Cascade CMS is a Content Management System that allows non-technical users considerable power and flexibility in controlling the layout and content of pages on a website. Through the use of simple settings and forms, Cascade CMS allows users to display or hide blocks of content, to format the content within certain blocks, and of course, supply the content itself.

This guide serves as an Introduction to Cascade CMS for the non-technical user. It does not cover every aspect of the CMS, but it will provide a through foundation from which a user may continue to expand their knowledge and use of Cascade CMS.

Here we will cover the fundamental aspects of Cascade CMS:

1. Introduction: logging in, settings, dashboard, navigation to and within a 'site'
2. Editing content
3. Content Checks, Accessibility, Review options, Comments and Tags
4. Workflow

This guide is based on version 8.11

Note: If you access Cascade CMS on a mobile device, the interface is somewhat simplified and a few functions discussed in this document may not appear in the same manner.  Cascade CMS is best learned on a desktop device.

The CMS is housed in one location.  The published website is housed in a different location.  This means that all updates to the CMS will not appear on the website until pushed out (published). 

A workflow is the process that a page goes through to be copied from the Cascade Content Management System (CMS) to the public website.

The CMS is separate from the website.

When changes are made in the CMS, they are checked to ensure they meet accessibility requirements, graphic standards, branding, and website requirements.  Once these checks are complete, the manager of an area approves the content for accuracy.  

The approved content is then sent to the website.  The process of publishing content to the website may take a few minutes to a several hours depending on the schedule and demand.