Installing the DCM Outlook Addin application synchronises the Entities Calendars in DCM with calendars in Outlook. Don't forget that you also have access to Direct CONNECT for browser access that does much more than just view appointments.
Note - DCM and Outlook are only synced when Outlook is running on the workstation connected to the database.
What is synchronised with the Outlook Addin?
- Schedules/Recurring Appointments
- Client Name
- DOB
- Preferred Phone
- Appointment Status
- Appointment Times
- Appointment Comments
Installing Direct CONTROL Medical (DCM)
Thank you for choosing DCM, a powerful SQL.Net application designed to streamline your operations.
To ensure a seamless installation process, please follow the steps outlined below. Our support staff will be available to assist you throughout the installation process.
Installation Options
- Per-Device: In this configuration, the ‘DCM Client application' is installed on a specific computer or device.
- Per-User: In this configuration, the ‘DCM Client application' is installed under each Windows Logon.
Please refer to additional instructions for installing DCM on Citrix and Terminal Services environments.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding with the installation, please ensure the following:
- Operating System: DCM is compatible with Windows Server 2016 and later, as well as Windows 10 and later. Ensure that your server and workstations meet these requirements.
- SQL Server: You'll need a separate instance (installation) of SQL Server. DCM can use SQL Express (be aware of its limitations) or access the SQL Server Installation files for a new installation (instance). Make sure it is SQL 2016 or later.
- 64-Bit OS: DCM exclusively supports 64-bit operating systems. Please verify that your operating system is 64-bit. We strongly recommend using a Windows Server version OS.
Installation Steps
- Install SQL Server
- Install DCM database
- Attach the 'Clean Database' to the SQL Server.
- Install \\DirectCONTROLServerFiles
- Download and extract the latest DirectCONTROLServerFiles from our FTP site
- Check Connection Strings
- Edit the connection strings in the \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\Config folder to correspond to your database path.
- Install Application/Client
- Locate and run the setup.exe file in the \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\DirectCONTROLApp folder to install the DCM Client application.
- Configure the Application/Client
- Ensure that the application launches correctly and configure it as needed.
- Install DCM Outlook Addin (optional)
- Install Direct CONNECT IIS for the Provider and Client Portals (optional)
DCM Server Installation
The intent of this document is to assist and instruct on installing the DCM server components so that a site is ready for the DCM database to take place, and then for the installation of the DCM Client installation.
Overview
DCM is a software application that needs a database. The database is a Microsoft SQL Database. There are 12 steps for a New Installation of DCM:
- Preparation
- Access Requirements
- Setup SQL Server
- Download DirectCONTROLServerFiles zipped file and extract
- Attach the 'Clean Database' to the SQL Server
- Add the connect.direct Login
- Edit the Connection Strings
- Copy the \Config folder to the C Drive and Share it. Note that if you map an S Drive and place the \Config folder on this drive it can point to a different database if required (eg: Test database)
- Share the \DirectCONTROLServerFiles folder
- Install the DCM Application
- Update to Latest Version if necessary
- Run Utilities - Update Fees
Step One: Preparation
Ensure the following prerequisites:
- Acceptance of Service Licence Agreement (SLA).
- Completed setup sheets.
- Payment of licence and support fees.
- Server/workstation meets specifications Specifications | Direct Control
- Understand LogMeIn RESCUE deployment on server and workstations that we require Access to Support and Train or we can use Microsoft Teams
Step Two: Access Requirements
- Before an install of the DCM server components, the server must be connected to the network where it is intended to be run, if an internal network, and remote access must be available and confirmed to be working.
- Remote access can be provided to us by:
- LogMeIn RESCUE (Preferred), OR
- Windows RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). Some Clients request that we logon to RDP through a Virtual Private Server (VPN) for added security
- Others may use a Citrix logon, and
- Others Team Viewer ... we ONLY use Team Viewer if the client has a paid subscription for this
- We do require a login with administrator rights to use in the future for install and support work.
