Integrate Showell into MS Dynamics: Streamline your content management and Sharing process.
In this article
Installing Showell to MS Dynamics: Introduction
Good to know - Before you start
2A. Install Showell to MS Dynamics
2B. Update Showell in MS Dynamics
3. Add the Frame-Ancestors to Showell Admin
5. Configure the Showell App:
5B. Edit 'Showell Shares view' Columns
5C. Add Showell Shares tabs (contact, lead, opportunity, Appointment, Email and/or Phone call)
6. Enable Showell share analytics in MS Dynamics
7. Create and Assign a security role to the Showell App and Users
Optional: Update the DynamicsUrl or ShowellAppUrl
Installing Showell to MS Dynamics: Introduction
This article offers a detailed walkthrough on how to install the Showell App in MS Dynamics. The process involves acquiring the DynamicsUri, installing Showell, setting up the Frame-Ancestor in Showell Admin, activating the Component Framework, customizing Showell Pages in the Sales Hub side menu, and establishing the connection for Showell Share Analytics in MS Dynamics.
After the installation is complete, users will have the ability to access and share content directly from Showell without having to leave the MS Dynamics environment.
Good to know - Before you start
Installation and Configuration:
The installation and configuration must be performed by someone with administrative privileges, such as IT, to manage Showell objects like the Showell Share object.
Optional, but recommended - Create Dedicated Integration Users
Create a Dedicated Integration User in Dynamics
Create a separate user account* specifically for integration authorization. This user will be responsible for the ongoing connection between Showell and Dynamics for analytics.
*Do not use a service account
- Example Account Name: Companyname_integration or showell.integration@yourdomain.com.
- Access Rights: Authorization should follow the least-privilege principle, granting the integration user only the necessary permissions to access CRM information for analytics.
Create a Dedicated Integration User in Showell:
- Example Account Name: Companyname_integration or showell.integration@yourdomain.com.
- Access Rights: Assign this user with the Admin role.
- In Showell, sign in with this user account to initiate the authorization process.
1. Copy the 'Web Link'
This Web link/URL is used with the DynamicsUri and Frame-Ancestors fields. Please copy this link to your clipboard or a text file for later use.
A. Get the 'Web Link' from MS Dynamics - Sales Hub
1. Navigate to your MS Dynamics - Sales Hub
2. Copy the first part (domain name) of the URL in your Browser Address Bar Web, to your clipboard or a text file.
- For example: https://RANDOM.crm4.dynamics.com
B. Get the 'Web Link' using Power Apps
1. Navigate to MS Dynamics - Power Apps (make.powerapps.com)
2. From the side menu, choose 'Apps'
3. Click 'Shared with me' and select 'Sales Hub'. Choose 'Details' from the top menu
4. Copy the first part (domain name) of the Web link to your clipboard or a text file.
- For example: https://RANDOM.crm4.dynamics.com
2A. Install Showell to MS Dynamics
A. Installation
Video 00:00 - 00:22
1. Navigate to the Microsoft AppSource
- Search for "Showell For Dynamics" OR go to Showell For Dynamics
- Click 'Get it now'
2. You'll be guided to Dynamics 365 where signing in is required
- Select your Dynamics Environment and agree to "Microsoft's Legal Terms and Privacy Statement" and "Privacy Statement and Legal Terms for importing packages into Dynamics 365"
- Click 'Install'
B. Adding the Environment Variables
Video 00:22 - 01:35
1. Navigate to MS Dynamics - Power Apps (make.powerapps.com)
2. From the side menu, choose 'Solutions', then click 'Default Solution'
- From the left side section, search for, and open 'Environment variable Value' (under 'Tables')
- Next to 'Environment Variable Value columns and data', click 'Edit'
3. Select a value (for example '0') and choose 'Edit row using form' from the top menu.
- Click '+ New'
- Environment Variable Definition: Shwltd_DynamicsUri
- Value: Paste the Web link you've copied in Point 1.
- Click 'Save and Close'
- Optional: Click '+ New' again
(Only create the following if your Showell Workspace utilizes a custom domain that differs from the standard 'https://showellapp.com'.)
