Preparing for Intellek LMS - cloud-based

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Preparing for Intellek LMS - cloud-based

From the Client side, there is very little to prepare for a cloud-based version of the Intellek LMS, as the LMS instance will be hosted in one of Intellek’s Data Centers.

Important settings that must be applied firm-wide

•The web address for the Client’s LMS instance must be added to the Trusted Site Security Zone on all workstations.

•The web address for the Client’s LMS instance must be added to the Pop-up Blocker Settings Exceptions.

•IT will need to whitelist the following URLS for ALL users. This ensures they can see the icons throughout the LMS.

o//maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/font-awesome/4.7.0/css/font-awesome.min.css

ohttps://fonts.goOgleapis.com/icon?family=Material+Icons

ohttps://fonts.goOgleapis.com/css?family=Open+Sans:300,300i,400,400i,600,600i,700,700i,800,800i

•Make sure Font download is enabled in your browser. Control Panel > Network and Internet > Internet Settings

font

•Users will need to whitelist the LMS URL in their uBlock Options (in the Trusted Sites tab as shown in the screenshot below)

1.This is achieved by pasting your LMS URL into the box and clicking Apply changes.

TPArrowNote - make sure to put an '*' at the end of the URL so that the whole LMS is excluded from uBlock

2.In the example below we've whitelisted our LMS testing instance. Once Apply changes is clicked, content will correctly launch. Also note the asterisk mentioned above.uBlock

ExpandedSystem requirements - user workstation

 

Minimum

Recommended

  CPU

  1 GHz or faster 32 bit Intel/AMD processor

  64 bit Intel/AMD multi-core processor @ 2.00 Ghz or higher

  RAM

  2GB (32 bit) - 4GB (64 bit)

  4GB + RAM (64 bit) / 8GB + RAM (64 bit)

  Hard Drive

  150MB

  150MB

  Display

  HD 1360 x 768

  WSXGA+ ( 1680 x 1050 for 16:10 ratio ) / FHD ( 1920 x 1080 for 16:9 ratio ) or better

  Operating System

  Windows 10 (1507) OS Build 10240.19567

  Windows 10 or 11

  Browser

  Firefox, Edge or Chrome

  Current versions of Edge or Chrome

  Network Connection

  100Mbps

  1Gbps or above

  Internet Connection*

  3Mbps (for a single user)

  30Mbps or higher

  Excel**

  Office 2016

  Office 365 current channel

*  An Internet Connection is required. Note that bandwidth requirements vary depending on the number of simultaneous user and type of content.

**  Used for reports and importing users.
ExpandedEmail integration

Why transactional emails?

To avoid delivery issues. Email protection systems have increasingly put stricter security controls in place to try and protect against ever more sophisticated phishing attacks and spam. As this can sometimes cause delivery issues when sending via Intellek's legacy email relay servers, Intellek has chosen to use transactional emails via SMTP2Go for all communication sent from your LMS.

Why SMTP2Go Transactional Emails?

SMTP2Go offers a number of benefits including the use of a dedicated, built-for-purpose, email infrastructure for delivering emails to our Client Family’s end-users. In addition, the Intellek support team, you, and your technical team, will be able to access real-time statistics and historical logs empowering them to resolve email issues more quickly.

SMTP2Go has a world-class SMTP infrastructure. The service will use your own email domain and we can be confident your emails from the LMS will reach your learners.

What’s the Process?

The process will take just 10 minutes.

1.Someone in your IT department will need to book a call with Adrian, our Head of Networks & Security, for next steps.

2.During the call, Adrian will register your email domain with SMTP2Go:

a.SMTP2Go will ask for some entries to be added to your domain's DNS so they can verify you and authorize them to send emails.

b.Once you are verified Intellek will send a quick test message to make sure it goes through okay.

c.We will reconfigure your LMS to use SMTP2Go at an agreed-upon time.

Considerations During Setup

Dependent on how existing rules are configured, mail filtering systems such as MimeCast or Proofpoint may need to have some rules updated or added to ensure mail delivery.

Intellek uses two dedicated IP addresses for sending via SMTP2Go, they are:

103.2.142.87 and 203.31.38.129

You may need to add these to an allow or whitelist in any mail filtering systems ( e.g. Mimecast or Proofpoint ) you are using.

Please schedule a short call to discuss these rules with the Intellek networks team to ensure a smooth implementation.
CollapsedSwitching to SMTP2Go if currently on SendInBlue

Why switch from SendInBlue to SMTP2Go for transactional emails?

