Shortcut 📒
Shortcut Module provides an easy way to save and share shortcuts for the files and folders residing on a common server or PC. In most of the offices, there is a common location where all the files are stored. This location could be a Shared Folder (A windows shared folder) or NAS (Network Attached Storage) or Shared folder on a central server.
Problem Statement
On an average 20 minutes is spent by a team member in locating, navigating and searching for the files to work on. Having a centralised shortcut system of all the files and folders about a client or task helps in saving time and improving efficiency.
Note
Due to browser limitation, for the shortcuts to work, a plugin and software are required to be installed.
Below are the steps for Firefox and Chrome. Currently, there are plugins available only for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. 2 steps are required
- Installing plugin
- Installing exe
These installation steps are required on all the PC where you want the links to work.
Plugin for Mozilla Firefox
Step 1: Installing Plugin
Visit Firefox add-on URL – https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/local-filesystem-links/
Click on “+ Add to Firefox” button. This will install the plugin to Firefox Browser.
When you click on the button, it will download the plugin and give you a pop up box as shown in image below. Click on "Add" button.
Once you click on “Add” button, the plugin will be installed and take you to the plugin configuration page. You can close the configuration page. In order to verify if the plugin installed, you can see the folder icon appearing near address bar in Firefox. Now proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Installing Software
Download the exe file from URL – https://github.com/AWolf81/webextension_local_filesystem_links-native-host-binaries/raw/master/win32/native-app-setup.exe Double click on the exe file downloaded and follow on-screenn instruction. (Basically clicking on “Next” button 2 times)
Once the installation is completed, you need to restart the Firefox browser.
In case you get an antivirus warning, you can safely ignore it. It is a false positive.
Plugin for Google Chrome
Step 1: Installing Plugin
Visit Plugin URL – https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/local-explorer-file-manag/eokekhgpaakbkfkmjjcbffibkencdfkl Click on “+ Add to Chrome” button as shown in the screen below
Step 2: Installing Software
Download the exe from URL – https://www.vnprodev.com/browser-extensions/downloads/LocalExplorer-Setup.exe and double click on the exe file downloaded. Follow the installation steps to install.
Create/Add Shortcut
Currently, shortcuts can be added to a Client or a Task. There is a separate window available in Client View and Task View for adding as well as viewing all the shorcuts. Below screenshots show the placement of “Shortcut” window in Client View and Task View respectively.
Once you click on “Add” the below window will pop up. Enter the link and click on Save. Pro Tip: Press Enter to Save.
Shortcuts can be added as well as viewed from the Client List and Task List page too. To do the same click on the right most icon (highlighted with red colour in the below screenshot). 