Tired of spending hours updating Microsoft Teams in your workflows? Try this!

InsightConnect
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Streamlining Plugin Updates with Snippets

Sometimes, a new feature is added to a plugin, and you need to update to the latest major revision. This process typically involves:

  1. Accessing the builder
  2. Clicking through each action
  3. Navigating back to the version selection screen

The frustration grows when you realize all your inputs have been reset! This is especially challenging if you frequently use Microsoft Teams actions across multiple workflows. While an improved update process is expected in 2025, here’s a workaround that can help you save significant time managing workflows: Snippets!

The Solution: Snippets

Step 1: Create a Snippet Called Send HTML Message

  1. Set Up Inputs

    • Define all necessary inputs for the action, such as:
      • Team Name
      • Channel Name
      • Thread ID
      • Message Content
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  2. Add the Teams Action

    • Include the Send HTML Message action in the snippet.
    • Use the snippet inputs as variables for the action steps.
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  3. Save and Publish

    • Once done, save the action and publish the snippet.
    • (Optional) You may choose to send the action message.id as output for workflows that will utilize the snippet.
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Step 2: Update Workflows to Use the Snippet

For workflows where you previously used the Microsoft Teams action, replace it with your new Send HTML Message snippet. This centralizes action management and simplifies maintenance. Now, when updates are needed:

  1. Go to the existing snippet.
  2. Update the plugin version.
  3. Insert your variables.
  4. Publish the changes.
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All workflows using the snippet will now operate with the updated plugin version—without needing individual adjustments!

Important Note: Microsoft Teams Triggers

The Microsoft Teams trigger cannot be updated through snippets in this way. For workflows using a Teams trigger:

  • Each workflow will still need manual updates.
  • It may be beneficial to implement a general Teams command for broader use, minimizing the number of updates required.

This approach simplifies workflow maintenance, particularly when updating frequently used actions like Microsoft Teams messaging.

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@Eric-Wilson thanks! This works really well for us and will be a real time-saver.