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Configure External Content Auto Synchronization

Metric Insights includes the ability to Auto Synchronize External Content with selected BI tools. This functionality automates the creation of External Content from the BI tool objects and simplifies the process of updating existing External Content elements.

PREREQUISITES:

The following Plugins are supported for Auto Sync:

  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Local Filesystem

The example below shows how to use Auto Sync with Microsoft SharePoint, but Local Filesystem Plugin follows the same steps.

Although it is possible to create an External Report for the Microsoft SharePoint or Local Filesystem Plugins, it is highly recommended that an External Content object with Auto Sync feature is used instead.

1. Create External Content Object

Access+ NewExternal Content

Detailed instructions on External Content object creation can be found inExternal Content Overview. Below, options are included for Auto Synchronization.

  1. In the Configuration tab, select the URL Source to "Generate Automatically" and open additional fields:
    • Expire Cached Files on: The image in the External Content object caches when sent to the user as a Burst.
      • Optionally, set when and how often the image expires and data is refreshed.
    • Plugin Connection Profile: Choose the Data Source.
    • Document: Select the specific object.
  2. The External Content URL is generated automatically according to the chosen Document.

2. Create External Content Template

Access Content > Elements > External Content Name Link

  1. Click Template icon.
  2. Select "Create".
  3. [OK]

3. Enable Auto Synchronization

AccessAdmin  Collection  Storage Data Sources and click the Data Source Active Name link

  1. Select to Display Files "Individually"
  2. Activate Enable Content Auto Synchronization
  3. Choose theParent Categoryto associate with External Content objects
  4. EnablingMirror Folder Hierarchy automatically creates subcategories to mirror the structure in the selected BI tool
  5. Select theExternal Report Template
  6. [Save]
7.1.0 Update

If the source object of the External Content is not fount during the Autosync, the Content itself is deleted. However, it can be prevented by enablingDo not delete Element when the associated object is not found. This feature is shown only if the Content Autosync is enabled.

4. Synchronize Content

  • [Refresh List & Sync Content]updates the Objects list, creates new External Content elements, and places them into the Parent Category selected inInfotab
  • [Run History]provides data on all previous sync runs

Each new automatically created External Content object is named after the object of its origin.

Once synchronization completes, synced External Content objects are available in the Elements tab, as well as in their assigned Category underContent  Categories.

NOTE: If source reports are deleted from the source tool, then associated MI Elements are also deleted on the next auto-sync. This is valid for the versions up to 7.0.2.

From version7.1.0, Elements deletion can be prevented by enablingDo not delete Element when the associated object is not found.