Step Three: Setup SQL Server
We require that the server has an installation of SQL 2016 or later. You have the flexibility to choose between the Express or Full Version of SQL Server, depending on your specific requirements. SQL Express, a free offering from Microsoft, is suitable for smaller clients, but please be mindful of its database size limitation, capped at 10GB.
If using SQL Express, do the following:
- Log on to your Server (for smaller Clients, this may be a Workstation/Server)
- Download SQL Express
- Run SQL Express
- Select Custom installation type
- Choose the Media location (default is C:\SQL2019)
- Click Install, this will download the SQL install package to the media location
- In the SQL Server Installation Center, go to Installation tab and select New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation
- (Optional) tick the Use Microsoft Update to check for updates checkbox
- Click Next
- In the Installation Type page, select Perform a new installation of SQL Server 2019
- Click Next
- Accept the license terms
- Click Next
- In the Feature Selection page, select Database Engine Services, and Shared Features – Client Tools Connectivity
- Click Next
- In the Feature Rules Selection page, name the Instance DirectCONTROL
- Click Next
- Server Configuration page:
- Service Accounts tab: ensure SQL Server Browser Startup Type is Automatic
- Collation tab: ensure database engine collation is 'SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS' – this is default. If not click on Customise.
- Click Next
- Database Engine Configuration page - Server Configuration tab:
-
- Add or make sure that the current user is set as Administrator.
- Select Mixed Mode
- Contact DCM support at this point to enter a password
- Click on Add Current User
-
- Click Next
- Wait for this install to be completed successfully
- Click on Close
- Select Start - All Programs - SQL Server Management Studio
- Select Connect
- Right-click on the 'instance' being ServerName\DirectCONTROL
- Select Properties
- Select Security
- Select SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode
- Select OK
If using SQL Full Version, do the following:
- NOTE: If we are using an existing server it can be SQL 2016 or later with management studio
- SQL Full Version is normally already installed.
- Request access to the Installation medium/cd
- Continue from step 4. above
Step Four: Download \DirectCONTROLServerfiles zipped file and extract
Contact DCM support to get access to the DirectControlServerFiles and application files.
Once the file is downloaded:
- Right-click on the \DirectCONTROLServerFiles.zip
- Select Extract to ... This process varies depending on what programme they are using to unzip the files (Windows, WinZip, others)
- Browse to the Drive
- Extract All
This will create the DC server files folder
This should yield the following folder structure. Open up the DirectControlserverfiles to view the folder structure below:
PathToFiles (e.g., C:/) -> \\DirectControlServerFiles\
/Admissions
/Backup
/BPAY
/Config
/DatabaseInstall
/DirectControlApp
/DirectControlAddin
/Labels
/Links
/Medicare
/MYOB
/Reports
/Templates
Step Five: Attach the Clean DCM database to the SQL Server
- Open SQL server management studio by Going to Start - All Programs - SQL Server Management Studio
- Select the SQL Instance (eg: SERVERNAME\DirectCONTROL)
- Select Connect
- Right-click on Databases and select Restore Database
- Select from Device and click on [...]
- Select Add
- Browse to \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\databaseinstall and select the clean database
- Select OK
- Type in DirectCONTROL50 in to the data base dropdown
- Tick Restore
- OK
Step Six: Add the user connect.direct to the database logins with full permissions.
- Expand the Security Folder by clicking on the +
- Right-click on Logins
- Select New Login ...
- Enter the Login name: connect.direct
- Select SQL Server authentication
- Contact DCM support at this point to enter a password
- Confirm the Password
- Deselect Enforce password policy
- Click on Server Roles on the left
- Ensure both public and sysadmin are ticked
- Click on OK
Step Seven: Edit the Connection Strings
- When launching the application DCM looks for a file to find out the location of the Database. This is referred to as 'connection strings' and these files are located in the \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\Config folder. These files need to be modified to correspond to the sites database path. eg: server\SQLExpress(nameoftheirPC\DirectCONTROL) and then copied to the C: Drive of all computers wanting to run DCM.
- There are two files. One in \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\DirectCONTROLApp and the other \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\DirectCONTROLAddin.
