Setting up your SharePoint intranet pages to pull dynamic content from Microsoft Office 365 applications, SharePoint sites, and other sources has never been easier with the introduction of the Use Cases functionality in ShortPoint Connections. We put together some of the most common ways you want to present content on your site pages and offered the quickest way to achieve them. 


Let us show you how to take advantage of the preset Use Cases in ShortPoint Connections to get the output that you want.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prerequisites:

  • You need to have ShortPoint installed or upgraded to ShortPoint SPFx version 7.3.x.xx or later on Microsoft Office 365 (SharePoint Online) or SharePoint 2019 environment.
  • You also need to be a ShortPoint User with an active license.

What is a Use Case?


A ShortPoint Use Case is a predefined filter or set of filters used to achieve a desired output. We captured how ShortPoint Users frequently apply filters to the content they connect to and offered them quick access links in the product. This allowed us to streamline the process of selecting filters and make it happen with one click. We will continue to build this list as new requirements unfold and we are open to receive requests to add Use Cases via our support channel.

How to Apply Use Cases in ShortPoint Connect


Step 1: Add or Edit a Design Element


Let us start by adding a new Design Element or editing one that you want to use to present your content on your ShortPoint web part.


In our example, we are using Slideshows.


Step 2: Select Connection Type


On the Design Element Settings window, go to the Connection tab to view the different connection types. Press the tile of the connection feature you will be using.


Note: As of 7.3.x.xx release, the Use Case functionality is only available on Site News, Hub News, and Org News connections. Watch out for updates on when it will be applied to other connection types.


In our example, we will be using the Site News connection.


Step 3: Fill in Required Fields


You may need to select or enter necessary inputs on a required field depending on the connection type that you will use. Complete the required fields to view the set of Use Cases that is available.


In our example, we need to pick Source and a Site to pull data from to view what Use Cases can be applied.


Step 4: Choose a Use Case


Use Case options will appear based on the information you entered or selected in the previous step. Select the Use Case that will give you the result you want.


In our example, you can see several Use Case options in blue. We will be choosing the Recently Modified Use Case.


Step 5: Enter Use Case Parameters


Some Use Cases require additional required parameters to display content. New input fields will appear for you to fill in. Default values will appear for the Use Case and the parameters will automatically be applied. You can modify this and enter your preferred parameters. Hit Parameters Not Applied button once done.


Note: You can use Placeholders if you want to present dynamic values in your content. More information can be found in our How to Use Placeholders support article.


In our example, we need to enter from which Latest Date data will be pulled. We are using a dynamic parameter %TODAY - 5% which allows us to pull data starting from five days prior to the date the page is viewed.


Step 6: Connect and Map Items to Display


When you have configured where you are connecting to pull your news items and configured settings, you can proceed to establish the connection by pressing the Connect button.


Note: Check out th ShortPoint Connect: Basic Tutorial if you need more information about how items are mapped in this step.


In our example, we mapped the Title, Image, Description, and Link so that these items will be displayed on our Slideshows.


Step 7: Insert or Update Design Element


You have now completed all the steps needed to apply Use Cases in ShortPoint Connect. You can press the Preview button to see how your content will appear on your page. Once you are happy with the result, hit Insert or Update.



That is all! Data will now be pulled from your source and filtered automatically according to the Use Case you chose to utilize.

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