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Mesh Integration

Overview

Capture can be integrated directly into MinuteView Mesh, allowing users to create captures from files or records while browsing search results.

When Enable in Mesh is turned on for a template, users can:

  • Select records in Mesh
  • Add them directly to a capture
  • Associate them as artifacts automatically
  • Streamline the capture creation workflow

How Mesh Integration Works

User Workflow

  1. Search in Mesh - User searches for files, drawings, or documents
  2. Select items - User selects one or more records
  3. Create Capture - User clicks "Create Capture" option
  4. Select Template - User chooses from Mesh-enabled templates
  5. Auto-populate - Selected items are automatically added as artifacts
  6. Complete Capture - User fills in remaining fields and submits

Benefits

  • Faster capture creation - No need to manually add artifacts
  • Reduced errors - Artifacts added automatically with correct references
  • Better user experience - Streamlined workflow from search to submission
  • Context preservation - Search context carries through to capture

Enabling Mesh Integration

In Template Configuration

  1. Open the Capture Template in Console
  2. Find the Enable in Mesh setting
  3. Toggle to Yes
  4. Save the template

That's it! The template will now appear in Mesh for users with appropriate access.


When to Enable Mesh Integration

✅ Enable When:

ScenarioReason
Document TransmittalsUsers select drawings/documents from Vault to transmit
Drawing ReviewsReviewers need to select specific drawings for approval
File CollectionsProcess involves gathering files from various projects
Ad-hoc SubmissionsUsers create captures as needed while working

❌ Disable When:

ScenarioReason
System-Triggered OnlyCaptures are created by automation, not users
Specific WorkflowsTemplate is part of a specific workflow chain
No Artifacts NeededCapture doesn't require file/record association
Would Create ConfusionMesh access doesn't fit the process flow

User Experience

In Mesh

When a user selects records in Mesh with Mesh-enabled templates:

  1. Selection - User checks boxes next to desired records
  2. Action Menu - "Create Capture" option appears
  3. Template Selection - Dialog shows available templates
  4. Capture Creation - New capture opens with artifacts pre-loaded

Template Filtering

Users only see templates where:

  • Mesh integration is enabled
  • They have permission to create captures
  • The template is active

Example Use Cases

Use Case 1: Drawing Package Transmittal

Process:

  1. Project manager searches Mesh for "Project ABC" drawings
  2. Filters to revision "B" drawings needing transmittal
  3. Selects 15 drawings
  4. Clicks "Create Capture"
  5. Chooses "Drawing Transmittal" template
  6. Capture opens with all 15 drawings as artifacts
  7. Fills in transmittal details
  8. Submits

Without Mesh Integration:

  • Would need to create capture first
  • Manually add each of 15 drawings
  • Risk of missing files or adding wrong versions

Use Case 2: Engineering Review

Process:

  1. Engineer searches for assembly and related drawings
  2. Selects assembly + 5 detail drawings
  3. Creates capture from "Engineering Review" template
  4. All files auto-added as artifacts
  5. Completes review fields
  6. Submits for approval

Without Mesh Integration:

  • Time-consuming manual artifact addition
  • Potential for incomplete review set
  • More steps = more chance for errors

Use Case 3: Quality Audit

Process:

  1. Quality manager searches for files released this month
  2. Filters by category and lifecycle state
  3. Selects sample files for audit
  4. Creates "Quality Audit" capture
  5. Files automatically included
  6. Completes audit checklist
  7. Submits findings

Without Mesh Integration:

  • Manual file tracking needed
  • Harder to ensure representative sample
  • Additional documentation overhead

Technical Considerations

Artifact Linking

When artifacts are added from Mesh:

  • Vault files - Linked by file ID and version
  • Documents - Linked by document ID
  • Records - Linked by record identifier
  • State tracking - Current state is captured for stale detection

Permissions

Users can only add artifacts to captures if:

  • They have read access to the artifacts in Mesh
  • They have permission to create captures from the template
  • The artifacts meet any configured artifact rules

The Model Viewing Service Account may grant broader viewing permissions during review.

Multiple Artifacts

Mesh integration supports:

  • Single artifact selection
  • Multiple artifacts (bulk selection)
  • Mixed artifact types (drawings, documents, etc.)
  • Large selections (100+ items)

Best Practices

Template Design

When designing Mesh-enabled templates:

  1. Clear naming - Template name should indicate what artifacts are expected
  2. Appropriate fields - Include fields that help categorize selected artifacts
  3. Validation rules - Consider artifact state rules to ensure consistency
  4. User guidance - Provide description to help users choose correct template

User Training

Train users to:

  • Use effective search filters before selecting
  • Verify selection before creating capture
  • Understand which template to choose for their use case
  • Check that all intended artifacts are included

Performance

For large artifact selections:

  • Test with realistic volumes
  • Consider pagination or limits if needed
  • Monitor capture creation performance
  • Optimize fields and automation

Troubleshooting

Template Doesn't Appear in Mesh

Check:

  • Is "Enable in Mesh" turned on?
  • Does user have permission to create captures from this template?
  • Is the template active/enabled?
  • Is user logged in with correct role?

Artifacts Not Adding Correctly

Check:

  • Do users have read access to selected artifacts?
  • Are artifact state rules preventing addition?
  • Is there a network/connection issue?
  • Check MinuteView logs for error details

Performance Issues

Check:

  • How many artifacts are being selected?
  • Are there complex event handlers on capture creation?
  • Is Mesh indexing up to date?
  • Network latency to Vault or file sources?

Combining with Other Features

Mesh + Workflows

Captures created from Mesh can still trigger workflows:

  • On Submit event handlers run normally
  • Workflows can access artifact metadata
  • Automation continues after human interaction

Mesh + Custom Fields

Custom fields work seamlessly with Mesh integration:

  • Users fill in fields after artifacts are added
  • Field validation applies normally
  • Fields can be pre-populated based on artifact metadata

Mesh + Security

Role-based security still applies:

  • Users see only templates they can access
  • Artifact permissions are respected
  • Review access controlled by template configuration

Next Steps

Learn about other integration and configuration options:

Tentech