Mobile Communications App: Mandatory deployment setup with Fastlane

This article explains the mandatory Fastlane deployment setup for the Finalsite Mobile Communications App, including the required configuration steps and how they affect app store submissions.

In this article

• Who does this affect?
• Why do I need to do this?
• What is the deadline for completing this update?
• Where do I start?
• Pre-setup questions
• Setup instructions

Who does this affect?

Mobile Communications App clients.

Why do I need to do this?

Once you complete this process, we’ll be able to simplify and push out automated deployments using the Fastlane® open source platform, and you’ll be able to receive future updates. This process is mandatory in order to receive any future updates to your app.

What is the deadline for completing this update?

Date to be announced.

Where do I start?

To get the latest and greatest features and functionality, you’ll need to complete this mandatory, setup process found below.

You will be setting up two areas: Apple Developer and Apple App Store. 

Setup instructions

1. Log in to Apple Developer.
2. An Action Box will appear immediately after you log in. Click on the box and follow the prompts to completion. Two common items that need to be renewed or accepted are: 
   • Membership: If your membership has expired, enable auto-renew or renew.
     
     Your Apple Developer membership must be active for your app to be live on the App Store. Watch this instructional video, "Verify Apple Developer Membership." 
   • Apple Developer Agreement: Accept to continue.    
     
3. Once you have completed all of your tasks, the screen should look like this:
   
4. Log in to Apple Accounts Monthly. Is all of your information correct?
5. Create a calendar event to remind you of your Developer Membership Expiration date. Your app will be removed until it is renewed.

1. Log in to App Store Connect.
2. An Red or Yellow banner will appear immediately after you log in. Click on the box and follow the prompts to completion. Two common items that need to be renewed or accepted are: 
   
   • Free Apps Agreement: If your membership has expired, enable auto-renew or renew.
     • Select Business to review each pending agreement.
     • Click the Blue Link for your Organization Name.
     • On the Free Apps line, click on View Terms on the far right and follow prompts through to completion. 
   • Paid Apps Agreement*:
     (*This may be an optional step depending on what Apple is requiring for your individual account.) 
     • Click on Business to review each pending agreement.
     • Click the Blue Link for your Organization Name.
     • On the Paid Apps line, click on View Terms on the far right and follow prompts through to completion. 
     • Check the box to indicate you've read the terms and conditions and accept the agreement.
       

       

     • When it has been successfully completed, the statuses should say:
       • Free Apps: Active
       • Paid Apps: Pending User Information

1. Generate the API key for iOS:

2. Create a new App Store Connect API Key

1. Visit App Store Connect and sign in using the account holder role.
2. Go to Users and Access, then select the blue Integrations (formerly "Keys") tab.
3. Select Request Access and submit.
4. Select the Generate API key or use the Add (+) button.
5. Create a name for the key. This name is for your reference only and not part of the key itself.
6. Navigate to Access, then select Admin for the role.
7. Select Generate.
8. Just above the "Active" Section is the "Issuer ID". Click the "Copy" button and save it to a note. (see image below)
9. In the line for "Active" API's, underneath the "Key ID" section click "Copy Key ID" and save it to a note. (see image below)

3. Download the newly created API Key file (.p8)

Select the Download API Key link. The download link appears only if the private key has not yet been downloaded, and Apple does not keep a copy of the private key.

4. Upload it into the Communications Web Interface

1. Sign in to your Mass Notifications / Communications Web.
2. Navigate to SETTINGS → App Config → Global App Settings → Certificates tab.
3. Under iOS Secrets sessions, enter the Issuer ID, Key ID and upload the .p8 file.
4. Select Submit.

Once you have followed all of the setup instructions, email the mobile app team to confirm you have completed the process at appstoremaintenance@finalsite.com. In order for your app to be added to the next batch to receive updates, the app team must be notified.