- Environment Variable Definition: Shwltd_ShowellAppUri
- Value: Add your Custom Domain URL
- Click 'Save and Close'
- Click 'Save and Close' once more, and then click 'Done'. You should now see 3 values under 'Environment variable Value'
2B. Updating Showell in MS Dynamics
💡 Check out our latest: releases and updates
Please be aware that the process of updating an application within Dynamics may take some time to complete.
Two ways to update Showell in MS Dynamics:
1. Follow the same steps as seen in point 2A above
2. Or update Showell from within Dynamics directly:
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Navigate to MS Dynamics - Power Apps (make.powerapps.com)
-
Click the settings icon in the top right corner, and choose 'Admin Center'
-
From the side menu, click Environments and then click the 3 dots next to the environment name you'd like to make changes
- Choose Resources > Dynamics 365 Apps
- Find 'Showell for Dynamics' in the list and click the 'Update available' button.
- Agree to the terms and click the 'Update' button.
3. Add the Frame-Ancestors to Showell Admin
1. Open Showell Admin
2. Click your name/company name in the top right corner > Workspace Settings
3. Scroll a bit down, and you'll see on the left side 'FRAME-ANCESTORS'. Click 'Configure frame-ancestors'
4. Paste the Web link you've copied in Point 1.
5. Click 'Save changes'
4. Enable Component Framework
1. Navigate to MS Dynamics - Power Apps (make.powerapps.com)
2. Click the settings icon in the top right corner, and choose 'Admin Center'
3. From the side menu, click Environments and then choose your Environment name
4. Click 'Settings' in the top, expand 'Product' and click 'Features'
5. On this page, you'll find many options. Toggle the 'Power Apps component framework for canvas apps' ON.
5A. Configure the Showell App: Add Showell Pages
This allows you to access Showell from the side menu in your Sales Hub.
1. Navigate to MS Dynamics - Power Apps (make.powerapps.com)
2. From the side menu, click 'Apps' ( > 'Shared with me' or 'All'), select 'Sales Hub' and click the edit (pencil) icon.
3. You can now customize the Sales Hub side menu on the left side. This allows you to add Showell pages and arrange them freely within the menu for easy access and navigation.
Choose a preferred section (such as My Work, Sales or Collateral) and click on the '3 dots' next to the section's name. Then, select 'New page'- 💡Once the new page is added, you can click its '3 dots' and choose to move it up or down in the list (see video at 00:28), and you can also edit its title from the menu on the right hand side (see video at 01:05)
- While adding the pages, you might see a "This page needs to be published" error. This can be ignored.
3A: Add the 'Open Showell' Page
- Choose 'Custom Page' and click 'Next'
- Choose 'Use an existing custom page' > select 'open Showell' > Make sure 'Show in navigation' is enabled > click 'Add'.
3B: Add the 'Share Files from Showell' Page
- Choose 'Custom Page' and click 'Next'
- Choose 'Use an existing custom page' > select 'Share Files from Showell' > Make sure 'Show in navigation' is enabled > click 'Add'.
3C: Add the 'Showell Shares view' Page
- Choose 'Dataverse table' and click 'Next'
- Choose 'Select existing table' > Search for 'Showell Share' and select it > Make sure 'Show in navigation' is enabled > click 'Add'.
- As a recommended next step, you can now also edit the 'Showell Shares view' columns
4. Click the 'Save' button in the top right corner.
5. Once saved, click the 'Publish' button next to it. The preview window will inform that the publishing is still ongoing and it will refresh the preview once this is done.
6. Once Published, Click the 'Play' button next to it.
- This will now open your Sales Hub. In the top left, you'll be informed that a new version of the app is available and you'll have to refresh your browser tab to update it.
7. You will now find the Showell Pages from the left side menu
- Please allow some time for MS Dynamics to process the changes. Remember to periodically refresh your Sales Hub page to see if the changes have been implemented.
5B. Configure the Showell App: Edit 'Showell Shares view' Columns
This allows you to see analytics data for Shares creates in Dynamics in a glance.
