Approving a task within an email (smart URL)

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Paxson Kabala
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    We want to generate an email using processflow integrator that contains something like a smart URL to approve/reject web time entry records.  I'm guessing it would need to satisfy LSF 9.0 authentification requirements and then update pending web time entry statuses.  The goal is to allow our executives to approve or reject time without logging in to the Lawson Portal.  We would like for them to be able to approve time right in an email.

    Is this even possible?  If so, what is involved?  Just some additional javascripting within the flow or is it far more complicated?  I would like some high level understanding of how this could work before submitting RFP's.  Thanks in advance for any info you can provide!

    John Henley
    Posts: 3353
      Hi Paxson, you could do this from the flow by embedding an URL that combines an AGS call with an SSO authentication. However, it would be not be practical since 1) you would have to know the user's password (and if you are using ldapbind there is no way), and even if you do know the password, it would be completely insecure since the password would be exposed as part of the URL. BTW, are they all using Blackberries? I'm working on a project to provide workunit approval functionality for RSS as a native BB app...
      Thanks for using the LawsonGuru.com forums!
      John
      David Williams
      Veteran Member
      Posts: 1127
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        I played with this some time back. The URL still required the user to login to Lawson Portal and presented a weird XML return. I didn't take it much further but I'm sure this could be cleaned up. I thought of calling a custom page that performed the action needed which would present a cleaner face but didn't have time to play with it.

        Some blog posting that might help:
        http://consultdavidw.blog...basket-dispatch.html
        http://consultdavidw.blog...il-html-content.html
        http://consultdavidw.blog...inbasket-action.html
        David Williams
        Gary Davies
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        Posts: 248
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          While I can appreciate wanting the convience, there is exposure to bring this kind of functionality seamlessly without requiring a logon.  Anyone who can intercept the email can do the approval.  

          Shane Jones
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          Posts: 460
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            I tried doing the same thing... HOWEVER, i am fine with a popup login ... I have a link that works (SORT OF). It throws the XML in the following Forum thread:

            https://www.lawsonguru.co...fc/9585/Default.aspx

            I think that it is old technology to make someone log into their inbasket and click through the browser to approve and item. There should be a URL string that could release the workunit. If I could tell the system NOT to display the XML OR use a URL that would automatically close the XML page that opens I think I could make something work.

            Is there a way to tell the XML popup window to close aitomatically?
            Shane Jones
            Tools: HR, Payroll, Benefits, PFI, Smart Office, BSI, Portal and Self-Service
            Systems: Lawson, Open Hire, Kronos, Crystal Reporting, SumTotal Learning
            ** Teach others to fish...
            Paxson Kabala
            Basic Member
            Posts: 4
            Basic Member

              Yes, as of right now, they all use Blackberries.  Not sure how long that will last though.

              This is way over my head, but what about using a masked URL that's then translated by a tool on the webserver to log that person in - thereby providing some security.  I don't know how that would work exactly but it sounds good.