What is variable data?

Variable data fields, or sometimes referred to as data drop ins, contain unique data that is specific to an individual record.

For example, say a data file contains records from several different voting districts. Each district has it's own representative. So the representative name and number would be considered variable data since it varies depending on which district the voter lives in.

How does variable data apply to a COS project?

Scripts will often contain segments that require this variable data to be inserted depending on which record is being dialed. It may look something like this:

"Hi! My name is__________and I'm calling on behalf of Representative {{d:RepName}} who is running for re-election."

COS will automatically populate the provided representative name that coincides with the appropriate record into the script.

Another common utilization of variable data is personalizing text messages with a recipients name.

To add variable data into a script it must first be determined which column of data will be added and where in the script it will be located. The column header then must be entered into the script EXACTLY as it is written in the data file. The column header must also have double curly brackets on either side of the column header.

Can variable data be any length or any number of characters?

A variable field can only contain 225 characters at a time. If your variable data is longer than 225 characters then multiple fields can be utilized to ensure that the full text appears in the script.