In large-scale websites managed with Sitecore XM Cloud, multiple content authors often work concurrently within the same instance. While this collaborative approach is efficient, it can sometimes lead to situations where authors forget to unlock items after editing. This can create roadblocks, preventing other users from accessing and modifying those locked items.
To prevent these disruptions, Sitecore XM Cloud offers a few solutions to help administrators and developers track and manage locked items. In this blog post, we'll walk through a key method for identifying locked items across users using a PowerShell script.
Why Locked Items Matter
Locked items in Sitecore XM Cloud ensure that only one content author can make changes to an item at a time, avoiding conflicting edits. However, if an author forgets to unlock an item after completing their changes, it can block others from making further modifications. This can slow down workflows, especially when multiple authors are collaborating on content in real time.
Identifying Locked Items Using PowerShell
One of the most efficient ways to locate items locked by other users is through a PowerShell script. By using the "Locked Items" report, administrators can quickly identify and resolve any potential bottlenecks.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Access Desktop Mode
First, switch to Desktop mode in Sitecore XM Cloud to access the necessary tools. - Navigate to Reporting Tools
Once in Desktop mode, head to the Reporting Tools section. - Open PowerShell Reports
Under Reporting Tools, select PowerShell Reports.
- Select Locked Items
Within the PowerShell Reports, navigate to Security Audit and choose the Locked Items report. - Configure the Items Locked report
Select the Root Item where you want to run your report on. By default the sitecore/content node is selected. You can filter the list by user if needed.
- Wait for the result to load
By following these steps, Sitecore XM Cloud administrators can effectively track locked items, ensuring that content authors don’t inadvertently block progress on important tasks.
Conclusion
Locked items can cause delays in the content creation process, but with Sitecore XM Cloud’s built-in tools and PowerShell scripts, you can easily manage and resolve these issues. Proactively monitoring locked items across users will help keep your team’s workflow smooth and uninterrupted.