If you have already switched from the Intellek mail relays to transactional emails through SendInBlue you may wonder why you should consider moving to SMTP2Go. It is a reasonable question given that SendInBlue offers similar facilities. Simply put, when some of our larger clients switched from our mail relays to SendInBlue, it raised a couple of issues we had not encountered during our testing and as a result, our network went back to the shortlist and completed some further evaluation.

We think SMTP2Go offers some nice features for our clients over and above what SendInBlue has to offer as well as not having the issues we found with SendInBlue. A feature our Head of Networks and Security is particularly enthusiastic about is being able to provide our clients access to their own account area which allows you to review emails sent from your LMS, your IT team to log in and check the system for any delivery issues.

ExpandedSingle Sign On

Intellek can work with your IT Team to allow your authenticated users to automatically login to the Intellek LMS.

ExpandedAutomated user import

There is an API available to automate the feed. Alternatively, we can work with your HR and IT Teams to implement a daily or weekly feed of users into the LMS, using an .XLSX or .CSV file. This will get uploaded to our server using SFTP and a background process will then process the information into the LMS.
ExpandedImporting LMS user data

Overview

Learner (user) information is the most important data you will add to the Intellek LMS. It is essential that the information be consistently formatted and applied. Inaccurate or inconsistent end-user data will result in inaccurate reporting and make assigning learning difficult.

Intellek provides each client with the Import_Learners.xlsx file to populate and use as the basis for the user import.

Your organization may choose to populate the Import_Learners.xlsx workbook from a parent database or databases (e.g., HRIS, Active Directory, InterAction). If the parent database or databases have consistently formatted data that is appropriate for the Learning Management System (LMS), that process can be automated by the appropriate network staff in your environment.

If the information provided from the parent database or databases requires cleanup or revision for use in the LMS, either the parent database will have to be revised or you may choose to do an initial data load from the parent database and then manually maintain or enter user data. You should make this decision from the beginning. It will impact the maintenance of the Import_Learners.xlsx file or the method you use for user account creation.

If you plan to maintain end-user data in the Import_Learners.xlsx file (whether manually modifying data or using a DTSX/SSIS package to populate it) you will maintain ALL active records in the sheet (new, modified, and inactive).

When you import via the file, any end-user previously maintained within the file, but no longer included, will be marked inactive in the LMS. Users that have been manually created will not be updated, unless you change their Entry Type to Automatic. This change is made at the bottom of the Detail page for the user.

The import file can be used as part of an automated process that will be set up by Intellek and/or you can manually load users into the system by selecting Import Users on the three dot Options menu on the Users page in the LMS.

Overview

Learner (user) information is the most important data you will add to the Intellek LMS. It is essential that the information be consistently formatted and applied. Inaccurate or inconsistent end-user data will result in inaccurate reporting and make assigning learning difficult.

Intellek provides each client with the Import_Learners.xlsx file to populate and use as the basis for the user import.

Your organization may choose to populate the Import_Learners.xlsx workbook from a parent database or databases (e.g., HRIS, Active Directory, InterAction). If the parent database or databases have consistently formatted data that is appropriate for the Learning Management System (LMS), that process can be automated by the appropriate network staff in your environment.

If the information provided from the parent database or databases requires cleanup or revision for use in the LMS, either the parent database will have to be revised or you may choose to do an initial data load from the parent database and then manually maintain or enter user data. You should make this decision from the beginning. It will impact the maintenance of the Import_Learners.xlsx file or the method you use for user account creation.

If you plan to maintain end-user data in the Import_Learners.xlsx file (whether manually modifying data or using a DTSX/SSIS package to populate it) you will maintain ALL active records in the sheet (new, modified, and inactive).

When you import via the file, any end-user previously maintained within the file, but no longer included, will be marked inactive in the LMS. Users that have been manually created will not be updated, unless you change their Entry Type to Automatic. This change is made at the bottom of the Detail page for the user.

The import file can be used as part of an automated process that will be set up by Intellek and/or you can manually load users into the system by selecting Import Users on the three dot Options menu on the Users page in the LMS.

You have three options for importing users to the LMS:

1.Provide the Import_Learners.xlsx file to Intellek as frequently as you need (e.g. daily or weekly) via the SFTP folder. Intellek needs to plan run the import at least two-hours after your file is placed on the SFTP server to be included in that day's import. Please let us know your scheduled time for file placement.

You can also write scripts to collect and send that data automatically to our folder via SFTP if you like. If this is your preferred method, please send your correctly formatted Import_Learners.xlsx file (see the Required File Format for the Import Learners Sheet topic) to support@intellek.io so we can review the format for you. Once we have confirmed you have the correct format, we will introduce you to a team member to help you complete the steps required for SFTP.

2.Manually import the correctly formatted Import Learner Sheet (see the Required File Format for the Import Learners Sheet topic) via Users > Three Dot Options > Import Users.

