What is BLUE?
BLUE Software simplifies the complexity around label and artwork development and deployment for both small and large enterprises worldwide. Our SaaS-based collaboration and workflow tools unlock hidden opportunities for cost savings within each stage of the label and artwork management process and improve efficiency KPIs including speed-to-market, sales lift, and regulatory compliance for our consumer brands, retail, pharmaceutical, and medical device clients.
BLUE’s SaaS label and artwork management applications simplify the label and packaging process through automated workflow templates, online proofing tools, and digital asset management. BLUE provides users total control over managing workflows (projects, schedules, approval cycles, and tasks) and accessing the digital images and files that are critical to the success of any organization.
BLUE stores and organizes information in a secure system built according to the business requirements and workflows of an organization. As a SaaS application, BLUE runs from within a web browser and requires no end-user setup, making it simple to use and accessible from anywhere in the world.
Logging in
Log into BLUE with your username and password into any supported web browser. You don’t need any other apps or plug-ins, so once you’re in that’s it. If you ever forget your password, use the Forgot your password? link to reset it.
Setting your site language
On the login page, you can choose from several languages for your BLUE experience. The site’s navigation, menus, and labels will be displayed in the language you select here.
If your site is using single sign on (SSO) to authenticate, the preferred language in My Profile will control the language used within the site.
End user license agreement
When logging into BLUE, you may be required to read and accept the terms and conditions of an End-User License Agreement (EULA). The frequency for accepting these terms is determined by your system administrator. You may also be required to accept the terms and conditions of a EULA prior to downloading published assets.
Security
Access control
BLUE uses security permissions to control access to functions, elements, and projects. This means you will only see elements, links, buttons, menus and functions for which you have been granted access. The scope of your access is determined by your role, responsibilities, and duties within BLUE.
Timeout period
A BLUE session will timeout after a configured amount of idle session time.
Password limitations
The character “<” followed by alphanumeric characters is not supported for BLUE passwords
Updating your profile
My Profile is where you can update your name, email address, time zone, or notification preferences.
You are able to update any information that is available in your profile, except your username.
Setting your time zone
Click the Time Zone drop down list to select the time zone you want to set for yourself while using BLUE. The dates and times on your tasks, projects, files, etc. will follow this setting.
Setting your notification language
Click the Preferred Language drop down list to select the language for your email notifications.
If your site is using single sign on (SSO) to authenticate, the preferred language in My Profile will control the language used within the site, as well as your email notifications.
Changing your password
Click the Change Password link within the dialog to change your password. Enter your current password, followed by your new password and password confirmation.
Note: The character “<” followed by alphanumeric characters is not supported for BLUE passwords.
Choosing your notification preferences
In My Profile > Preferences, select your email notifications. When the listed events occur, you will receive an email notification in your preferred language.
Setting up Out of Office
If you are going to be out of the office for an extended period of time, you can designate other users (known as proxies) who are allowed to work on tasks on your behalf. When Out of Office is turned on, notifications that would normally go to you will be sent to your proxy instead.
To set up out of office, click on the Set up Out of Office option.
The Set up Out of Office window will appear. Here, you will be able to add a message informing your proxies that you will be out of office. This message will be automatically sent when you turn out of office on.
For each group you belong to, you must either designate a proxy, which is usually a team member in the same group, or indicate that you want to escalate tasks to the project owner.
To activate out of office, you must select On and then click on Save. When you turn the out of office status to on, all notifications will be sent either to your proxy or to the project owner (if you selected escalate).
Your profile icon will indicate that you have Out of Office turned on.
If your status is set to have Out of Office on and you log back into BLUE, a message will appear letting you know that you have Out of Office on. You can leave it on, or turn it off if you no longer wish to use it. Once it is turned off, all tasks and notifications from that point forward will be sent to you, all tasks that were assigned to your proxies, will remain their responsibility to complete.
Exploring the BLUE workspace
Navigation bar
The navigation bar is what you’ll use to move around the site. From this menu you’ll be able to access your task list, project list, asset library, and other areas. Just keep in mind that you will only see the links you have access to, so you may only have a Tasks link if that is all you need.
Searching lists
You can search any lists using the search boxes. The search will return a list of any items that contain that search criteria.
Selecting display columns
To add more columns to display on your task list, open Task List Settings and select one of the available options shown. Selected columns will display in your task view.
Open the Search panel to search for tasks by task owner, task owner group, start date, or template. Here you can filter your search to include specific criteria to narrow down the results. You are also able to save and name your searches.
Sorting lists
Sort most column headings by clicking on them. You’ll see the sort order reflected by the sort arrow. Your cursor will change to a hand icon when hovering over a sortable column heading.
Adjustable panels
Once you have opened a detail panel, you can adjust its size by clicking and dragging the splitter bar. This allows you to optimize your workspace.
Tooltips
Moving your cursor over various screen elements will display hints or expanded forms for long names.
Schedules
In BLUE, visually identify late and at-risk tasks with timeliness colors:
| Color | Timeliness | |
|
|
Red | Late |
|
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Orange | At risk |
|
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Green | On time |
|
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Dark gray | Complete |
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Light gray | Suspended or Canceled |
| Gray mask applied | Pending (not yet started) |
Timeliness color bars and dots
You’ll see the timeliness color bars in project and task lists. These represent complete, late, at risk, and on time using their timeliness colors. You’ll also see a timeliness dot next to the task due date when tasks are late or at risk and the status color bars to the left of the task names.
Process diagram outlines
The timeliness color for late, at-risk, completed and on time tasks is represented as an outline on the process diagram in projects, which allows you to quickly spot bottlenecks in your workflow.
Calendars and Dates
Calendar controls for search filters and attributes support month, day and year values. Use the arrows to navigate from month to month, or choose a month on the drop down. Type the year in the input box. BLUE supports date values between 1970 and 9999.
Shortcuts
BLUE supports the following shortcuts:
| Shortcut |
Description |
Up and down keys |
Navigate up and down lists |
Mouse-wheel scroll |
Zoom in and out of process template diagram |
BLUE mobile
BLUE is supported on mobile devices using a supported web browser. No additional applications or plug-ins are required. The BLUE interface is responsive to your screen size and provides basic functionality on the go.
Supported Web Browsers
BLUE can be used in most web browsers, including: Firefox, Safari, Edge, IE11+, and Chrome.
Getting started with Proofing
BLUE’s integrated online proofing tool allows reviewers to add comments and replies, compare cycles and previous cycle comments, and approve and reject files all in real time. In addition to basic collaboration features, online proofing provides advanced features allowing you to save ruler measurements, sampled ink densities, and bar code and font info readings. See the Proofing Guide for more information.