Overview
Machine Users are specialized accounts designed for system-to-system communication rather than human users. They provide API tokens that enable external applications to interact with VRA’s GraphQL API securely and programmatically.Key Features
- API Token Generation: Create secure tokens for external system authentication
- Granular Permissions: Control what actions machine users can perform
- Scalable Integration: Support multiple external systems simultaneously
Use Cases
Machine Users are commonly used for:- Broadcast Scheduling Integration: Sync program schedules from external systems
- Media Workflow Automation: Automatically upload and manage media content
- Real-time Data Exchange: Stream live data between VRA and other broadcast tools
- Custom Application Development: Build custom interfaces and control systems
Managing Machine Users
Creating a Machine User
- Navigate to the VRA Cloud dashboard
- Go to Settings → Broadcaster → Machine Users
- Click Create New Machine User
- Configure the following settings:
- Name: Descriptive name for the machine user
- Description: Purpose and scope of the integration
- Permissions: Select appropriate access levels
- Token Expiration: Set token validity period (optional)
Generating API Tokens
Once a Machine User is created:- Select the machine user from the list
- Click Generate Token
- Copy the generated token immediately (it won’t be shown again)
- Store the token securely in your external application
Token Security Best Practices
- Store Securely: Never expose tokens in client-side code or version control
- Use Environment Variables: Store tokens in secure environment variables
- Regular Rotation: Regenerate tokens periodically for enhanced security
- Principle of Least Privilege: Grant only necessary permissions
- Monitor Usage: Regularly review API access logs
Revoking Access
To revoke a machine user’s access:- Go to Machine Users settings
- Select the user to revoke
- Click Revoke Token or Delete Machine User
- Confirm the action
Integration Examples
Scheduling System Integration
Connect your existing broadcast scheduling system to automatically sync program information:- Pull program data from external scheduling database
- Transform data to VRA format using GraphQL mutations
- Update VRA scheduling in real-time
- Handle recurring programs and schedule changes
Media Automation
Automate media workflows:- Monitor network folders for new content
- Automatically upload media to VRA Cloud Media Hub
- Associate media with scheduled programs
- Manage media metadata and categorization