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Queue Assignment Workflow

Understand the complete process of working with entity queues from the perspective of a content editor using the Entityqueue Form Widget.

The Basic Workflow

Step-by-Step Process

1. Create Content

Create a new article or page
  ↓
Fill in standard content fields (title, body, etc.)
  ↓
Proceed to queue assignment

2. Assign to Queues

Open Entityqueues widget (right sidebar)
  ↓
Select desired queues (check boxes)
  ↓
Click Save button

3. Confirmation

Content saved with queue assignments
  ↓
Widget displays updated queue status
  ↓
Content appears in selected queues

Content Creation Workflow

Complete New Article with Queue Assignment

Scenario: Creating a featured article

  1. Navigate to Content Creation

  2. Click Content > Add content > Article

  3. Fill in Article Details

  4. Title: "How to Manage Content Effectively"
  5. Body: Write your article content
  6. Tags: Add relevant taxonomy terms

  7. Featured Image: Upload an image (if applicable)

  8. Assign to Queues

  9. Scroll down to the Entityqueues widget
  10. Check "Featured Articles" queue
  11. Check "Recent Articles" queue

  12. Optionally check "Homepage Spotlight"

  13. Review and Save

  14. Review all content
  15. Click Save

  16. System saves the node and queue assignments

  17. Verify Assignment

  18. You see confirmation message
  19. Widget now shows checked queues
  20. Article appears in those queues on the website frontend

Content Editing Workflow

Updating Queue Assignments

Scenario: Article needs to be featured then unfeatured

Week 1: Add to Featured 1. Create article 2. Check "Featured Articles" queue 3. Save

Week 3: Remove from Featured 1. Edit the same article 2. Uncheck "Featured Articles" 3. Check "Archive" queue instead 4. Save

The article moves from featured to archive queue in one click.

Multi-Queue Management Workflow

Managing Content Across Multiple Queues

Scenario: Article relevant to multiple topics

Create article "Docker for Drupal Developers"
  ↓
Assign to multiple queues:
  - "Drupal Tips"
  - "DevOps Guides"
  - "Featured Articles"
  - "Recent Articles"
  ↓
Save once
  ↓
Article appears in all four queues

Benefits of Multi-Queue Assignment

  • Single Save: Update all queue assignments at once
  • Flexibility: Easy to adjust assignments without affecting content itself
  • User Experience: Readers find related content through multiple paths
  • Organization: Content organized by multiple criteria simultaneously

Batch Queue Updates

While the form widget is designed for individual content assignments, you can efficiently manage multiple items:

Updating Multiple Articles

Scenario: Several articles should be featured

  1. Edit Article 1
  2. Check "Featured Articles"

  3. Save

  4. Edit Article 2

  5. Check "Featured Articles"

  6. Save

  7. Edit Article 3

  8. Check "Featured Articles"
  9. Save

Result: Three articles now in Featured queue

Tip: For larger batch operations, use the queue administration interface at /admin/structure/entityqueue to manage items directly.

Common Workflows by Role

Content Creator

Daily Workflow: 1. Create new article 2. Add to appropriate queues 3. Publish 4. Monitor placement

Weekly Review: 1. Edit published articles 2. Update queue assignments based on relevance 3. Remove outdated content from queues

Content Editor / Manager

Review Workflow: 1. Review pending content 2. Edit articles to improve quality 3. Assign to queues for publication 4. Monitor queue health

Curation Workflow: 1. Review all content in queues 2. Identify aging content 3. Edit articles to update queue assignments 4. Ensure queue relevance and freshness

Site Administrator

Maintenance Workflow: 1. Create and configure entity queues 2. Set up queue permissions 3. Monitor queue performance 4. Address queue-related issues

Workflow State Transitions

Queue Assignment States

NEW CONTENT
    ↓
[Unqueued]
    ↓
EDITOR: Assigns to queues
    ↓
[In Queue]
    ↓
[Options: Stay in Queue, Move to Different Queue, Remove from Queue]
    ↓
Either: Remains Active or Archived

Lifecycle of Content in Queues

  1. Created: Article created but not in any queues
  2. Assigned: Editor assigns to one or more queues
  3. Featured: Content appears in selected queues on website
  4. Updated: Content or queue assignments modified
  5. Removed: Content taken out of queues (archived or deleted)

Time-Based Workflow Patterns

Daily Content Strategy

Morning: Create new articles
  ↓
Midday: Review and assign to queues
  ↓
Afternoon: Monitor queue appearance
  ↓
End of Day: Update assignments based on feedback

Weekly Curation

Monday: Review all queued content
  ↓
Tuesday: Remove expired/irrelevant content
  ↓
Wednesday: Add new feature content
  ↓
Thursday: Audit queue organization
  ↓
Friday: Finalize weekly queue state

Monthly Planning

Week 1: Plan quarterly content strategy
  ↓
Week 2: Create priority content
  ↓
Week 3: Assign to queues strategically
  ↓
Week 4: Review metrics and adjust queues

Workflow Optimization

Best Practices

  1. Consistent Naming: Use clear queue names everyone understands
  2. Clear Guidelines: Document when content should be in which queues
  3. Regular Review: Periodically audit queue contents
  4. Timely Updates: Update assignments when content status changes
  5. Communication: Keep team informed of queue strategies

Efficiency Tips

  • Batch during planning: Assign multiple items to same queues if created together
  • Template approaches: If you frequently make same assignments, follow a template
  • Keyboard navigation: Use Tab key to quickly navigate checkboxes
  • Clear instructions: Share queue purposes with editorial team

Workflow Collaboration

Team Coordination

Content + Curation Teams: - Content creators: Focus on creating and initial queue assignment - Curators: Review and optimize queue assignments - Admins: Maintain queue infrastructure

Communication Pattern: 1. Creator assigns initial queues 2. Curator reviews and may reassign 3. Admin ensures queue health 4. Feedback loop improves process

Queue Assignment Checklist

Before saving queue assignments, consider:

  • [ ] Is content finished and review-ready?
  • [ ] Does content fit queue criteria?
  • [ ] Is content appropriate for target audience?
  • [ ] Are multiple queue assignments necessary?
  • [ ] Will assignment create duplicate content?
  • [ ] Is content SEO and accessibility compliant?

Handling Workflow Issues

Common Workflow Problems

Problem: Content assigned to wrong queue - Solution: Edit content immediately, uncheck wrong queue, check correct queue, save

Problem: Forgot to assign content to queues - Solution: Edit content, add queues, save (retroactively assign)

Problem: Content needs to be in many queues - Solution: Open form, check all applicable queues, save once (eliminates multiple edits)

Problem: Content no longer relevant for queue - Solution: Edit and uncheck that queue, save

Next Steps