Recommendation: Always test the system as a normal user before you open it to normal users - for example before the submission phase, the review phase or the participant registration starts.
This is the most reliable way to check that everything really works as intended. |
There are two ways to test your configuration: you can go through the system as a normal user would, or you can open a preview of a single form as an administrator. The table below shows which method fits your purpose:
| What you want to test | How to do it |
| The whole system, as a normal user sees it | Create a test account (Part 1) |
| The view of one specific user, e.g. a reviewer | Use "Login as" in the list of users (Part 1) |
| Only the submission form or the review form | Open the test form via Manage Submission Types / Conference Tracks (Part 2) |
| Only the participant registration form | Open the test form via Manage Events and Items (Part 2) |
Part 1: Test the System as a Normal User
To test the settings of ConfTool it is advisable to
log in as a "normal" user, because administrative users (admins, chairs, conference assistants) have more options than normal users, and deadlines do not apply to them.
Create Test User AccountsPlease create a new user account without administrative rights if you do not already have a
test account.
You can do so via the login page by clicking
"Register New".
If this option is not available, the registration for new users is currently disabled.
You can check this here:
Overview => Settings => Conference Phases and DeadlinesAlternatively, you can always create new user accounts using
"New User" on the overview screen for administrators.
The test account allows you to see the system as other normal users do. You can now test paper submission and/or participant registration.
Log in as a User Without Admin RightsAnother option for admins is to
log in as one of the existing users, for instance to test the reviewing options. Please go to the list of users:
Overview => User and Participant Management => List of All Users... and in the column "Action" click on
"Login as" to log in as this specific user (see image 1).
Enable the Service ModeIf you want to test the settings and prevent other users from logging in during this process, please activate the
"Service Mode" of ConfTool Pro. Please go to:
Overview => Settings => Main Setup... and for the option "Enable Service Mode?" choose the setting "Yes" to prevent regular users from logging in (see image 2).
Please note: While the service mode is active, normal users can neither log in nor create new user accounts.
If you still want to test the system from the point of view of a normal user, use the "Login as" function described above: it remains available and lets you carry out all actions as that user. |
| Important: Do not forget to disable the service mode after your tests. |
Use Several Tabs, Windows or BrowsersYou can
use several browser windows or tabs simultaneously, e.g. one tab showing the settings and another one the submission page. However, you cannot be logged into two different user accounts at the same time in the same browser window.
To run two concurrent sessions and
log in as two different users, either open a
private / incognito window of your browser, or use
two different browsers, e.g. Firefox and Chrome.
Please note that some changes to the settings made in the backend only become visible after the other test user logs out and logs in again.
ConfTool Support Forum
Topic: How can I test the settings?