How to set up Direct Connect in 3Shape Unite

General Overview

Direct Connect is an option that 3shape provides to all customers who are also using another 3shape Lab software such as Dental System or Ortho System and need to send cases from Dental Desktop/3shape UNITE to those programs that are also being used at the same time, that means being connected on the same network. 

It is performed by placing the case in a shared folder in the network, from which the case will be automatically pushed to the Lab side. Direct Connect will also work inside a restricted network with limited access to the Internet. 

NOTE: Direct Connect will also work inside a restricted network with limited access to the Internet.

1. Before setting it the Direct Connect, it should be checked:
   Two PCs between which you would like to have a Direct Connect setup should be in the same network and be discovered by each other (ask local IT to check if needed).
2. On one of the PCs, there should be a folder created for Direct Connect. This folder should be accessible by users used on both PCs with Read and Write permissions (ask local IT to set this up in case of doubts).
   In this folder create 2 sub-folders: Incoming and Outgoing.

How to setup Direct Connect in TRIOS software

1. Open Dental Desktop/3shape UNITE software, go to More, Settings, Connections tab, Labs and Add a new connection. Select to create it Manually.
2. In the Direct connect section provide a path to the direct connection folder. If the folder is located on another PC in the network, it is required to input Username and Password to be able to access the folder.
   NOTE: IF the username and password are unknown to you then the connection cannot be set up, you should contact their IT to request the windows credentials permissions to share folders within their network. 
3. Depending on the current network setup it can be needed to include the customer's workgroup name or domain name in the Username field. Then the username will look like:
   domain\username
   workgroup\username
   Relevant instruction is present in Dental Desktop/3shape UNITE software:
4. Once done, click Test to verify that everything works. Or exit the settings page and make sure to save the changes.
5. Setup Direct Connect in 3Shape software (Dental System or Ortho System) on another PC and send a test case to verify that everything works properly.

If you encounter any issues with sending cases, verify if the required preparation described at the beginning of this article was done before setting up Direct Connect. 

If everything is done properly, the cases cannot be sent, contact 3Shape Support.