Import Options - Clip 1

 

3.For Clients with IT resources and a full understanding of API protocols, we recommend our Intellek API to automate the Learner import process without worrying about Import_Learners Sheets or SFTP. If this option is of interest to you, please review the API details/Instructions.

Review the above API documentation and send your Request Body JSON object (pasted into a .txt file) in an email for Intellek to validate and approve before testing on your sandbox or live site.

The Import_Learners.xlsx file must be formatted as either .xlsx or .csv. The file name MUST exactly match Import_Learners. Windows updates as of October 2017 no longer support .xls files.

Important!

1.Do not rename any columns.

2.Do not add any custom columns.

3.Ensure all mandatory columns are included.

4.CSV – All values must be string escaped (i.e., “xxx”, “yyy”).

Related Topics:

Populating the Import_Learner Sheet

Understanding the Column Headers

You will need to populate the Import_Learners.xlsx template with the necessary User information. See the Understanding the Column Headers topic for detailed explanations of the data to be entered into the worksheet. Each of these columns map directly to User Detail fields in the User's LMS account.

TPArrowPay particular attention to the Mandatory and Recommended columns.

KeyInfo  Key Information

There are column headings listed below that may not appear in the Import_Learners template you have been given. Intellek has removed some columns, for example, Title_Code and Profile_Code, as they are used less frequently. However, if you would like to use them, feel free to add these back in, using the exact column headings specified below.

Column Heading

Data Type

Mandatory

Recommended

Maximum

Length

Client_User_Identifier

NVARCHAR(104)

N

Y

104

User_Identifier

NVARCHAR(104)

Y

Y

104

Password

NVARCHAR(20)

N

 

20

First_Name

NVARCHAR(100)

Y

Y

100

Last_Name

NVARCHAR(100)

Y

Y

100

Title_Code

NVARCHAR(256)

N

 

256

Title_Description

NVARCHAR(256)

N

Y

256

Profile_Code

NVARCHAR(256)

N

 

256

Profile_Description

NVARCHAR(256)

N

Y

256

Department_Code

NVARCHAR(256)

N

 

256

Department_Description

NVARCHAR(256)

N

Y

256

Practice_Area_Code

NVARCHAR(256)

N

 

256

Practice_Area_Description

NVARCHAR(256)

N

Y

256

Location_Code

NVARCHAR(64)

N

 

64

Location_Description

NVARCHAR(64)

Y

Y

64

Status

NVARCHAR(1)

Y

Y

1

Telephone_Number

NVARCHAR(18)

N

 

18

Email_Address

NVARCHAR(359)

Y

Y

359

Start_Date

DATETIME

N

Y

n/a

End_Date

DATETIME

N

 

n/a

Client_Manager_Identifier

NVARCHAR(104)

N

Y

104

SecurityProfileCode

NVARCHAR(50)

N

 

50

Street1

NVARCHAR(255)

N

 

255

Street2

NVARCHAR(255)

N

 

255

City

NVARCHAR(255)

N

 

255

State

NVARCHAR(255)

N

 

255

Zip

NVARCHAR(25)

N

 

25

Country

NVARCHAR(255)

N

 

255

Birth_Date

DATETIME

N

 

n/a

Related Topics:

Understanding the Column Headers

To explain the Column Heading column details more clearly, the less obvious ones are outlined below.

Expanded Client_User_Identifier

A unique client identifier is optional but recommended. This is the primary key for the user in the LMS and can be anything such as Clock Number, SSN, Payroll Number, etc. This is the primary lookup value to determine if an existing user record is to be updated, or a new user record is to be created. If the Client_User_Identifier is left blank, it will be set to the User_Identifier (Column B) value. This is the Client User ID in the LMS User's Detail.

Expanded User_Identifier

The Mandatory User_Identifier column values will usually be the Windows (network) username of the user. This is the identifier (Username) that the user will use when logging into the LMS with credentials. This value MUST match your Active Directory/HR User name for SSO. This is labled as the Login Name in the LMS User's Detail. If you are hosted and you would like us to activate Single Sign On (SSO), please contact support@intellek.io.

Expanded Codes

Optionally use unique codes for each of the following. Only recommended if your organization requires and differentiates the following codes from their descriptions.

 

•Title_Code

•Profile_Code

•Department_Code

•Practice_Area_Code

•Location_Code

 

If a code is not supplied, then the _Code field will adopt its corresponding Description value. Once a code is entered into the LMS, it cannot be updated. A _Description cannot be used across multiple _Codes and, likewise, a _Code cannot be used against multiple _Descriptions

Expanded Title_Description

An optional field intended to store the User's job title.

Expanded Profile_Description

An optional field intended to store any identifying data not represented in other fields.

