SyteLine can be integrated to a Microsoft Outlook client using Microsoft Exchange synchronization. Service appointments can be linked to a user's Outlook calendar. The Outlook appointment receives updates as details about the appointment are set or changed in SyteLine. The integration can optionally be configured to allow date, time, and subject changes from Outlook to update the SyteLine appointment record.
For information about installing the Outlook add-in, see the appropriate installation guide.
To set up integration parameters in SyteLine, specify this information on the Service Exchange Integration Parameters form:
Use Workstation Login
Select this option to use the workstation user and password instead of manually declaring a user name and password here. If this field is not selected, you must enter a user name and password.
User Name and Password
Specify the domain and user ID and password that the application uses to connect to the Exchange Server. The password is encrypted in the database when the record is saved.
NOTE: This relates to the user/password used when the Exchange Integration service that is running on the utility server connects to the Exchange Server. It does not apply to the connection to SyteLine. If the user selects Workstation Logon, the system uses the user/password from the Log On As user that is set up for the Exchange Integration service. If you do not want to use this same user, you can clear the selection and enter a Domain User who has access to read/write to the Exchange Server.
URL
Specify the (secure) internet address used to access the Exchange Server. Generally just using HTTPS://Servername is acceptable, as long as you used the default service names at installation. You can also specify the full path to the EWS Web service, for example: https://xmail2/EWS/Exchange.asmx
Version
Select the appropriate supported Microsoft Exchange Server version to connect to.
Supported Versions: The currently supported versions are Exchange 2007SP1 and Exchange 2010.
Enable Appointment Synchronization with Exchange
Select this field to enable synchronization of service appointments with the Exchange calendar
Polling Interval
Specify how often the synchronization routine runs.
Polling Start Time
Specify the time of day when the synchronization starts.
Polling End Time
Specify the time of day when the synchronization ends.
Schedule Days Forward
Specify the number of days into the future records are evaluated for synchronization.
Schedule Days Backward
Specify the number of days into the past records are evaluated for synchronization.
Reminder
Specify the time in hours that is assigned to the reminder for new appointments that are created.
Allow Exchange Updates
Select this option if all users are allowed to update the appointments in Exchange.
On the Partners form, for each partner, select Exchange Synchronization Enabled and specify the Exchange Calendar folder that will be synchronized with the partner's service schedule.
NOTE: In most cases, the Exchange Folder can be left blank and the appointments will be synchronized with the user’s default Inbox Calendar based on the email address set up in Exchange.
A Windows service must be installed and configured in order for the add-in to communicate with Exchange. The service uses existing SyteLine configurations to access the correct application database with the proper credentials. The Exchange service writes to a log file that can track different levels of connection detail. The service automatically deletes old log files.
The user ID that is used to connect to Exchange must be granted Administrative rights on the Exchange server and must be granted Owner access to all users' Exchange Calendar and Contact folders to which the add-in will be synchronizing data.
About the Microsoft Outlook Add-in