1. Navigate to MS Dynamics - Power Apps (make.powerapps.com)
2. From the side menu, click 'Apps' ( > 'Shared with me' or 'All'), select 'Sales Hub' and click the edit (pencil) icon
3. From the Sales Hub side menu on the left side, find 'Showell Shares View' (as configured in 5A) and click the edit (pencil) icon
4. From the left side (Table Columns) click 'Owner', 'Visitors', 'Visits', 'File Views' and 'Downloads'. This will add them as columns to the Showell Shares View
- Additionally you can drag and drop the columns in your preferred order
5. Click 'Save and Publish'
- Please allow some time for MS Dynamics to process the changes. Remember to periodically refresh your Sales Hub page to see if the changes have been implemented.
5C. Configure the Showell App: Add Showell Shares tabs
You can create convenient access points to view Showell Shares that are associated with the current context within Dynamics.
When navigating within Dynamics, whether you are in the Contacts, Leads, Opportunities, Appointments, Emails or Phone Calls sections, you can easily access related Showell Shares. This can be done by opening a specific record and locating the 'Showell Shares' tab at the top, or by selecting 'Showell Shares' from the 'Related' dropdown menu.
This configuration guide will provide instructions on:
- Creating a dedicated 'Showell Shares' tab (5C.1)
- Add 'Showell Shares' to the 'Related' dropdown menu (5C.2).
- Remove 'Showell Shares' from the 'Related' dropdown menu (5C.3).
5C.1 - How to add a 'Showell Shares'-tab
Take this step if you want to create a 'Showell Shares'-Tab for the records.
This video demonstrates how to add the 'Showell Shares'-tab to Appointments. The same steps can be followed for Leads, Contacts, Opportunities, Emails and Phone Calls.
1. Navigate to MS Dynamics - Power Apps (make.powerapps.com)
2. From the side menu, click 'Apps' ( > 'Shared with me' or 'All'), select 'Sales Hub' and click the edit (pencil) icon
3. From the Sales Hub side menu on the left side, You can find and edit the following pages:
- Leads view > Leads form
- Contacts view > Contacts form
- Opportunities view > Opportunities form
- Appointments view > Appointments form
- Email Messages view > Email Messages form
- Phone Calls view > Phone Calls form
4. Click the edit (pencil) icon for one of the above forms you'd like to adjust.
5. From the left hand side menu, choose 'Components'.
6. From the components menu, drag and drop the '1-column tab' to the desired location in Sales Hub (for example next to Summary or Details).
7. From the right hand side properties panel, change the label name to for example 'Showell Shares'
8. Open the 'Showell Shares' tab you just created
9. From the components menu, Click on 'Grid' > 'Subgrid'.
- Checkmark 'Show related records'
- Choose 'Showell Shares' from the table dropdown
- Click Done
10. Select the Subgrid. From the right hand side properties panel, checkmark 'Hide label'
11. Select the 'new section'. From the right hand side properties panel, checkmark 'Hide label'
12. Click 'Save and Publish'
- Please allow some time for MS Dynamics to process the changes. Remember to periodically refresh your Sales Hub page to see if the changes have been implemented.
5C.2 - How to add 'Showell Shares' to the 'Related' dropdown menu
Take this step if you do not want to create a 'Showell Shares'-Tab, but want to ensure it's available from them the Related dropdown menu.
This video demonstrates how to add 'Showell Shares' to the Related tab in Appointments. The same steps can be followed for Leads, Contacts, Opportunities, Emails and Phone Calls.
1. Follow Steps 1 to 4 as explained above in 5C.1
2. Open the 'Related'-tab, click the '+' Icon and Choose 'Showell Share'
3. Adjust the label as needed (e.g., 'Showell Shares')
4. Click 'Save and Publish'
- Please allow some time for MS Dynamics to process the changes. Remember to periodically refresh your Sales Hub page to see if the changes have been implemented.
5C.3 - How to remove 'Showell Shares' from the 'Related' dropdown menu
Take this step if you have created a 'Showell Shares'-Tab, and have no need for it anymore in the 'Related' dropdown menu.