Expanded Department_Description

An optional field intended to store the User's department.

Expanded Practice_ Area_Description

An optional field intended to store the User's practice area.

Expanded Location_Description

A Mandatory field intended to store the User's physical location.  This data is also used when scheduling events on the calendar.  

This Mandatory field stores one of two values:

•A = Active. Active means the user can log into the system.

•I = Inactive. Inactive means the user cannot log into the system (for example, this would apply to Users who have left the company).

Expanded Telephone_Number

An optional field intended to store the User's telephone number.

Expanded Email_Address

The Mandatory email address must be unique. Otherwise, not all features will be available to all users, including the CPD/CLE module, Outlook Integration and Course Broadcast Emails.

Expanded Start_Date and End_Date

Optionally include the dates the User started/left the company.

•If using the .xlsx Import_Learners spreadsheet for user data import, the date format must be one that (*)  responds to the regional date and time settings that are specified for the operating system

 

regional date setting

•If using the .csv Import_Learners spreadsheet for user data import, please use "yyyy-MM-dd" date format with the double quotes.

Expanded Client_Manager_Identifier

An optional field that can be used to designate a User's supervisor or manager in the LMS. If this field is left blank, the Users's manager will default to System Administrator. To assign a manager, enter the Client_User_Identifier of the desired supervisor or manager in the Client_Manager_Identifier column of the User row.  

In the example below, Bob Babcock's Client_Manager_Identifier field has a value of RU4qxt, which designates Jill Clifford as his manager.  

Import_Client_Manager_Identifier_Values

Note: The Client_Manager_Identifier value can never equal the Client_User_Identifier value of a given User detail. This will create a circular reference error during the import process.

Optional. Leave the SecurityProfileCode column value blank to automatically assign the Standard User profile.

 

Security Profiles control the various “permissions” given to each user in the LMS. These are usually set up when the user data is imported; however, you can also assign these manually. The features and functionality you and the other users see in the LMS will depend on what Security Profile(s) have been assigned. For a detailed list of permissions for each Security Profile, refer to the Security Profiles topic.

The available Security Profiles and the required code abbreviation to be used in the SecurityProfileCode column are listed below.

TPArrowOnly one SecurityProfileCode can be entered for a user in the Import_Learners sheet. Security codes already aligned with a User in the LMS will be appended by new imports, not replaced.

TPArrowOnly one SecurityProfileCode can be entered for a user in the Import_Learners sheet.

TPArrowIf you’re an existing Client Family Member, you are not required to update your Import_Learners file to use the new codes; however, you can do so for clarity if you prefer.

Standard User

To define a user as a Standard User in the Import spreadsheet, you will need to specify USER (previously USERSTD) in the SecurityProfileCode column.

ProdTip  Productivity Tip

All users added to the system will have the Standard User profile assigned by default. You can leave the SecurityProfileCode column value blank to automatically assign the Standard User profile.

Report Super User

To define a user as a Report Super User in the Import spreadsheet, you will need to specify REPORTUSER (previously LEARNERRPT) in the SecurityProfileCode column.

Supervisor

To define a user as a Supervisor in the Import spreadsheet, you will need to specify SUPERV (previously MGRUSR) in the SecurityProfileCode column. This profile was previously known as User Manager.

TPArrowIf a user has been defined as a Manager in the Client_Manager_Identifier column in the Import sheet, they will automatically be assigned to this Security Profile.

Event Manager

To define a user as an Event Manager in the Import spreadsheet, you will need to specify EVENTMGR (previously MGRCLS) in the SecurityProfileCode column.

Course Manager

To define a user as a Course Manager in the Import spreadsheet, you will need to specify COURSEMGR in the SecurityProfileCode column.

User Manager

Once a user has been assigned to the Supervisor profile, you can login and manually assign them to User Manager to increase their privileges.

Event Administrator

To define a user as an Event Administrator in the Import spreadsheet, you will need to specify EVENTADM in the SecurityProfileCode column.

Course Administrator

To define a user as a Course Administrator in the Import spreadsheet, you will need to specify COURSEADM (previously ADMINCRS) in the SecurityProfileCode column.

User Administrator

To define a user as a User Administrator in the Import spreadsheet, you will need to specify USERADM (previously ADMINLEARNER) in the SecurityProfileCode column.

Company Administrator

This profile provides complete access to the system. To define a user as a Company Administrator in the Import spreadsheet, you will need to specify COMPANYADM (previously ADMINCOM) in the SecurityProfileCode column.

BestPrac  Best Practice

It is recommended that you identify at least one user as COMPANYADM during the initial import so that they can configure the LMS for the firm.

 

RelTop  Related Topics

Security Profiles