Your First Steps
Welcome! If you're new to managing the Lib&Co website content, this guide will get you up to speed fast. If you're already familiar but just need a refresher on where things live, you're in the right place too.
How the System Works
You've got three main pieces working together:
1. SharePoint - Where you manage all the visual assets
Product folders and images
Collection folders and hero images
Videos, catalogues, lifestyle photos
Basically, if it's a file that shows up on the website, it lives here first
2. Business Central - Where you manage all the data
Product names and specifications
Item attributes (the critical ones that map products to collections)
Product details and configurations
Think of this as the "brain" that organizes everything
3. The Backend System - The automation that ties it all together
Monitors both SharePoint and Business Central for changes
Triggers sync events when you update something
Pushes your changes to the website automatically
Creates synergy across all platforms (databases, servers, the works)
Here's the key: You make changes in SharePoint or Business Central, and the backend watches for those changes and syncs everything to the website. You don't need to manually publish or push anything. The system handles it.
Two Ways to Start
Depending on what you're doing, you'll start in different places. The good news? Sequential order doesn't really matter as long as the required data is available across both platforms. But here are the typical workflows:
Starting with SharePoint (Asset-First Approach)
This is common when you have new product images, videos, or collection assets ready to go.
The flow:
Set up your folders and upload assets in SharePoint
Configure the matching data in Business Central
Let the system sync everything to the website
Best for:
New product launches with fresh photography
Collection refreshes with new imagery
When marketing hands you a bunch of new assets
Start here: Add or Change Family Collections in SharePoint or Add or Change Products in SharePoint
Starting with Business Central (Data-First Approach)
This makes sense when you're setting up product details, specs, or mapping products to collections before assets are ready.
The flow:
Understand the 2 critical item attributes in BC (super important!)
Configure your product data and attributes
Add your SharePoint assets when they're ready
System syncs it all together
Best for:
Setting up product data before photography is done
Updating product specs or collection assignments
Getting the "bones" of products in place early
Start here: Understanding Item Attributes in Business Central
Quick Decision Tree
Not sure where to start? Follow this:
What You Need to Know
The 2 Critical Attributes (Business Central)
There are two item attributes in Business Central that make everything work. These are what connect your products to collections and make them show up correctly on the website. You NEED to understand these.
Read this early: Item Attributes Quick Reference
File Organization Matters (SharePoint)
Your folder structure and file naming in SharePoint needs to follow specific patterns. The backend system looks for things in exact locations with exact names.
Important guides:
SharePoint folder structure for collections
SharePoint folder structure for products
File naming conventions
Sync Timing
Changes don't appear instantly. The backend monitors for changes and processes them, which usually takes 5-10 minutes. If something you updated isn't showing on the website yet, give it a few minutes and refresh.
More details: Understanding Data Sync
Common First Tasks
Here's what most people need to do when they're getting started:
1. Add a new product to an existing collection
Create product folder in SharePoint
Upload product images (minimum 3 required)
Configure item attributes in Business Central
Map product to the correct collection
Wait for sync, verify on website
Start here: Add a New Product
2. Create a brand new collection
Create collection folder in SharePoint
Upload collection hero image and assets
Configure collection details in Business Central
Add products to the collection
Verify collection appears on website
Start here: Add a New Collection
3. Update product information
Changing images? → SharePoint
Changing specs or name? → Business Central
Changing which collection it's in? → Business Central (attributes)
Guides: Update Product Info | Update Product Attributes
Your Checklist for Success
Before you dive into specific tasks, make sure you have:
Need Help?
Something not working? Check the Troubleshooting Guide
Can't find what you need? Use the search bar at the top
Want to browse by topic? Use the left sidebar to explore all guides
What's Next?
Pick your path based on what you need to accomplish:
I need to understand the technical setup: → Understanding the Backend Automation
I'm ready to add/update collections: → Managing Collections
I'm ready to add/update products: → Managing Products
I need to work in Business Central: → Business Central Setup
I'm managing website assets: → Website Assets & Media
The system is designed to be straightforward once you know where things go. And remember, you're not manually publishing anything. Make your changes in the right place, and the backend handles the rest.