Built In Traffic System Instructions

Section 22: Built In Traffic System Instructions

The NextKast OnAir built-in traffic system allows you to schedule and manage commercials directly within the NextKast environment. This feature simplifies traffic management by integrating it into your existing automation workflow, making it easier to organize, schedule, and track commercial content.

Enabling the Built-In Traffic System

1. Go to Settings:
   • Navigate to the Settings screen in NextKast.
2. Enable the Built-In Traffic Scheduler:
   • Select the Advanced tab.
   • Check the box for Use NextKast Built-In Traffic Scheduler to enable the traffic system.

Setting Up Traffic in Your Rotations

1. Insert Playlist Macros:
   • In any rotation where you want to schedule traffic, right-click and select Insert Playlist Macro.
   • Choose Merge External Traffic to set the duration of the break.
   • Select the category where your traffic ads are stored (e.g., “Ad 60”).
   • Click Insert to add the macro to the rotation.
2. Define Commercial Breaks:
   • Set up multiple breaks by specifying their duration and the associated ad category.
   • For example, you might create a 4-minute break using the “Ad 60” category.

Adding and Editing Commercials

1. Add Commercials to a Category:
   • Navigate to your Categories screen and select the category where you want to add commercials (e.g., “Ad 60”).
   • Click to add commercials to the selected category.
2. Edit Commercial Details:
   • Double-click on any commercial to open the Traffic Edit Window.
   • In the edit window, set various details, including:
     • Name: Enter the commercial name.
     • Customer Name and Number: Assign the commercial to a customer and specify their number.
     • Reconcile Payment: Mark when a payment is received.
     • Sales Order Number: Add an order number for accounting purposes.
     • Competitive Codes: Enter a code (e.g., “Home Improvement”) to prevent commercials with the same code from playing back-to-back in the same set.
3. Schedule Commercials:
   • Set the number of times a commercial should play by selecting the desired play count for specific time slots (e.g., between 6 AM and 8 AM).
   • Set the date range for the commercial by choosing the start and end dates (e.g., March 26 to March 31).
   • Click Save to store the commercial’s schedule and details.

Managing Commercial Playback and Reconciliation

1. View Scheduled Commercials:
   • Double-click on any commercial in the traffic list to view its details.
   • The system displays:
     • Booked: The total number of plays requested.
     • Scheduled: The number of plays scheduled for the current week.
     • Played: The playback history of the commercial.
2. Reconcile Payments:
   • After commercials have aired, review the playback history.
   • Select all commercials for which payment has been received.
   • Apply payment by entering the check number or transaction details.
   • The system will record that the commercials have been paid.

Commercial Played Reports

• PDF Export for Auditing Commercials Played:
  • When auditing commercials played during a date range using NextKast’s internal traffic, you can export a PDF report.
  • How to Generate a Report:
    • Set the desired date range in the traffic management screen.
    • Click on the Export button to generate a PDF report of the times and dates the commercials were played.

Tips for Using the Built-In Traffic System

• Use Competitive Codes: To avoid conflicts, use competitive codes to prevent commercials from the same industry or category from playing consecutively.
• Monitor Scheduling: Regularly check the Scheduled and Played counts to ensure commercials are airing as planned.
• Reconcile Promptly: Keep your records up to date by reconciling payments immediately after they are received.

By following these instructions, you can effectively manage your station’s commercials using NextKast’s built-in traffic system, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.