- Open SQL server management studio by Going to Start - All Programs - SQL Server Management Studio
- Highlight the name of the SQL Instance (eg: MM_FS2\DirectCONTROL)
- Copy by pressing CTRL+C
- Browse to the \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\Config\DirectCONTROL folder
- Right click on the ConnectionStrings file and open in Notepad
- If prompted, select do this for ALL
- In Notepad select Edit - Replace
- In the Find what: field type <Server>
- In the Replace with: field press CTRL+V to paste the name of the SQL Instance
- Select Replace ALL
- Select OK
- Close and Save the File
- Browse to the \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\Config\DirectCONTROLAddin folder
- Repeat from Step 5. above
Step Eight: Copy the \Config folder to the C Drive and share it
- Use Windows Explorer to browse to \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\Config folder
- Hold down the right mouse button and drag to the Local Disk (C) / C:Drive. Do not release the mouse until you are sure you have highlighted the C Drive
- Release the mouse and select Copy
- Right click on this folder c:\Config
- Select Share with ...
- Select Specify people
- Key in the word Everyone
- Select Add
- Ensure that Everyone has read/write permission
- Select Share
- NB: Work with IT to ensure that this is setup correctly as some sites would not use 'Everyone'. They would just share with specific people or Groups.
Step Nine: Share the \DirectCONTROLServerFiles folder
- Use Windows Explorer to browse to \DirectCONTROLServerFiles
- Right click on this folder
- Select Share with ...
- Select Specify people
- Key in the word 'Everyone'
- Select Add
- Ensure that Everyone has read/write permission
- Select Share
- NB: Work with IT to ensure that this is setup correctly as some sites would not use 'Everyone'. They would just share with specific people or Groups.
Step Ten: Install the DCM Application
- Use Windows Explorer to browse to \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\DirectCONTROLApp folder
- Locate the DirectCONTROL_Setup.exe file
- Double click on it
- Follow the prompts to install the Application
- During this process, you may be prompted to choose between a per-user or per-device installation based on your preference.
- This will install the prerequisites respectively (Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2, Microsoft SQL CLR Types 2012, Microsoft Shared Management Object (SMO) 2012
- Run the Application to ensure that it launches correctly
Step Eleven: Update the Application to Latest Build if necessary
- Launch DCM application and if an update is available, you should see a prompt.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during or after installation, please follow the on-screen error messages or consider restarting your system. If you need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact our support team.
Thank you for choosing DCM. We hope this software enhances your workflow and productivity.
Trouble Shooting
If error on starting follow message prompts or Restart (be careful not to Shut-Down)
Installing Microsoft Outlook Addin
Installing the DCM Outlook Addin application synchronises the Entities Calendars in DCM with calendars in Outlook. Don't forget that you also have access to Direct CONNECT for browser access that does much more than just view appointments.
What is synchronised with the Outlook Addin?
- Schedules/Recurring Appointments
- Client Name
- DOB
- Preferred Phone
- Appointment Status
- Appointment Times
- Appointment Comments
Select to view instructions on:
Installation
How to install?
- The Outlook Addin need only be installed on one PC to be managed. However, no issues if wanting to install it on more than one PC. How?
- The Outlook Addin is a separate application to DCM
- It is installed by running \\DirectCONTROLServerFiles\DirectCONTROLAddin\setup.exe
- Updates of the Addin are automated on each Direct CONTROL Update by selecting Update Outlook in Utilities - Configure - Installation (Support)
- Many setup a user on their network called DCM and manage the Outlook Addin under this one user's outlook account. Doing this helps our Tech People 'troubleshoot' any possible issues without bothering staff
- Outlook, with this Addin installed, needs to be running. So ensure you have Outlook in your PC Startup folder
- The Outlook Addin does not synch with the user's default calendar, so you need add a new calendar for this
- In Outlook go to the Folder tab and select New Calendar
- Type in a Name (eg: DirectCONTROL)
- If running solo, then no need to share this new calendar. Just have the Addin installed and then set it up
- If in group practice, these calendars need to be shared with the user (eg: DirectCONTROL)
- There are two ways:
- share the users mailbox by going to your account settings and selecting More Settings - Advanced and adding their mailbox, or
- logged on as the user, right-click on the DirectCONTROL calendar and select Share and Share Calendar
- you may want the recipient to add, edit or delete, however, this will not update the DCM application
- There are two ways:
Setup
How to setup?
