Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

Get the latest inside scoop directly from the Product Management & Marketing team!

March, 2011

Posts
  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: Rewrite Report Deployment Wizards

    • 0 Comments

    Rewrite Report Deployment Wizards

    Why this feature is cool!

    The deployment of the SSRS and Excel reports becomes an integrated option of creating the Microsoft Dynamics GP system and company databases in Dynamics Utilities. The admin will no longer need to install and run a separate program on the SSRS or SharePoint server in order to deploy the reports. When creating the system database the admin will select to deploy the reports and provide the report location, which may be on a remote server. After that the report location is saved and deploying reports for each new company becomes simply a confirmation that the reports should be deployed for the company. The admin will no longer need to select the series they want reports deployed for, instead the reports for the installed products will be automatically deployed. During the company upgrade process in Dynamics Utilities, the deployed reports for the company will be automatically upgraded.                    

    The admin may also choose to deploy the reports from within Microsoft Dynamics GP as well. The admin would use this option if they were not ready to deploy the reports at the time of creating the databases in Dynamics Utilities, if they want to deploy to a different location or they need to re-deploy the reports.   

    The process is available to ISVs for deploying their reports.

     What does it look like?

    (Microsoft Dynamics GP > Tools > Setup > System > Reporting Tools Setup)

     Dynamics Utilities

     

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: Copy List Items in Extender

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    Copy List Items in Extender

    Why this feature is cool!

    Do you have lists on multiple forms or windows in Extender that are the same or very similar? Perhaps after you have finished typing a long list of items you found that you missed some or mistyped a word or changed the order from another list.  Well now, you can copy a list of items from the same form or window or from another one. 

    ·         Saves time and reduces errors.

    ·         All of the lists that are defined in Extender from this form, or any other form/window, will be displayed.

    ·         You can choose all items or certain ones to copy.

    ·         The selected items will replace anything you have in your list by default.

    ·         You can choose to append the selected list to the existing list.

    ·         Once the copy is complete, the lists are not connected in any way. Changes to one list will not affect the other.

     What does it look like?

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Space Aliens Guide to Convergence

    • 2 Comments

    We are very much looking foward to seeing everyone at Convergence in a couple weeks.  I ran across this and thought it was cute.

    http://msdynamicsgp.blogspot.com/2011/03/space-aliens-guide-to-microsoft.html

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 Feature of the Day: Add Unified Communications Functionality in Extender

    • 0 Comments

    Why this feature is cool!

    In GP2010, Unified Communications and Office Communicator 2007 functionality was added to the Dynamics GP windows to show the status of contacts and allow you to contact them directly through Office Communicator or make a phone call. 

    ·         Display Presence Indicator for customers and vendors

    ·         Uses the Linked Lookup fields on Extender Windows & Forms, Detailed Forms, and Extra Windows.

    ·         Messenger address is entered for a contact associated with a customer or vendor address

    ·         Actions will allow you to:

    o    Send an Instant Message

    o    Call

    o    Start a Video Call

    o    Send an Email Message

    ·         Communicate with different messaging applications

    o    Office Communicator

    o    Live Messenger

    o    Yahoo Messenger and others 

     What does it look like?

    And now we are finally caught up :)

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 Feature of the Day: Business Portal Migration Utility

    • 4 Comments

    Why this feature is cool!

    The updates to the migration utility will enable customers to move their Business Portal customizations directly from Business Portal 3.0 to Business Portal for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010.

     The utility can be used to migrate the following items.

    • New web parts

    • Modifications to default web parts, including titles, query associations, number

      of rows returned, and publish/subscribe settings

    • New pages

    • SharePoint lists and libraries that don’t contain folders

     The migration utility is a separate program that is downloaded and installed on your SharePoint Server with Business Portal 3.0 installed. The utility is used to analyze the customizations that have been made, view the results and select the customizations that will be moved to the Business Portal for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 installation.

     

    What does it look like?

    (Start > Programs > Business Portal Migration Utility > Business Portal Migration Utility)

     

     

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 Feature of the Day: Microsoft Dynamics Security Synchronization Utility

    • 3 Comments

    Why this feature is cool!

