Introduction

With applications you can link directly from your platform to external systems, websites or tools. This makes important resources — like a scheduling, leave or accounting system — available to your colleagues in a single click.

In this article you'll learn what applications are, how the applications screen is structured, how to add a new application, and what to do when something doesn't work as expected.

How do applications work?

An application is essentially a shortcut to an external environment. You manage the name, icon, link and access from within the platform. There are two types:

• Organisation-wide applications (public apps): visible to all users in your organisation. Examples include a scheduling or leave system. Only admins can add these.
• Group applications: only visible to members of a specific group, for example an accounting system for the finance department. Group managers can add these.

For each application you can choose how it opens: in an iFrame within the platform, in the same tab, or in a new tab (default).

The applications screen

When you open the applications screen, you see all the applications you have access to in a single overview.

On the applications screen you'll find the following elements:

1. The applications icon in the top-left of the menu bar, which opens the screen.
2. The New app button to add an application.
3. An overview of all applications visible to you — both organisation-wide and the apps of the groups you belong to.
4. An overview of the most viewed applications within your organisation.

Adding an application

Follow the steps below to add a new application. Before you start, make sure you have the link to the external tool and a square icon ready.

1. In the navigation bar, click the Applications icon or the Apps button (depending on how it's displayed on your platform).
2. Click New app.
3. Choose whether the application is a public app or a group app.
4. Enter the name of the application.
5. Select a contact person for the application.
6. Enter the link to the application. Adding a mobile link is optional.
7. Upload an app icon. We recommend a square image without text.
8. Add a description that explains what the application is for.
9. Choose how the application should open:
   • In an iFrame — the application appears as part of Plek.
   • In the same tab — Plek is replaced by the application.
   • In a new tab (default) — Plek stays open.
10. Click Create.

The application has now been added and appears on the applications screen.

Troubleshooting

I can't add a new application

• Check that you are an admin or a group manager.
• Organisation-wide applications can only be created by admins.
• For a group app, you need to be a manager of the group you want to add the app to.

My application isn't visible to others

• Check whether the application is organisation-wide or linked to the correct group.
• Check that the intended users are members of that group.

The icon looks distorted or unreadable

• Use a square image (for example 256 × 256 pixels).
• Avoid text in the icon — it will be displayed small and is often hard to read.

The problem persists

If your issue isn't listed here, or if it keeps coming back, send an email to support.plek@bcs-hr.com and describe as specifically as possible what you've already tried.