- When the Addin is installed, you now have access to the Setup as a Tab at the top of Outlook
- Select this to view the Addin Options
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| Link Calendars | Select to map the DC Entity Calendar with an Outlook Calendar |
| Link Categories | Select to create Categories in Outlook that are the Appointment Types in DC |
| Manual Sync | Select to force synchronisation if you believe it is not working as it should |
| Clear Calendar | Click on the Calendar you want to remove appointments from and then select Clear Calendar. This does not remove appointments from DCM. Use this if you have mapped the wrong Entity to the wrong Outlook Calendar |
| Rebuild Calendar | Click on the Calendar you want to rebuild and then select Rebuild Calendar |
| Toggle Log |
Select to display details of the synchronisation. It will appear similar to: 11/03/2016 8:52:27 AM: Load Appointment Starting...
|
Startup
Automatically start an Office program when you turn on your computer.
Autostart an Office program you use every day by adding a shortcut to the Windows Startup folder. (If this is too much of a distraction or makes your computer start too slowly, you can always delete the shortcut from the Startup folder.)
Windows 7
-
Click Start
> All Programs > Microsoft Office. -
Right-click the icon of the program you want to start automatically, and then click Copy (or press Ctrl + C).
-
In the All Programs list, right-click the Startup folder, and then click Explore.
-
Click Organize > Paste (or press Ctrl+V) to paste the program shortcut into the Startup folder.
Windows 8 or later
-
Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E).
-
Copy or browse to the following path in the address bar in File Explorer using your own username, and then press Enter.
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
-
Leave File Explorer open.
-
Open the Start Screen, right-click the Office program you want to automatically start, and click Open file location.
Tip If your program isn’t listed, right-click the Start screen, and click All Apps.
-
Copy (Ctrl + C) the program shortcut to the Startup folder you opened in Step 2.
Your program will automatically start the next time you start your computer. If you ever want to remove a program from autostart, delete the shortcut from the Startup folder (Steps 1 and 2).
Troubleshooting
- At times, usually after a Windows Update, the Outlook Addin may be disabled by Windows
- On starting Outlook, you should be prompted at that time of any disabled Addins for you to enable
Automating the installation of Direct CONTROL for each user
This is 'techy stuff'.
Ask your IT people to do this or if you want us to, there is a charge.
To setup a policy that (almost) automatically installs DCM for a user that has not logged on at that machine before, do so through group policy under client policy/computer configuration/Administrativetemplates/system/logon- Run these programs at user logon and add the directcontrol.application.
It will still prompt for install but all the user needs to do is click that.
Automating the Installation of Direct CONTROL for each user
The question was also asked if there was a 'silent switch'. Please see the following article for information regarding this:
ClickOnce and Silent mode installation (microsoft.com)
You can try the /i /s flags, but this will not remove the box for the user to be prompted if they trust the application source.
It will remove the prompts for upgrades too and just apply them automatically when it loads.
New Workstation Installation
Should you need to re-install DCM on an existing or new workstation, here are the steps:
- Check the specifications
- ensure Microsoft 365 is installed
- ensure this workstation has complete access to the \DirectCONTROLServerFiles location and subfolders
- Browse to \DirectCONTROLServerFiles and locate the folder /Config
- Copy this folder to the C: drive of the workstation
- Browse to \DirectCONTROLServerFiles\DirectCONTROLApp folder and rule the Setup.exe
- This new workstation/device will need to be activated in PRODA
Accessibility
- Narrator (Windows key + Ctrl + Enter or Windows key + Ctrl + N for settings)
- Voice Access and Speech Recognition (Windows Key + H)
- The DCM menu can be on the Left or Right-hand side of each form for left/right hand users (Utilities - Configure - General - Per Machine Properties - Show Main Control Centre Menu on Left: untick to show on right)
- Keyboard Shortcuts (F11)
- Designed for ease of workflow that is intuitive and informative
Software Updates
DCM can be setup to check for updates automatically. This should only be setup on selected work stations so that not all staff have access to it. Best to have Password CONTROL turned on as well so that only the administrator has access to Utilities - Configure. If your business has only one or two workstations, you can manage this differently.
