
There are two main ways to replace your template:
1. Import from a spreadsheet: This is the best way to ensure you are not starting from a very early starting point. Importing an existing template from a spreadsheet will provide you with the information and flow you know.
2. Import from the Template Center: This is the easiest way to replace your template, but it also means starting with an unfamiliar template. It is a great way if you'd like to start fresh.
Importing from the Template Center
To import a template from the Template Center, follow these steps:
Go to the Templates page in Spectora
Click the Template Center in the top right corner.
Browse the templates, there are both ones directly from Spectora or others shared by other inspectors. All of these are available for use!
To see if you like a template, hit Preview to view it in depth.
Once you have found a template, hover over it and select the Add Template button.
This will automatically add it to your templates and allow you to begin inspecting.
Importing from a spreadsheet
To import a template from a spreadsheet, follow these steps:
If you have an export provided from the report deletion email, you already have an export in the right format ready to be added in.
Remember, all comment descriptions that have been removed from that template are highlighted in yellow.
These comments can be rewritten either in the export or in the template editor after uploading.
When you are ready to upload, select the three dots in the top right corner > Add Templates.
Select the Import from Spreadsheet option.
Select the export file you created and click the Import button.
That is all you need to do! Give the editor a minute or two then refresh your page to see your new template. Import will be in the name for you to find it.
While importing your template brings over the large majority of your work, there are some things you need to set up:
Template Settings
Template settings are not automatically brought over when you import a new template. To copy template settings, follow these easy steps:
Go to the Templates page in Spectora.
Click the three dots in the top right corner of your template editor.
Select Copy Template Settings.
Select the template you want to copy the settings from and which one to move them to.
Click the Copy button
The copy tool brings over many things, but the following sections and item settings need to be adjusted manually by clicking the pencil icon next to the Section or Item:
Sections:
Overview grid (on/off)
Which sections are optional
The section icon (the photo that shows up next to it.)
Items:
Info only options
Optional include
Setting your new template as your default
Once you have imported your new template, you need to connect it to your services.
Setting the template as default for your services: If you use Spectora for scheduling, you need to set the new template as the default for your services. To do this, go to the Settings > Services and Fees page and select the new template for each service.
Mapping the template to your ISN integration: If you use the ISN integration, you need to map the new template to your ISN services. To do this, go to the Settings page, select System Integrations, and hit Setup on ISN. On the last page, you will see the Template Mappings section. Map the new template to your ISN services and click the Enable Integration button.
Updating existing inspections
If you have existing inspections that are scheduled with your previous template, you may want to update them to use the new template. To do this, go to the inspection and click the three dots by the report then delete. Then, click the Add Report button and select the new template.
Conclusion
Once you have followed these steps, your new template will be ready to use. If you have any questions, please contact Spectora support.
If you have any questions or feedback, write into our chat bubble or email support@spectora.com!
