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Enabling & Setting Up Extranet in Merciglobal Cloud ERP

What is an Extranet?

An Extranet is a secure extension of an organization's internal network (intranet) that is accessible to selected external parties such as vendors, partners, and customers. It ensures controlled access to internal data and resources through secure login mechanisms like usernames and passwords. Essentially, an extranet helps organizations collaborate securely with external stakeholders.

Real-World Examples:

  • 🛒 An e-commerce platform sharing stock levels and order data with suppliers.
  • 🌍 Multinational corporations managing inter-organizational projects with partner firms.
  • 🎓 Universities offering e-learning portals to students remotely.

Extranet Implementation in Merciglobal Cloud ERP

Merciglobal Cloud ERP offers two structured methods for setting up an Extranet. Choose the method that fits your security and flexibility needs.

Method 1: Structured & Flexible Extranet Setup

Steps to Implement:

  1. Create User Accounts for external users.
  2. Create Specific User Groups and set their type as EXTRANET.
  3. Assign Users to the relevant Extranet User Group.
  4. Configure Group Roles & Permissions to define access to modules and reports.
  5. Developers can use isUserExtranet() function:
  6. To conditionally display data on screens.
  7. To restrict access within reports.

Notes:

  • Offers maximum flexibility and control for administrators and developers.
  • User access is limited to the roles and permissions defined.

Pros:

  • 🎯 Full control over access levels and permissions.
  • 🧩 Highly customizable for different extranet users.

Cons:

  • ⚠️ Requires careful management — incorrect configuration can expose sensitive data.

Method 2: Strict & Non-Flexible Extranet Setup

Steps to Implement:

  1. Create user account within the Account Group Master.
  2. Grant access from the same module.
  3. Set pre-defined module access (Desktop/Mobile) — users can only see their own data.
  4. Users login using mobile number and password.
  5. Ensure user status is set to Active.
  6. Set/Reset passwords via Account Group Module.

Notes:

  • Ideal for organizations needing maximum data security.
  • Avoids administrative errors during configuration.

Pros:

  • 🔒 Highly secure and error-proof.
  • ⚙️ No manual configuration needed for new users.
  • 🚪 Fixed data access policies ensure system consistency.

Cons:

  • 🚫 Access to additional modules cannot be granted dynamically.
  • 🧱 Hard-coded roles mean less flexibility.

Summary

Merciglobal Cloud ERP provides powerful tools to manage secure external collaborations via Extranet. Whether you prioritize flexibility or security, choose the implementation method that aligns best with your business strategy.

Empower your external stakeholders while keeping your data safe with Merciglobal Cloud ERP's robust Extranet functionality! 🔐🌐