1. Follow Steps 1 to 4 as explained above in 5C.1
2. Open the 'Related'-tab and select 'Showell Shares'. From the right hand side properties panel, checkmark 'Hide'
3. Click 'Save and Publish'
- Please allow some time for MS Dynamics to process the changes. Remember to periodically refresh your Sales Hub page to see if the changes have been implemented.
6. Enable Showell share analytics in MS Dynamics
1. From Showell Admin: Click Admin (top menu) > MS Dynamics
2. Begin authorization by selecting “Authorize by signing in to MS Dynamics”
3. Provide your Dynamics URL (= the Web link you've copied in Point 1)
4. Login with your Microsoft user’s credentials > Click "Allow"
5. The connection is now authorized between Showell and MS Dynamics
7. Create and Assign a security role to the Showell App and Users
A role must be defined in Dynamics for the Showell App and the users to enable the sharing functionality.
1. Navigate to MS Dynamics - Power Apps (make.powerapps.com)
2. Click the settings icon in the top right corner, and choose 'Admin Center'
3. From the side menu, click Environments
4. Click the 3 dots next to your Environment > Settings. Search and open 'Security Roles'
5. Click '+ New role', provide the below details and then click Save
- Role name: You are free to choose. For example: Showell Custom Role
- Business Unit: Choose your Unit
6. In the top right, search for 'Showell'. you'll find multiple Showell tables. Perform the following with every table:
- Click the 3 dots next to it > Permission settings
- You may select 'Full Access' or configure stricter permissions as needed.
- Click Save
7. Go back to the 'Security Roles' overview and search for Showell
8. Click the checkmark next to 'Showell' > Members > +Add People
9. Add your Team name, or add individual people that need to use Showell in Dynamics > Add
10. Navigate to your Sales Hub > Click 'Sales Hub' in the top navigation bar
11. Under published Apps, you'll find 'Showell'. Click its 3 dots > Manage roles
12. find and select 'Showell' from the list and click 'Save'
Optional: Update the DynamicsUri or ShowellAppUri
If you have an new DynamicsUrl, or your ShowellAppUrl has changed (for example by utilizing a new Custom Domain), you have to ability to change these.
- You can obtain the new DynamicsUrl the same way as seen in Point 1
- Updating the URIs will overwrite your previous input as seen in Point 2B, Step 3
- If you change the DynamicsURI:
1. Navigate to MS Dynamics - Power Apps (make.powerapps.com)
2. From the side menu, choose 'Solutions', then click 'Default Solution'
3. From the left side section, search for, and open 'Environment variable Value' (under 'Tables')
4. Next to 'Environment Variable Value columns and data', click 'Edit'
5. Select the value you want to edit and choose 'Edit row using form' from the top menu.
6. Make your changes and click 'Save and Close' > 'Done'
💡 FAQ
How can I get the MS Dynamics integration?
MS Dynamics is a premium Showell integration. If you'd like to know more:
Can I add Showell Shares information to other locations in the Sales Hub?
MS Dynamics is a flexible tool that empowers you to tailor it to suit your requirements. For instance, like in Step 5C, you can effortlessly integrate Showell Shares into the Summary page of your contacts, leads, opportunities, Appointments, Emails or Phone Calls for quick access.
Are Showell Shares created outside of Dynamics, also tracked in Dynamics?
You can sync any shares created outside of Dynamics with your Dynamics environment. If the creator of the share is a user within Dynamics, they will automatically be designated as the owner of that share in Dynamics. Please note that this feature is disabled by default. To enable this functionality, please reach out to your dedicated CSM or contact Showell Support for assistance.
🔔 Troubleshooting
Why am I unable to see Showell's share analytics and tracking data in MS Dynamics?
It takes maximum 1 hour for the Analytics to be available within MS Dynamics.
Why don't I find any options under 'Environment Variable Definition' during the installation process?
If you cannot find 'Shwltd_DynamicsUri' or 'Shwltd_ShowellAppUri' (as seen in Point 2B, Step 3) the installation process may still be in progress in the background. Please have patience, refresh the page, and try again.