Method:Classic General Q&A

Re: Third Party Portal

Method_Valbon — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:33:01 GMT

For those of you out there trying to get Method to send out emails, just remember you have to setup the “Default Email Preferences” first. Don`t worry this is a simple one-time process.

Let`s get to it! Follow the simple steps below and you`ll be on your way in no-time.

In Method, click Customize.
Click the My Account tab link.

Under the Default Email Preferences you’re going to need to enter some authentication details giving Method the right permission to start sending emails. We do this once so it won’t ask every time. Kind of the same way Outlook does things.
In the Email Server address field enter the email server address.
Typically: replace “www.” with “mail.” from your domain
E.g. mail.yourdomain.com
In the Email User Name field enter the email user name you require to sign in with.
Typically: the part of your email before the domain (before the @)
In some cases it could be the full email
In the Email Password you simply enter the password for this email.
Click Save Settings.

If you’re unsure about any of these details contact your Internet service provider (ISP) directly to obtain them. Changes might occur if you change your ISP password, or the name of your mail server (e.g. mail.example_company.com).

That’s it! Once the settings have been saved you know how the saying goes “Set it and forget it”. Method now knows it has your permission to send emails from this account.

Hope this helps!

Re: Third Party Portal

Anonymous — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:10:39 GMT

Hi Ron,

Looks like we have this fixed up now. Can you please try and login over the Customer Portal again and let me know if it shows up properly?

Side note: I noticed that your emailing didn't work from within the Customer Portal. It looks like it is due to your email settings within Method. Most likely you have your mail servers information not entered in correctly. Double check them under the "My Account" tab link for 'Customize'. If you are still stuck, we are going to be making a forum post shortly just reviewing the basics of mail server information from your ISP.

Let me know how that goes!

Re: Third Party Portal

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:36:45 GMT

Ron Soukup:
I'm bringing this back to the top, because I can definately see the value of this portal...

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong here, but I chose the default portal in the Third Party portal tab and applied the html to our website by creating an enitely new web page called ../Cust_login.htm

I can login successfully but the landing page after logging in is blank. I was guessing it would look like the Customer Portal tab within Method (shouldn't it?) http://www.emeraldlawns.com/Cust_login.htm

Ron,

Can you create a fake customer in your database and give that customer the email address of method@alocet.com?

Once that is done, let me know that way we can try and login and test it out. If you don't feel like publishing the login information for that customer on the forum, just shoot me over an email to d.docouto@alocet.com

Thanks!

Re: Third Party Portal

Ron Soukup — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:34:24 GMT

I'm bringing this back to the top, because I can definately see the value of this portal...

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong here, but I chose the default portal in the Third Party portal tab and applied the html to our website by creating an enitely new web page called ../Cust_login.htm

I can login successfully but the landing page after logging in is blank. I was guessing it would look like the Customer Portal tab within Method (shouldn't it?) http://www.emeraldlawns.com/Cust_login.htm

Re: Third Party Portal

Method_Paul — Sun, 11 May 2008 02:28:48 GMT

Kevin - one tip for you on your portal.

If you don't want the first section appearing on the left hand side, you can go to customize the screen, click the Advanced button, and then uncheck "Show First Section To Left Of Screen". Right now, since you removed the first section from the original screen, the Address Info has taken pole position as "Section 1", and has moved over to the left.

Re: Third Party Portal

Anonymous — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:39:08 GMT

Impressive

Re: Third Party Portal

Answer Man — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:35:34 GMT

Try it now.

Re: Third Party Portal

Anonymous — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:28:08 GMT

Kevin - looks like you got the right idea. If you want to stop the user from having the ability to make changes, remove the 'Save' button. Don't want them to be able to see another customer's information? Remove the filter option from the 'Customer List' grid.

As the developer of the application, the choices you make will make a huge impact to your customer's experience. Can't stress enough to test it out as well so you can figure out what options you may need to turn 'On' or 'Off'. Seems like you are doing that already though.

Re: Third Party Portal

Answer Man — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:47:50 GMT

But, they can still search and see other accounts. So what will happen if I remove the customer list and only have the account information? Lets try that.

Re: Third Party Portal

Anonymous — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:37:57 GMT

No "Read Only" option is available however..........You CAN remove the "Save" button. That way no changes can be saved.

In other words, it will be "Read Only"...... Cool eh?

Re: Third Party Portal

Answer Man — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:43:32 GMT

I have created a new tab called "Portal" and also created a copy of the customer screen. However, I cannot find anywhere in the screen setting to change it to "read only" or similar. I need another hint.

Re: Third Party Portal

Anonymous — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:37:41 GMT

You hit the nail on the head Kevin.

You would have to create a that does not allow changes to be made. That way, when a user logs into their account, that is the screen that they see. Not the current screen that you are showing.

Re: Third Party Portal

Answer Man — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:29:19 GMT

Ok, I cheated. You can now go to www.taylorlawn.com and choose account activity. For the username, use plantops for password use plantops.

You can view and do everything like you are an employee, so I have to figure out how to lock you from making changes. I may have to create a new tab or screen or table or all the above for view only access. Anyone want to give me a hint?

Re: Third Party Portal

Answer Man — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:21:47 GMT

I believe that with my web site designer I am going to need a html document and upload the file to insert on a page. I don't know if my website designer allows that.

Re: Third Party Portal

Answer Man — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:27:11 GMT

Ok, all I have is the iframe but, since I am not a programmer, I have network solutions web *** creator, excuse me I ment to say "site". I have to add a block then add html to the block.