Account Switching

Raftr now offers an account switching feature, allowing Community Admin with the necessary permissions to log into alternate common accounts within a community. This feature is designed to help administrators by providing a secure way to manage shared content, Rafts, and Channels. Switching into an alternate account is only available via the Admin Portal – to enable logged-in access to the alternate account on the Admin Portal and web application (this feature is not supported on the Android or iOS apps). This feature's primary benefit is to allow administrators to manage content and Rafts owned by the institution, by accessing common accounts, and their administrative privileges, without the need to share login credentials for those accounts.

For example, a Community Admin might use this feature to:

• Verify content visibility and access: Admins can ensure that content is appearing as intended for different user groups or roles within a community by switching session to a common account with those specific permissions.

• Manage content on behalf of common accounts: For specific shared accounts (e.g., a "community announcements" account), an admin can log in as that account to create, edit, or remove content.

• Train and support other users: An admin can demonstrate how to use features or navigate the platform from the perspective of specific types of alternate accounts.

How It Works

• Community Admin accounts who need access to common accounts can be granted permission to use this feature – traditionally this happens during an institution’s initial setup and launch. Your Client Success Manager can support in granting permission at any time, if needed post launch.

• Community Admin accounts with permission to use this feature, and at least one available alternate account, will see a “Switch Account” option in the profile menu on the Admin Portal.

• Selecting this option displays a list of alternate accounts within the active community.

• Selecting an account from the list prompts a confirmation before initiating a new session, with a 2-hour limit, in the alternate account. Only one account will be active at a time, so choosing to switch into another account will end your current session in your original account in order to activate this new, alternate account session.

Experience During Alternate Account Session

• A static, black alert header is displayed during the entire session, located at the top of your web browser in the alternate account, on both the web application and the Admin Portal.

• All features and permissions will reflect those of the alternate account.

• Any content created, interactions and engagements, messages sent, and all other activity will be from the alternate account during this time.

• There are only two limitations during a session in an alternate account

  • Community switching is not possible while logged into an alternate account. To switch communities, you’ll need to first return to your original account to change communities, then click on the community name on the top left of the screen to enter an alternate community. If you have permission to use this feature in that alternate community, you may then switch accounts from the Admin Portal.

  • Switching accounts is not possible other than from your original account. If you need to switch to a different, common account you will need to return to your original account and select that alternate account to begin a new session.

Ending an Alternate Account Session

• Clicking anywhere on the black alert header at the top of the screen provides an exit option, with a confirmation before returning to your original account.

• A warning alert will appear 10 minutes before the 2 hour session in the alternate account expires.

• If you have not chosen to exit before the 2-hour limit is reached, you will be automatically returned to your original account at that time.

• If you will need to more than two hours in the alternate account session, after exiting the current session – manually or because it was automatically ended – you can begin a new session via the Switch Account menu on the Admin Portal. There is no limit to the number of back-to-back sessions you may enter in alternate accounts.

Best Practices for Using Account Switching

To ensure efficient and secure use of the account switching feature, consider the following best practices:

• Limit Alternate Account Session Length: While there's a two hour limit to alternate account sessions, it's best practice to limit your time in an alternate account to only what's necessary for the task at hand. This minimizes the risk of accidental actions or prolonged exposure of shared accounts.

• Communicate When Switched into Common Accounts: If you are using the feature to manage content on behalf of a common account (e.g., "Community Announcements"), consider communicating this to other potential administrators of that account, especially if there's ongoing activity.

• Verify Actions: Before making significant changes while using an alternate account, double-check that you are in the correct alternate account and that your actions align with the intended purpose. The static black alert header serves as a constant reminder of your current session.

• Understand Limitations: Be mindful that community switching and switching to another alternate account are not possible while in an alternate account session. Plan your tasks accordingly to avoid interruptions.

• Document Use Cases (Internal): For larger teams, consider documenting common use cases for account switching to ensure consistent and effective utilization across the administrative team.

If you still need support, please contact support@raftr.com