Admin Documentation
This comprehensive guide covers all administrative functions and features available in the MergeDesk admin panel. The admin section provides system-wide management capabilities for user accounts, campaigns, templates, and system configuration.
Admin Dashboard Overview
The admin dashboard provides a centralized view of system statistics, recent activity, and quick access to all administrative functions.
System Statistics
- Total Users: Complete user count across the platform
- Admin Users: Number of users with admin privileges
- Active Campaigns: Currently running email campaigns
- Total Templates: Email and PDF templates across all users
Recent Activity
- User Registrations: New user signups
- Campaign Activity: Recent campaign launches
- Template Creation: New templates added
- System Events: Important system notifications
User Management
The user management section allows administrators to oversee all user accounts, manage permissions, and control system access.
User Management Features
| Feature | Description | Admin Action |
|---|---|---|
| View All Users | Complete list of all registered users with their details | Read-only access to user information |
| Toggle Admin Status | Grant or revoke administrator privileges | Change user role between regular and admin |
| Disable Users | Temporarily disable user accounts | Prevent login without deleting account |
| Delete Users | Permanently remove user accounts | Complete account deletion with data cleanup |
| Invite Users | Send invitation emails to new users | Create new user accounts via email invitation |
User Management Best Practices
Recommended Actions
- Regularly review user accounts for inactive users
- Use disable instead of delete for temporary access issues
- Limit admin privileges to trusted users only
- Monitor user activity for security concerns
- Keep user data organized and up-to-date
Important Considerations
- Deleting users permanently removes all their data
- Admin users have full system access
- Disabled users cannot access the system
- User invitations expire after 24 hours
- Changes to user status are logged for audit
Campaign Management
The campaign management section provides oversight of all email campaigns across all users, allowing administrators to monitor system usage and troubleshoot issues.
Campaign Management Features
Campaign Overview
- View all campaigns across all users
- Filter by status (draft, sending, completed, failed)
- Search campaigns by name or user
- Sort by date, status, or user
Campaign Analytics
- Track campaign performance metrics
- Monitor email delivery rates
- View bounce and error rates
- Analyze system resource usage
Campaign Actions
- View detailed campaign information
- Access campaign logs and errors
- Monitor sending progress
- Troubleshoot delivery issues
Template Management
The template management section allows administrators to oversee all email and PDF templates across all users, ensuring consistency and quality.
Template Management Features
Email Templates
- View All Templates: Complete list of email templates
- Template Ownership: See which user owns each template
- Change Ownership: Transfer templates between users
- Template Preview: View template content and design
- Usage Statistics: Track template usage across campaigns
PDF Templates
- View All PDF Templates: Complete list of PDF templates
- Template Ownership: See which user owns each template
- Change Ownership: Transfer templates between users
- Template Preview: View PDF template structure
- Usage Statistics: Track PDF template usage
System Configuration
The system configuration section provides access to critical system settings and email service configuration.
Email Configuration
Email Service Settings
- SMTP Configuration: Configure SMTP servers
- Mailgun Settings: Set up Mailgun integration
- Microsoft Graph: Configure Office 365 integration
- Service Testing: Test email service connections
- Default Settings: Set system-wide email defaults
Email Profile Management
- Create Profiles: Set up email sending profiles
- Grant Access: Assign profiles to users
- Revoke Access: Remove user access to profiles
- Profile Testing: Test profile configurations
- Usage Monitoring: Track profile usage
Microsoft Graph Configuration
Office 365 Integration
Configuration Options:
- Client ID: Azure application client identifier
- Client Secret: Azure application secret key
- Tenant ID: Azure directory tenant identifier
- Redirect URI: OAuth callback URL
Management Features:
- Connection Testing: Verify Graph API connectivity
- Configuration Update: Modify Graph settings
- Remove Configuration: Disable Graph integration
- Scope Management: Configure API permissions
System Logs and Monitoring
The system logs section provides comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities for system administration and troubleshooting.
Log Management Features
System Logs
- Application error logs
- System performance logs
- Security event logs
- Database operation logs
Email Logs
- Email delivery logs
- Bounce and error tracking
- SMTP connection logs
- Campaign sending logs
Security Logs
- Login attempt logs
- Admin action logs
- API access logs
- Security violation logs
Signup Email Management
The signup email management section allows administrators to customize and manage the automated emails sent to new users during the registration process.
Signup Email Features
Email Templates
- Welcome Email: Customize new user welcome message
- Verification Email: Configure email verification template
- Password Reset: Customize password reset emails
- Invitation Email: Set up user invitation templates
Email Testing
- Template Preview: View email templates before sending
- Test Sending: Send test emails to verify functionality
- Template Updates: Modify email content and styling
- Delivery Testing: Verify email delivery mechanisms
System Maintenance
The system maintenance section provides tools for database management, system cleanup, and performance optimization.
Maintenance Operations
Dangerous Operations
- Clear Campaign Logs: Remove old campaign data
- Reset Database: Complete system reset (IRREVERSIBLE)
- Purge Old Data: Remove outdated system data
- System Cleanup: Clean temporary files and caches
Safe Operations
- Database Optimization: Improve database performance
- Log Rotation: Manage log file sizes
- Cache Clearing: Clear system caches
- System Health Check: Verify system status
Admin Security Best Practices
Security Recommendations
- Use strong, unique passwords for admin accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication when available
- Regularly review admin user access
- Monitor system logs for suspicious activity
- Keep admin privileges limited to necessary users
- Regularly backup system data
Security Warnings
- Never share admin credentials
- Avoid performing admin actions on public networks
- Log out of admin sessions when finished
- Be cautious with system maintenance operations
- Verify user identity before granting admin access
- Report security incidents immediately
Admin Access and Permissions
Admin Access Requirements
To access the admin panel, users must have administrator privileges. Admin status can only be granted by existing administrators through the User Management section.
Admin Privileges Include:
- Full User Management: Create, modify, disable, and delete user accounts
- System Configuration: Modify email services, API settings, and system parameters
- Campaign Oversight: View and monitor all campaigns across all users
- Template Management: Access and manage all templates in the system
- System Maintenance: Perform database operations and system cleanup
- Log Access: View system logs and audit trails
- Security Management: Configure security settings and monitor threats
Troubleshooting Common Admin Issues
Access Issues
- Cannot access admin panel: Verify admin privileges
- Login redirects to home: Check user role and permissions
- Session expires quickly: Check session configuration
- Admin functions not working: Verify database connectivity
System Issues
- Email services not working: Check email configuration
- Database errors: Review database logs and connectivity
- Performance issues: Check system resources and logs
- Template issues: Verify template ownership and permissions