    The updates to the Microsoft Dynamics Security Synchronization Utility will allow administrators to manage the process of synchronizing roles across the Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 components. The utility is exposed via an MMC console which communicates with a synchronization web service. The console provides the ability to synchronize in any direction by specifying a source and destination, along with some rules about what should happen along the way. The actual work of adding users from roles is the responsibility of the providers that are plugged in, providing extensibility for any application or security infrastructure that can be programmatically accessed via some API.

    The utility contains the following providers out-of-the-box:

    * Microsoft Dynamics GP

    * Business Portal for Microsoft Dynamics GP

    * Web Services for Microsoft Dynamics GP

     What does it look like?

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 Feature of the Day: ELS Elimination of Modal Forms

    • 0 Comments

    Why this feature is cool!

     Our latest release will allow the end-user to continue to work on, or close a form pending approval of an Electronic Signature. Upon approval the user can open the form from the notification message and save the changes. The new functionality also allows the user to continue his work uninterrupted and return to save the changes at a later time.

     What does it look like?

    Up to the point of notification the User Experience stays the same. When a submitted request has been approved the following message is displayed to the Requestor:

    Selecting Yes from the notification dialog will open the form containing the Electronic Signature. The requestor’s change value will now be represented on the form and the record can be saved to commit the change.

     

    If the user selects to Postpone viewing the record it can be viewed and saved at a later time via the Request Status window. (ELS users generally add the ELS windows to the Shortcuts). After selecting a request from the list the user clicks View Request to open the window containing the Electronic Signature request. The users new value is displayed on the form and the change can be saved.

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    GP 2010 R2 Feature of the Day: List View Performance Enhancements

    • 1 Comments

    Why this feature is cool!

    The introduction of list views and the action pane has provided you with greater access to your data. For some of the larger, more robust lists, it can take a while for data to appear in the list. In Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2, those lists have been re-architected so the information appears more quickly.  As an example, the Sales Transactions List with Business Analyzer metrics will display data 360% faster.   

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    GP 2010 R2 Feature of the Day: Business Portal External Lists

    • 0 Comments

    Why this feature is cool!

    External lists will allow users to add, modify, view and remove business data from within Business Portal for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2. Leveraging the external list functionality in SharePoint 2010 and Web Services for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010, select Dynamics GP entities will be exposed as editable lists on pages within Business Portal.

    The following external lists have been created:

    * Customer (Customer Address)

    * Customer Sales and Receivables

    * Sales Order (Sales Order Line)

    * Vendor (Vendor Address)

    * Purchase Order (Purchase Order Line)

    * Sales Item (Sales Item Quantities)

    * Service Calls (Open, Invoiced, Historical)

    * Return Documents (Open, Historical)

    * Employee (Employee Address)

    * Projects

    * Posting Accounts

    * Manufacturing Order (Pick List Items, Order Route Steps)

     

    What does it look like?

     

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Dynamics GP 2010 R2 Feature of the Day: Ability to Copy Email Messages

    • 0 Comments

    Why this feature is cool!

     Our latest release will allow the end-user to create dynamic email messages that automatically pull in information from the document that is being emailed based on the substitute fields inserted into accompany email message.    When creating the email message using substitute fields an end-user will need to assign a Document Type.  

     An end-user may want to copy the same email message to other Document types (for example, an email message might be created for the Document type Sales Quote and they may want to use same message along with fields for Sales Order).

     What does it look like?

     Email Message Setup: (Microsoft Dynamics GP>>Tools>>Setup>>Company>>Email Message Setup; enter a new Message ID and click Copy)

    The Copy Email Message form will appear:

    At this point, you will be able to select an existing message using the lookup for the Message ID. 

     

    Once selected the Copy Email Message will display the selected Message ID as well as the description of the email message (description will display blank if email message has no description).

    Clicking OK will close the Copy Email Message form and the Message Setup window will now display the Message ID copying all information from the chosen message ID except for the Document Type.  The user will need to select a Document Type prior to saving the email message.

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: Substitute Fields for Email

    • 5 Comments

    Why this feature is cool!

     

    Our latest release will allow the end-user to create dynamic email messages that automatically pull in information from the document that is being emailed based on the substitute fields inserted into accompany email message.   

