How Activity files work

Learn how the Activity files work in Vernon CMS to help you manage projects and procedures.

Overview

The Activities module consists of 16 datafiles, also known as Activity files. Each file records information about a collection management activity.

The Activities module is an add-on to the core Cataloguing module. The conventions that you will be familiar with, such as using authority files, searching , reporting, and data entry rules, are the same in the Activities module.

This module is most useful for sites with high volumes of exhibitions, loans, conservation, transport, and similar activities.

Procedural control

Each Activity file has its own Procedural Status file which manages the workflow of the activity. For example, the Acquisition Proposal file has a related Acquisition Proposal Procedural Status file. The statuses are available in the Procedural Status field for each Activity record.

Linking to objects

You can link Activity records to their related Object records. You can do this through the Objects & Activities window for an Activity record. You can also start from an Object record and link it to an Activity record.

Linking to other activities

Activity records can be managed as separate functions and can also be linked to each other to reflect their relationship. For example, you can: 

  • Link an Inward Loan record to its Exhibition Venue record.

  • Link a Condition Report record to a Treatment record.

  • Link a Transport/Movement record to an Outward Loan record.

You can do this through the Objects & Activities window for an Activity record.

Common windows in the Activity files

Each Activity file has a unique data entry window, most often named by the Activity file.

All Activity files have common data entry windows: