Connecting in the Clover Network

What is a Connection?

In Clover, a connection is an established relationship between two companies that enables structured data sharing, communication, and task collaboration. Unlike individual user accounts, connections exist at the company level, meaning all users within a connected company benefit from the connection.

The Role of Connections in Clover

1. Data Access and Sharing

• Public vs. Private Information: Before a connection is established, only public company profile information is visible. Once connected, additional private data fields become accessible based on configured permissions.
• Business Process Objects (BPOs): Connections enable the sharing and interaction with custom business data like invoices, purchase orders, or compliance documents.
• Custom Forms and Workflows: A connection allows structured data collection via tasks, reducing the need for email-based interactions.

2. Task Assignments and Collaboration

• Tasks in Clover can only be assigned to companies that are connected.
• Users in connected companies can complete assigned tasks, ensuring secure, trackable collaboration.

3. Conversations and Communication

• Inter-Company Communication: Connections allow users from different companies to interact via Conversations (email, real-time chat).
• Centralized Messaging: Users can communicate inside and outside Clover while keeping records centralized.

How to Connect with Another Company

1. Sending a Connection Invitation

• Navigate to the company profile page of a company you want to connect with.
• Click Connect at the top-right.
• The recipient company will receive a notification to accept the request.

2. Accepting a Connection Invitation

• Users with the Accept Connection Invitations permission can review and accept invitations.
• Once accepted, the connection status updates to Connected, unlocking access to private data, tasks, and communication tools.

3. Resending a Connection Invitation

• If an invitation has not been accepted, a reminder can be sent from the company profile page when the connection status with the company is Invited section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What do I do if my connection invitation is not being accepted?

• Confirm with your contact at the target company that they have received the invitation.
• Resend the invitation via the company profile page. Click the resend invitation button in the top-right.
• If necessary, contact Clover support to verify if the invite was received.

2. Can I revoke a connection invitation?

• Yes. Pending invitations can be canceled before they are accepted.

3. Who can accept a connection invitation?

• Only users with the Accept Connection Invitations role at the recipient company.

4. What happens after a company accepts my invitation?

• The connection status changes to Connected, enabling:
  • Access to private company fields.
  • The ability to assign tasks.
  • Communication through chat Conversations.
  • Interaction with BPOs like orders or invoices.

5. Can I remove a connection once established?

• Yes, an admin can disconnect from a company, which will:
  • Restrict further data access.
  • Disable task and BPO interactions.
  • End communication via Clover chat Conversations.

This section provides a structured explanation of how connections in Clover impact data access, task assignments, and communication, ensuring a seamless collaboration experience within the network.