     

    ·         Allows insert of substitute fields into Body or Subject of Email

    ·         User will be able to easily create personalized email message for their customers.

     

    What does it look like?

     

    Email Message Setup: (Microsoft Dynamics GP>>Tools>>Setup>>Company>>Email Message Setup)

    Screenshot of email generated using the example Email Message:

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Ability to Create Email Messages

    • 2 Comments

     

    Why this feature is cool!

     Our latest release will allow the end-user to email various reports from within Dynamics GP.    Along with the ability to email the reports; the application allows the user to create an email message that will accompany the reports.  All the email options and email messages will save with the report option and allow user to use on a repeated basis. 

    What does it look like?

     The ability to email requires the end-user to first setup an Email Option within the report options form.  Once an end-user saves the email option, they will now have ability to email the report. 

     Email Options: (Example: Reports>>System>>Security>>User Security>>click New or Modify if report option exists)

    Click Email Options button

    Select who will be receiving the email and how it will be displayed (either attached or embedded) in the email.  Once this is complete, then choose OK to save the email options setting for this report option.

     

    The user will click the Message button.  This will open the Message Setup Form.  From this point, a Subject along with the body of the message can be entered and saved. 

     

    Now when an end-user selects the Email button, the email will contain the email message along with the report. 

     

     

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: Ability to Email Reports

    • 1 Comments

    Why this feature is cool!

     Our latest release will allow the end-user to email reports from within Dynamics GP 

    ·         Allows user to email reports that have report options

    ·         Will give ability to email from three different locations

    ·         Will have ability to attach or embed the report within the Email

    What does it look like?

     All reports will be generated in HTML format.  The ability to email requires the end-user to setup an Email Option within the report options form.  Once an end-user saves the email option, they will now have ability to email the report. 

     Email Options: (Example: Reports>>System>>Security>>User Security>>click New or Modify if report option exists)

     

    Click Email Options button

     

    Select who will be receiving the email and how it will be displayed (either attached or embedded) in the email.  Once this is complete, then choose OK to save the email options setting for this report option.

     Now an end-user will see that an Email button is now enabled for this particular report option in three locations:

    In the Reports form:

     

    In the Reports Option form for the particular report:

     

    In the Ribbon for the Reports Lists:

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: Word Template Generator

    • 5 Comments

     

    Word Template Generator

     

    Why this feature is cool!

    Use the Word Template Generator to create the initial Word Template for a report in Microsoft Dynamics GP. This utility saves development time because you don’t need to create the report template from scratch. The utility creates a template document that closely matches the design of the Report Writer report. This tool is a partner only tool and will be available for download only through Partnersource. 

     

    ·         Create a template for unmodified reports

    o    Create an XML document by printing the report to an XML format

    o    Run the word template generator to generate the doc template

    ·         Assign the template to the report in Microsoft Dynamics GP

    ·         Assign the template to the Company

    ·         Render report using the Template dropdown option in the report destination window

     

    What does it look like?

     

    Report Writer Layout

     

    Word Template Layout

     

    Assign Template to Report in Microsoft Dynamics GP

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: Script Editor Names Window

    • 0 Comments

     Script Editor Names Window Enhancements

    Why this feature is cool!

    In earlier versions of Dexterity, the Names window allowed a developer to quickly find the names of forms, windows, tables, and fields in the dictionary, and add them to scripts. Now the Names window can look up many more types of resources. For forms, the Names window can look up form-level procedures, form-level functions, constants and commands.  For tables, the window can look up keys. The Names window can also look up global procedures, global functions, variables, constants, and reports. Another great feature is the ability to view the components of a composite and select the individual components for use in scripts.

     What does it look like? (Open Script Editor > Names)

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: TFS Source Control Provider

    • 3 Comments

    TFS Source Control Provider

    Why this feature is cool!

