Learn how to deploy and configure AccessPoint in your Microsoft 365 and Azure environment

Last updated: March 10, 2026 by Steve

Getting Started with AccessPoint

Welcome to AccessPoint — the ATIP and FOI request management platform designed for government. This guide will help you get up and running in minutes.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • A Microsoft 365 subscription with access to SharePoint Online
  • Access to your organization's Azure tenant
  • SharePoint Admin or Global Admin permissions for initial setup
  • A modern web browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari)

AccessPoint does not have any direct dependencies on Microsoft 365 licensing tiers. It runs as a web part hosted on a SharePoint page or as a Microsoft Teams app, so any user with access to SharePoint or Teams can use it.

Step 1: Deploy to Your Tenant

AccessPoint installs directly into your Microsoft 365 and Azure environment. No additional servers or external hosting required.

  1. Download the latest AccessPoint package from Microsoft AppSource
  2. Navigate to your SharePoint Admin Center
  3. Go to More features > Apps > App Catalog
  4. Upload the package to the App Catalog
  5. Trust the solution when prompted

Step 2: Create Your AccessPoint Site

After deploying the package, create a dedicated site for AccessPoint:

  1. Go to the SharePoint Admin Center
  2. Create a new Team Site named "AccessPoint" (or your preferred name)
  3. Add the AccessPoint app to the site
  4. Follow the setup wizard to complete initial configuration

Step 3: Configure Your Jurisdiction

AccessPoint comes pre-configured for multiple jurisdictions. Import your jurisdiction settings in minutes:

  • Canadian ATIP — Federal and Provincial
  • US FOIA — Federal agencies
  • EU GDPR — Data access requests
  • UK FOI — Freedom of Information
  • Australian FOI — Freedom of Information

Select your jurisdiction during setup to automatically configure:

  • Statutory deadlines and business day calculations
  • Exemption and exclusion codes
  • Required workflow stages
  • Language and localization settings

Additional jurisdictions can be configured by your administrator through the built-in settings.

Step 4: Add Users

AccessPoint leverages your existing Microsoft Entra ID accounts — no additional usernames or passwords to manage. Configure roles to control access:

Role Permissions
Administrator Full system configuration and management
Senior Access Officer Manage requests, assign tasks, view all request details
Coordinator Create and manage requests within their department
Custodian Respond to task assignments, upload documents (no access to requestor PII)
Viewer Read-only access to assigned requests

Step 5: Install the Teams App (Optional)

For notifications, task assignments, and collaboration directly in Microsoft Teams:

  1. Go to the Teams Admin Center
  2. Upload the AccessPoint Teams app package
  3. Configure app policies for your users

Next Steps

Once your initial setup is complete, explore these guides:

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