Time-Based product types are generally used for digital products or for products that occur on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. Time-Based allows you to set an inventory for Ad Sizes and specify the increments in which that Ad Size is sold. Unlike Issue-Based product types, you do not need to manually configure issue dates or schedules. You can simply indicate the increments an Ad Size is sold.
Creating a Time-Based Product Type and Product #
To create a new product type in MediaOS, begin by navigating to Products using the left-hand navigation column. Click the + Product button to start creating a new product entry. In the product setup screen, locate the Existing Product Typefield and click the + New Type button next to it to define a new product type.
Give your new product type a name, then set the Time Range by selecting a start and end date to determine the duration for which this product type will be active.
Next, choose any of the following configuration options based on how the product will function:
- Physical Location: Ideal for ads tied to specific physical placements such as billboards, bus wraps, or digital signage.
- Multiple Ad Units: Enables the sale of different unit sizes within the same product.
Note: If your product requires inventory tracking, this option MUST be selected.
- Ad Unit Size/Measurement Unit: If using multiple ad units, define the unit of measurement (e.g., pixels, inches, centimeters).
- Quantity: Select this option if billing is based on measurable quantities such as impressions, copies, CPM, CPC, or word count.
- Scheduler Calendar: Adds inventory structure and scheduling logic, ideal for recurring formats like newsletters.
Note: This option is also required for inventory-controlled products.
These settings allow you to tailor your product type to match your sales model and reporting needs. Once you decide on the product type you'd like, click on the Create Product Type button. The example below displays the correct setup for a time based products with inventory controls, no physical locations or quantity.
When finalizing the creation of a new product in MediaOS, a confirmation window will appear. Carefully read the message displayed, as it outlines important information about product setup. To proceed, type "I Understand" into the provided text box. Then, click Confirm to acknowledge and continue. After confirmation, you’ll be prompted to name your product. Once the name has been entered, click Save to complete the setup process and add the new product to your inventory. As soon as you hit the save button, the product's details page will load. From here, you'll be able to set up your unit sizes and rates.
Configuring Unit Sizes for a Time Based Product #
Adding Units #
To add a new ad unit in MediaOS, start by clicking the + Add Unit button. Begin by naming the ad size and entering its width and height dimensions. Next, enter a Key Date, which determines when the ad unit begins appearing on the schedule.
Key Date Parameters #
The Key Date is used to anchor the product’s availability timeline and should be selected based on how the ad unit is sold:
- If sold in Days: The Key Date is not critical—choose any past date (typically the 1st of the month) to start your calendar view.
- If sold in Weeks: Select a Key Date that falls on a Monday. This ensures all weekly increments align with a Monday start.
- If sold in Months: Choose a Key Date that reflects when each month should begin (e.g., the 1st or 15th of the month).
- If sold in Years: Select a Key Date such as the past January 1st to mark the beginning of your yearly increments.
Note: Regardless of the increment type, always choose a Key Date in the past to ensure proper calendar functionality.
Sold In Increments #
After setting the Key Date, define the Sold In increment (Days, Weeks, Months, or Years) that applies to the ad unit. Then, specify which days of the week the ad unit is allowed to be sold on. For Weeks, Months, or Years, all seven days must be selected. For Daily sales, select only the days that are eligible for sale.
These settings allow for precise control over how and when your ad inventory is made available for sale.
Limiting Concurrent Ads #
After defining the basic attributes of your ad unit in MediaOS, continue by setting the Concurrent Ads Limit. This value determines how many ads of this size can run at the same time. If your inventory is limited—for example, if a website position only allows for three rotating clients at once—set the limit to 3. If the inventory is unlimited, enter a large placeholder number, such as 997.
Configuring the Time Interval #
Next, configure the Time Interval. This setting allows for spacing out available sellable dates in a recurring pattern. For instance, if you want to sell an ad every other day, input 2 as the Time Interval. This tells the system to skip one eligible day and offer the ad every second date. If you enter 10, the system will skip 9 dates and offer the ad every 10th matching day.
Note: If you want ads to be available every eligible date, either ignore this setting or enter 1.
Click the Save button to apply these settings. Once saved, a new section will appear where you can define rates associated with the ad unit.
Defining Rates Associated with the Ad Unit #
Start by entering an Ad Rate Name. Keep in mind that an Ad Rate is tied specifically to a single Ad Size, and you can create multiple Ad Rates for the same size if needed.
Then, specify how many days, weeks, months, or years the rate should cover. This groups your selected Sold In increment into larger packages. For example, if the ad unit is sold in weekly increments, but you want to create a monthly package, input 4 units to represent 4 weeks. Similarly, if sold in months, you can input 12 units to reflect a year-long rate.
Input the Ad Rate Amount, which should reflect the total cost for the full grouped unit you just defined. So, if you grouped 4 weeks, enter the total cost for all 4 weeks combined.
Click Save again to lock in your rate. Repeat these steps as needed to add all relevant Ad Sizes and their corresponding Ad Rates to complete your product setup.