    For the last 11 years, Microsoft Visual SourceSafe (VSS) was the only source code control system that integrated seamlessly with Dexterity. However, Microsoft Visual SourceSafe is no longer available. Microsoft Team Foundation Server (TFS) is the new Microsoft standard for managing a source code repository. With the TFS provider for Dexterity, ISVs can use Team Foundation Server to manage their Dexterity projects. They have the same seamless integration with Dexterity, just like they did for VSS. TFS also integrates seamlessly to Visual Studio, so it can be used to manage other projects like those created with Visual Studio Tools for Microsoft Dynamics GP.

      What does it look like? (Control Panel > Dexterity SCCS)

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: SOP Return Word Templates

    • 0 Comments

    SOP Return Word Templates

    Why this feature is cool!

    In Microsoft Dynamics GP2010 R2 SOP Return templates were added to the core template reports.  With this added functionality, a user can print a SOP return document to Word and mass email SOP returns to customers as they are able to do with other SOP documents in Microsoft Dynamics GP2010.

     ·         Allow users to assign Microsoft Office Word templates to a Report Writer report

    ·         Enables users to assign templates to specific companies or customers

    ·         Direct integration with Microsoft Office Word to customize or create templates

    ·         Offers user the option to create new templates or copy existing templates

    ·         Enables users to assign a template that ships with Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 to their existing modified reports

     What does it look like?

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: Report Builder Integration (Export)

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    Report Builder Integration (Export)

    Why this feature is cool!

    The report builder integration makes it easier to export a report within the Microsoft Dynamics GP client. In the navigation lists there is a new action on the ribbon that allows you to export your report to different file types. This functionality reduces the number of steps you need to take to export a report.  Previously you would have to launch your report server or SharePoint location, render the report and choose export to render the report to the desired file type.

     Export Options:

    • XML
    • CSV
    • PDF
    • MHTML
    • Excel
    • TIFF
    • Word

    What does it look like?

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Don't Miss the Buy1, Get 3 Offer

    • 0 Comments

    Microsoft recently announced the "Buy 1, Get 3" offer, which is valid March 1, 2011 through end of business June 24, 2011 in the United States. The promotional pricing is available to new customers making an intial purchase of Microsoft Dynamics NAV, GP or SL and includes either the Advanced Management (AM) or Business Essential (BE) Foundation Pack.

    Whether you have outgrown your entry-level accounting software, are stifled by an outdated legacy system, or are just tired of paying maintenance fees for solutions that are not delivering new innovation, you have an alternative. Microsoft Dynamics ERP is designed to provide you with control over and visibility into what is going on in your business, helping you make smart decisions that directly impact your bottom line and propel your business growth.

    Visit the following page to learn more about this offer and the terms and conditions.

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: Report Builder Integration

    • 0 Comments

    Report Builder Integration - Edit and View

    Why this feature is cool!

    The report builder integration gives  a seamless integration for editing and viewing a SQL Reporting Services (SRS) reports within the Microsoft Dynamics GP client making it easier to use. You no longer have to know where the report is stored.

     What does it look like?

    Edit:  In the Metrics Detail window, an Edit button has been added to modify the list of the reports you have access to.  Selecting a report from the available metrics and choosing the edit button will launch Report Builder and automatically display the report selected.  You also have the option to edit the report from the Navigation list by selecting the Edit Report Action in the ribbon.

    View:  The view button has been added to the ribbon for ease of running the report in native or SharePoint integrated mode. The homepage has also be updated to move the view option to the Using these modes allows for parameter values to be edited upon rendering the report.  This seamless integration removes the need to manually navigate to where the report is deployed. 

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: New SQL Reporting Services Reports

    • 2 Comments

    New SQL Reporting Services Reports

     Why this feature is cool!

     Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 has over 50 new SQL Reporting Services reports within Financials, Purchasing, Field Service, Payroll/Human Resources and Sales modules.  These Charts, Maps and Tablix reports and give users more insight into their Microsoft Dynamics GP data and are incorporated into the Home Page Metrics, Business Portal and Business Analyzer.

     What does it look like?

    ·         12 Field Service Reports

    ·         14 Financial Reports

    ·         4 Manufacturing Reports

    ·         13 Sales Reports/2 Purchasing Reports

    ·          5 Payroll/Human Resources Reports

     New Sales Mapping Chart that shows commissions by state and can have color coding based on unique business needs.

