Reader is a the user-facing review and decision-support tool in Slate for interacting with Workflows.
Use Reader to:
Organize records into bins that represent stages of a process
Display relevant data, materials, and history for each record
Submit review forms for structured evaluation
Manage user queues for distributed review work
This article covers the Reader layout and navigation. Understand these basics before building a review process.
Navigate Reader
Select Reader from the top navigation bar. While in the Reader, the left-hand menu provides access to the following tools:
Left Hand Navigation | Description |
|---|---|
Home | Return to Reader dashboard |
Browse | View process stages and record counts |
Search | Search and filter records |
Queue | View items assigned to you |
Recent | View recently accessed records (user-specific) |
Share | Share your Reader view (e.g., during team meetings) |
Classify | Model outcomes or group records for planning |
Help | Access documentation and training resources |
Exit | Return to the Slate homepage or record |
Browse
The Browse view displays your bin structure.
Bins represent stages in a process as defined in a Workflow, such as:
New / Unreviewed
In Progress
Needs Follow-Up
Ready for Decision
Completed
Use customized views to filter the displayed records to a specified subset.
Search
The Search view displays records in a list format.
Key functionality:
Search: Quickly locate a specific individual or record
Filter by Stage (Bin): Narrow results to a specific step in the process
Build Query: Send filtered results to the Query tool for reporting or batch actions
Queue-related actions:
+5 / -5: Add or remove five random records from your queue
Add to Queue: Assign selected records for review
Display Copy: View a record without assigning it to your queue
Queue
The Queue view displays records currently assigned to the user for action.
To remove records:
Click Remove from Queue
Select records
Click again to confirm
Queues help distribute work across teams—for example:
Advisors reviewing student alerts
Advancement staff evaluating prospects
Staff processing submitted forms or requests
Queue management can also be automated through workflow rules.
Viewing a Record in Reader
When opening a record, Reader displays a series of tabs along the left side of the page that organize information such as:
Submitted forms or materials
Interaction history
Notes or alerts
Custom data relevant to the process
Users can navigate between tabs to review all relevant context before taking action.
To configure the contents of the tabs shown in the Reader, configure reader tab materials.
Key Actions and Tools
Option | Description |
|---|---|
Add to Queue / Remove from Queue | Assign or remove the record from your workload |
Annotations | Highlight, comment, and add notes to documents |
Review Form / Send to Bin | Submit an evaluation and move the record to the next stage |
Record Snapshot | View history, prior reviews, and activity |
Lookup Record | Open the full record |
Open in New Window | Launch Reader in a separate window |
New Materials Report | Identify updates since last review |
Edit Bin/Queue | Manually update stage or assignment |
Download PDF | Export a printable version of the record |
Review Forms | View previously submitted evaluations |