[Todd M. Taylor[_2_]]

Has anyone created a Word document template for writing use cases that
automates the number of steps?

There are a few dedicated programs on the market for writing use cases but
they all cost ~$500 per user.

I started creating my own template that uses a number outline to auto-number
steps, and then I add "references" to the auto-numbered fields when
appropriate so I can be assured that all references are auto-updated when the
step orders change.

However, the problem I have (as I'm sure most people have with writing use
cases in Word) is that the alternate path steps sometimes skip numbers. For
example, a use case might have alternates 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and then skip to 2.0
(instead of having 1.1 through 1.9). It seems like I need a wait to force
the top-level number to increment to the next level.

Any ideas?

[Stefan Blom]

You can use LISTNUM fields to set a starting number in a list. See
http://word.mvps.org/faqs/numbering/...tbylistnum.htm.

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


"Todd M. Taylor" wrote in message
...
Has anyone created a Word document template for writing use cases that
automates the number of steps?

There are a few dedicated programs on the market for writing use cases but
they all cost ~$500 per user.

I started creating my own template that uses a number outline to
auto-number
steps, and then I add "references" to the auto-numbered fields when
appropriate so I can be assured that all references are auto-updated when
the
step orders change.

However, the problem I have (as I'm sure most people have with writing use
cases in Word) is that the alternate path steps sometimes skip numbers.
For
example, a use case might have alternates 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, and then skip to
2.0
(instead of having 1.1 through 1.9). It seems like I need a wait to
force
the top-level number to increment to the next level.

Any ideas?

[Todd M. Taylor[_2_]]

Thanks, Stefan! I'll have to do some playing around to figure-out how to get
this LISTNUM thing to work, but it sounds like the solution I'm looking for.

[Stefan Blom]

Reading your initial message again, I'd suggest that you use an
outline/multilevel list to set this up. Then switching from 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 to
2.0 would be a matter of applying a higher numbering level. See
http://www.shaunakelly.com/word/numb...Numbering.html. Then you
can use the article to which I linked if you need to restart the top-level
of the list.

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


"Todd M. Taylor" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Stefan! I'll have to do some playing around to figure-out how to
get
this LISTNUM thing to work, but it sounds like the solution I'm looking
for.

[Todd M. Taylor[_2_]]

My current template actually does use Shauna Kelly's "numbered headings"
already, I was just having problems manually setting the top level numbers.
I think I've discovered a work-around that works 'good-enough' for now.

Thanks again!

[Stefan Blom]

You are welcome.

--
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP


"Todd M. Taylor" wrote in message
...
My current template actually does use Shauna Kelly's "numbered headings"
already, I was just having problems manually setting the top level
numbers.
I think I've discovered a work-around that works 'good-enough' for now.

Thanks again!