Transitioning to Specify 7 may require making some small changes to your database and workflows. Some features in Specify 6 are not yet available in Specify 7, but the Specify development team is diligently working on improving Specify 7 to meet users’ needs. This document outlines how to prepare your database for the transition, as well as the changes users should expect after moving to Specify 7.
Before moving to Specify 7
Update to version 6.8.03: For compatibility with Specify 7, your database must be updated to version 6.8.03.
Check for unsupported data: The Projects table does not exist in Specify 7, so in order to preserve Projects data, it must be exported. Then, you can store it outside of Specify or use Batch Edit to upload it to a text field.
Export WorkBench Data Sets: Data Sets from Specify 6 are not transferred to Specify 7. You can export your Specify 6 data sets and upload them to Specify 7, but the mapping will not be preserved.
Accessory Applications
Specify 7 does not have the accessory applications included in the Specify 6 installation. Instead, it has built-in tools and workflows to replace the following applications:
| Application | Workflow |
|---|---|
| SpBackupRestore | Specify 7 has a Database Backup tool. If needed, backups must be restored externally |
| SpiReport | Label and report definitions can be downloaded from App Resources and uploaded to Jaspersoft for editing |
| DataExporter | Data can be exported using the DataExporter and RSS Feed tools |
| FileSplitter | Spreadsheets must be split externally |
Interface Changes
User Tools: Tools for database administration, customization, and exports are available in the User Tools menu, which can be opened by clicking on your username in the Navigation Menu.
Navigation Menu: Unlike in Specify 6, the navigation menu in Specify 7 is on the left side of the screen by default. Menu items and the location of the menu can be configured in Preferences.
App Resources: App Resources include things like form definitions, field formatters, and table formats, and label definitions, which dictate the appearance and behavior of Specify. These files can be imported, exported, and edited directly in the application from the App Resources page.
Data Entry Forms: Many subviews on forms are minimized by default in Specify 7. Some field types, such as textarea, also look and behave slightly different. Additionally, the appearance of subviews and the behavior of autonumbering, carry forward, and label generation can be configured in the Form Meta menu.
Field Formats: Formatted fields are not read-only, and leading zeros are displayed for numeric field formats.
Trees: In Specify 7, tree editing tools are located at the top of the tree viewer instead of the side.
Workflow Adjustments
WorkBench: Some features in the Specify 7 WorkBench work differently than in Specify 6.
- Each data set must have a base table, which is the main table data will be uploaded to.
- Dates must always use the format defined in Remote Preferences.
- Columns must be reordered in the data editor instead of the field mapper.
- Auto-fill cat # is not available.
- Form view is not available.
Reports and Labels:
- Reports and labels cannot be run directly from query results. Instead, create a record set and select it in the Record Sets dialog from the Reports page.
- Label and report definitions are not automatically updated when their associated query is updated.
- Reports are always generated as a PDF.
- Labels cannot be generated based on a preparation count amount.
Batch Identify: The Batch Identify tool is not available in Specify 7. Instead, use the WorkBench to create new Determinations.
Batch Edit: To create a Batch Edit data set, create a query with the appropriate base table and click Batch Edit.
Plugins: Plugins must be accessed using the Query Builder, WorkBench, or Data Entry forms.
Import Schema: The Specify 7 Schema Config does not enable importing a schema.
Queries: Search Synonyms feature is not available.
Preparation identifiers: Only catalog numbers can be used to identify Collection Objects for interactions.
Editing Query Combo Boxes: Query combo boxes can be customized using type searches and table formats.
After moving to Specify 7
User permissions: User permissions from Specify 6 are not transferred to Specify 7. Permissions must be granted to users in Security and Accounts.
If you experience any difficulty with the transition, the Speciforum and Specify Support team are available for guidance and troubleshooting.
The article Getting Started with Specify outlines helpful documentation related to all aspects of Specify 7.
If you have any questions, feel free to create a new topic in Get Help or you can send an email to support@specifysoftware.org.