Variable Center

The Variable Center is a powerful feature in ACENji that allows you to manage dynamic data across your applications. It provides centralized control over variables, user data, and access through Group Sessions and Gate Controllers.

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Overview

The Variable Center enables you to:

• Define Global Variables - Create custom variables that persist across your application
• Manage Group Sessions - Organize users into time-bound sessions for data collection
• Control Access - Use Gate Controllers to manage when and how users can interact with your app
• Store User Data - Collect and manage participant data within group sessions

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Main Components

1. Settings

The Settings section is where you configure your application's variable schema and group sessions.

Feature	Description
Global Variables	Define custom variables for your application (text, number, boolean, datetime, enum types)
Group Sessions	Create time-bound sessions with start/end dates for data collection
Session Schema	Configure which variables each session tracks

Learn more about Settings

2. User Data

The User Data section is where you manage participants and their data within group sessions.

Feature	Description
Participant Management	Add, edit, and remove users from group sessions
Data Entry	View and edit user data for each session variable
Gate Controller Assignment	Connect sessions to gate controllers for access control

Learn more about User Data

3. Gate Controller

The Gate Controller provides advanced access control for your group sessions.

Feature	Description
Time Locks	Restrict access based on date/time windows
Variable Locks	Restrict access based on variable conditions
Precondition Locks	Set prerequisites for user access

Learn more about Gate Controller

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How It Works

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                     VARIABLE CENTER                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                              │
│  ┌──────────────┐    ┌──────────────┐    ┌──────────────┐  │
│  │   Settings   │    │  User Data   │    │    Gate      │  │
│  │              │    │              │    │  Controller  │  │
│  │ • Variables  │───▶│ • Sessions   │◀───│              │  │
│  │ • Sessions   │    │ • Users      │    │ • Time Lock  │  │
│  │ • Schema     │    │ • Data Entry │    │ • Var Lock   │  │
│  └──────────────┘    └──────────────┘    └──────────────┘  │
│                                                              │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Typical Workflow

1. Define Variables in Settings - Create the schema for your data
2. Create Group Sessions - Set up time-bound sessions with start/end dates
3. Configure Gates (optional) - Set up access control rules
4. Add Users - Populate sessions with participants
5. Collect Data - Users interact with your app, data is stored in Variable Center

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Accessing Variable Center

The Variable Center is accessed from the main dashboard:

1. Go to Dashboard
2. Navigate to Account → Variable Center
3. Choose the section you need:
   • Settings - Configure variables and sessions
   • User Data - Manage participants and data
   • Gate Controller - Set up access control

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Use Cases

Research Studies

• Create group sessions for study periods
• Define variables for data collection (responses, timestamps, consent)
• Gate access to specific time windows

Training Programs

• Set up sessions for cohorts
• Track completion status with boolean variables
• Control when participants can access materials

Event Management

• Create sessions for events
• Collect attendee information
• Lock registration after deadlines

Data Collection Campaigns

• Define data schema upfront
• Organize collectors into groups
• Monitor progress through User Data view

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Connecting Elements to Variables

Elements in your application can connect to Variable Center variables through the Connect Tab in the builder.

1. Select an element
2. Open the Connect Tab
3. Choose "Connect to Variable Center"
4. Select the variable to bind

When connected, element values automatically sync with Variable Center data.

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Questions?

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can submit an issue on this platform.

Useful Links:

Settings - https://help.acenji.com/#/./shared-concepts/variable-center/settings/index User Data - https://help.acenji.com/#/./shared-concepts/variable-center/user-data/index Gate Controller - https://help.acenji.com/#/./shared-concepts/gate-controller/index

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