How to Enable SQL Server 2017 Compatibility on Savance Workplace v12

Overview

Savance Workplace v12 introduces optimizations that leverage modern SQL Server features. If your organization is running SQL Server 2017 or older, you may experience a “500 Server Error” or application crash when the server attempts to determine the local timezone.

This issue is resolved by manually defining your timezone in the configuration file, bypassing the need for the incompatible SQL function.

Prerequisites

• Administrator access to the Savance Workplace Server.

• The server timezone (e.g., “America/New_York”, “Europe/London”).

Step 1: Locate the Configuration File

Navigate to the Savance installation directory. By default, the configuration file is located in Program Files (x86).

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:

   C:\Program Files (x86)\Savance\Savance Workplace Server\SW.API

   (Note: If your installation was customized, check C:\SW.API or your custom install path).

2. Locate the file named appsettings.json.

Step 2: Edit the Configuration

1. Right-click appsettings.json.

2. Select Open with > Notepad.

Step 3: Inject the Timezone Setting

You need to add a specific line to tell the application which timezone to use.

1. Scroll down to the "SupportEmailConfig" or "PasswordResetTokenExpireTimeHours" section.

2. Add a new line containing your timezone ID.

3. Critical: Ensure you add a comma (,) at the end of the line to keep the file valid.

Example Code to Add:

"TimeZoneId": "America/New_York",

Supported Timezones:

You must use the IANA Naming Convention (Region/City).

• Eastern US: "America/New_York"

• Central US: "America/Chicago"

• Pacific US: "America/Los_Angeles"

• UK: "Europe/London"

• For a full list of valid IDs, refer to the Wikipedia List of tz database time zones.

Your appsettings.json file should look similar to the screenshot below.

4. Save and Close the file.

Step 4: Apply the Changes

For the new setting to take effect, you must restart the application service.

1. Open IIS Manager (Internet Information Services).

2. In the left sidebar, click Application Pools.

3. Locate the pool named SW.API.

4. Right-click it and select Recycle…

Verification

Once the App Pool has recycled (usually instant), open your Savance Workplace Web Interface or Mobile App. The application should now load successfully without the “500 Server Error.”