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Day 3 of the Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference

    • 0 Comments

    After going into the evening last night with table topics where I saw many partner geeking out with each other, having great discussions, the last day of the Technical Conference is here.  This picture reminds me of many of our partners, the lone warrior improving their customer's business with solid solutions.

    Thank you to all of our sponsors, they help make this conference possible.

    1. Gold Sponsors:  Blue Moon and MetaViewer
    2. Silver Sponsors:  Binary Stream and KeCommerce
    3. Exhibitors:  Fastpath Solutions, MC2, and Rockton Software

    We ended the day with a Q and A which is always fun.  A certain partner from Rockton (I'm sure you all know who he is.) had pre-prepared questions ready, but after he saw Microsoft Dynamics GP '12' on Tuesday he said he would have to re-write his questions.  I was really interested in find out what what he came up with.

    Here are some of the highlights to the questions and feedack.

    • Bill brought up a few good ideas on how to improve our tax update process.  This year had a lot of tax updates and we will learn from this experience to see how we can make this experience better.
    • Suggestions were made to add support tools into the product instead of a separate download.  Development and support are working together to see what options are available.
    • MS Connect.  I've blogged about this before, so I won't go on and on, but please start using MS Connect.  www.connect.microsoft.com
    • Prior to the conference many felt unhappy about the perception of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 in the market, now after the conference they are excited.  The product strategy and direction for Microsoft Dynamics GP '12' changes everything in a good way.

    Another great event, now we'll focus on Convergence 2011.

    Pam

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Partners: Learn How to Sell the Light User in a Powerful Way

    • 1 Comments

    Partners,

    I just have to say, can't help it.  Shame on you partners who did not attend the web seminar Jodi Christiansen and I did around the Light User. 

    The seminar is not about 'what is the Light User.'  It is on how to sell effectively to gain more sales quickly.  Microsoft Dynamics GP has a huge value prop around this functionality and you need to embrace it and start selling differently to be successful.

    Please take time to watch this and make changes in your organization.

    Thanks,

    Pam

    Partner On-Demand Registration Link

    https://training.partner.microsoft.com/learning/app/management/LMS_ActDetails.aspx?UserMode=0&ActivityId=733027&CallerUrl=%2flearning%2fapp%2ftaxonomy%2flearnerSearch%2fLearnerSearch.aspx%3fUserMode%3d0

     

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference - Day 2

    • 0 Comments

    The second day of the Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Conference was filled with sessions around Dynamics GP 2010 R2, Customization Tools, Management Reporter, SQL Reporting Services and a lot more. 

    • Demos will be made available on CustomerSource and PartnerSource.
    • We will have customer facing web seminars in the April/May time frame through GPUG.
    • The presentations will be made available to partners on PartnerSource in the coming weeks! 

    The conference has a tingling buzz hovering around it, many talking about two topics:

    1.  The new Business Analyzer coming in Dynamics GP 2010 R2 and the impact it will have on customers.  A major consensus is that this can have a huge impact on customers without a lot of expense.  I can't wait to hear customer stories on this.

    2.  The brilliant innovation of the plans for Microsoft Dynamics GP '12.'  Partners are excited about the opportunities it will bring and the potential.  Our ISV's are also excited wanting to know how they can align with our plans.  It's a really good time to be part of the Dynamics GP family.

    So far, so good.

    Pam

    We have two room, this is a picture of the smaller of the two:

    Here is the agenda.  Jammed packed.

     

  • Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP

    Feature of the Day: Drilldown from SQL Reporting Services Reports

    • 0 Comments

    Feature of the Day:  Drilldown from SQL Reporting Services Reports

    Why this feature is cool!

    This feature allows a user to render a summary report then drill back into a detailed report to display the financial details behind the totals.  This gives your end user a closer look into the numbers the report is displaying and the ability to drill right into the transaction through the Microsoft Dynamics GP client for more analysis if necessary.

     What does it look like?

     In this example, the KPI report was created along with the summary line graph but there wasn’t an easy way to see the details behind the summary totals.  With the 12 additional reports that were created, we were able to give the details behind the amount plus the added ability to drilldown into the Microsoft Dynamics GP client and analyze the transaction if needed.

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