How to use Sitefinity SiteSync

SiteSync - synchronise content and configurations between your environments

SiteSync in Sitefinity allows you to synchronise content and configurations between different environments, such as development, staging, and production. This feature is particularly useful for large organisations with multiple environments, ensuring that updates made in one environment are automatically pushed to others. Sitefinity's SiteSync can be triggered manually or scheduled to occur automatically at specified intervals.

Benefits of Scheduling SiteSynch:

• Consistency - Automating sync ensures all environments reflect the latest changes, reducing discrepancies.
• Efficiency - It eliminates the need for manual syncs, saving time and reducing the chance of human error.
• Reliability - Scheduled syncs can run during off-peak hours, ensuring that users are not impacted by the synchronisation process.

Before diving into the scheduling process, ensure that:

• SiteSync is configured - Sitefinity's SiteSync feature should already be set up between the environments you wish to synchronise.
• Proper permissions are in place - Scheduling the sync requires specific permissions to access and configure SiteSync settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Scheduling SiteSync

Step 1: Access Sitefinity Backend

• Log in to your Sitefinity backend using your administrator credentials.
• Once logged in, navigate to the dashboard.
  

 Step 2: Navigate to SiteSync

• From the dashboard, click on Administration in the main menu.
• In the dropdown, select SiteSync. This will take you to the SiteSync management page.
  

 Step 3: Configure Sync Settings

• On the Site Sync page, you'll see options to manage sync tasks. Click on New SyncTask to create a new synchronization task.
• Select Source and Target Environments - Choose the source environment (where the changes are coming from) and the target environment (where the changes will be applied).
• Select Content to Sync - Specify the type of content you want to synchronize. This can include pages, blogs, images, documents, etc.
  

 Step 4: Schedule the Sync

• Enable Scheduling - Once the sync task is configured, look for the scheduling options.
• Set Frequency - Choose how often you want the sync to occur (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly).
• Select Time - Set the specific time you want the synchronisation to run. It's often best to schedule syncs during off-peak hours to minimise the impact on users.
• Save and Enable - After configuring the schedule, save the task. Make sure the task is enabled for the synchronisation to run automatically.
  

 Step 5: Monitor Scheduled Tasks

• After setting up the schedule, you can monitor the sync tasks from the SiteSync page.
• Review Logs - Sitefinity provides logs for each sync task, allowing you to review the synchronisation process, any issues encountered, and the content that was synchronised.
  

 Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Sync Failures - If a sync fails, review the logs for specific error messages. Common issues include network connectivity problems or permissions issues.
• Content Discrepancies - Ensure that the content you're trying to sync is properly published and that there are no conflicts between the environments.
• Performance Issues - If your site experiences performance issues during sync, consider adjusting the schedule or the amount of content being synchronized at once.

Scheduling SiteSync in Sitefinity is a powerful way to ensure that your environments remain consistent and up-to-date without requiring constant manual oversight. Following the steps outlined above, you can automate the synchronisation process, freeing up time for your team to focus on more critical tasks.

Please get in touch to discuss how Sitefinity can empower your digital presence.

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