- Go to Utilities - Configure - General
- Select 'Check Online for Updates'. You may be prompted to email support@directcontrol.com.au to request for this to be setup.
- Save and close
- If setup on your workstation, there may also be a prompt at the top of the Splash Screen informing you of a more recent version for you to download
- Click where indicated to update
International Settings
DCM has been originally designed to meet the needs of Australia. Over time, we have addressed New Zealand and Fiji.
Installing Direct CONNECT IIS
Direct CONNECT is intended to be accessed within a location's intranet and externally using ordinary web access from a browser.
We ask that before Connect Direct undertakes its task that the above is tested and has been proven to work.
The following information is provided as a guide only and is indicative of a standard installation. Direct CONNECT runs on a Microsoft® platform and takes advantage of the latest Microsoft ® tools and components. For hardware requirements please refer to the manufacturer's minimum system requirements for each Microsoft® software component.
Requirements
Direct CONNECT Client
An html5 browser, so Chrome, Safari, Opera and IE 9
Microsoft Windows 8 or 10
Direct CONNECT Web Server
Microsoft Windows Server 2008/2012
Internet Information Services (IIS) 7 or 8
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 (please not 4.0)
Direct CONNECT build include use of various NuGet packages which are automatically updated and always require the current and latest release of DOT.NET, thus the need for 4.5 at the moment
Direct CONNECT uses https so a certificate is required. A secure port also has to be enabled
Direct CONNECT Data Server
Current version of Microsoft SQL Express or SqlServer 2008R2 or higher
Installing Direct CONNECT
Prior to the full Direct CONNECT being installed, IT support staff should be satisfied that they have created a new site which conforms to the security policies of the site. This site will be used to test access, and after access is achieved then the full Direct CONNECT can be installed by Connect Direct Support staff. The domain name and port will need to be provided.
The site should be named "theDirect CONNECT." as a predicate to your standard page name, i.e. it replaces the the hostname www.
Please also ensure that the site is enabled for SSL security with your own certificate and port address.
Prior to installation of Connect Direct's Direct CONNECT application, a site requires IIS to be available as well as access from IIS to the SQL Server instance where the DCM database resides.
There are a myriad of combinations of configuration of IIS and thus Connect Direct cannot assume they are all the same.
With the Server's services, ensure WAS is installed and running and startup is set to automatic and similary W3SVC
Within IIS
Add an Application Pool called "Direct CONNECT" with the advanced setting "Enable 32 bit applications " set to True
The Identity should be set to 'ApplicationPoolIdentity'
Permissions
Ensure that the c:\inetpub folder grants access to the IIS_IUSERS object
Connect Direct activities
- Copy Direct CONNECT code to a new folder under InetPub/wwwroot
- The test site will include a call to the DirectControl50 database and thus the test sites Web.Config file will require a change to the connection string for the site.
- Override SQL connection strings in web.config file
- Map Direct CONNECT application to the applicationIdentity 'Direct CONNECT'
- Set directory browsing for Direct CONNECT to enabled
- Set bindings and basic settings for Direct CONNECT
The installation should now work
499 Errors
If you encounter a 499 error on trying to open a page, it is most likely that it's your antivirus tool stopping access. Please check your antivirus settings to enable Direct CONNECT site
To add Direct CONNECT icon to your phone home screen for easy access, please refer to:
http://glasskeys.com/2011/06/23/how-to-add-web-links-to-the-home-screen-...
and
http://www.askyourandroid.com/android-news/add-a-web-shortcut-to-android...