Visual Studio Tools for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2013

A few weeks aback I talked about Updating your Visual Studio Tools for web client development environment and soon after I started receiving numerous emails from developers wanting to know if they could leverage the current Visual Studio Tools 2013 SP2 (VST) templates with Visual Studio 2013.  As of yet, Microsoft has not released Microsoft Dynamics GP Add-In and Microsoft Dynamics GP Web Client Add-In templates for Visual Studio 2013, but with the help of my good friend Michael Hammond, Sr. Engineering Lead at Microsoft I have instructions on how to move the current Visual Studio 2012 templates to Visual Studio 2013

1. Locate the current VST template folders under your Microsoft Visual Studio 2012 program files folder. These can usually be found as follows:

Visual C# templates folder
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 11.0\Common7\IDE\ProjectTemplates\CSharp\Dynamics GP

Visual Basic templates folder
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 11.0\Common7\IDE\ProjectTemplates\VisualBasic\Dynamics GP

2. Copy and paste the Dynamics GP folder from under the above folders to their corresponding Microsoft Visual Studio 2013 program files folder. These are consequently found at:

Visual C# templates folder
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0\Common7\IDE\ProjectTemplates\CSharp

Visual Basic templates folder
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0\Common7\IDE\ProjectTemplates\VisualBasic

3. Configure Microsoft Visual Studio 2013 to recognize the templates. Start a Command Prompt as an administrator and change directories to C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 12.0\Common7\IDE. Once in the directory, you can type the following command to setup the Visual Studio 2013 environment:

Command Prompt

The setup process should take no more than a couple minutes. Once you finish, you can launch Visual Studio 2013 and click to create a project using the Dynamics GP templates installed.

Visual Studio 2013 with Dynamics GP templates

Now, the beauty of all this is I can focus on my Windows Store applications without losing track of my Dynamics GP apps - the beauty of having everything under one roof.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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Web Client Wednesday: Microsoft Dynamics GP on Azure

Back in February of this year, I did a full walk-through of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 deployment on Windows Azure. I realized that one of the things that make it hard for partners and customers to determine whether to use the Windows Azure platform for hosting their Microsoft Dynamics GP solution is the scattered information regarding (application) features that are supported on the platform. In fact, did you know that even if you are not running Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, you can still take advantage of Windows Azure to host other versions of Microsoft Dynamics GP? You can always run the desktop client with Remote Desktop Services (RDS) to accomplish this.

So, the objective of this article is to go over the Microsoft Dynamics GP components that are supported on the Windows Azure platform, which can be categorized into features that are Fully Supported and features requiring RDS licensing.

Full Support

These are features that are internet facing (accessed via a browser) from the Windows Azure platform, without requiring much interaction with the desktop client.

• Web Client
• Web Services
• Business Portal
• Workflow (limited Dynamics GP desktop client use)
• Management Reporter Web Viewer feature
• Tenant Services
• SQL Server Reporting Services Reports

RDS Licensing

These are features that you will access via a remote desktop connection and is no different than your traditional Terminal Services or Citrix experience.

• Microsoft Dynamics GP desktop client
• eConnect (determined by consuming application)
• Integration Manager
• Management Reporter Report Designer and Viewer
• Excel Reports
• Analysis Cubes

As you can tell, Windows Azure presents a great opportunity for those of you trying to leverage a world class data center. In addition, Azure allows connectivity to your LAN via its virtual network infrastructure. You can try it out free for 30 days by visiting http://www.windowsazure.com. All you need is a Microsoft Account (formerly Windows Live ID) to get started.

If you need a walk-through, please feel free to add your comment to this post with information on how to reach you.

For more info on RDS licensing, take a look at RDS Solution for Dynamics GP on Azure over at Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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SmartList Builder: Displaying Negative Amounts based on Document Type

Here's a nugget I picked up at GPUG Summit 2013 Tampa by attending the BDA06 Going Deep with SmartList Builder (Complete survey) session hosted by Nicole Albertson from eOne Business Solutions.

Traditionally, whenever I needed to get, say, return document amounts or credit document amounts in general to show as negative in a SmartList, I would recur to the outdated method of setting up a calculated field based on a T-SQL CASE statement to take the document amount and multiply it by negative 1 (-1). The calculation looked something like this, in the case of a Return document in a Sales Transactions smart list:

Calculated Field for a Negative Value based on Document Type

This method has been used for several years now, but not without its flaws:

1. If you have a large data set, performance can be negatively impacted. Remember, the more calculations, the more pass through SQL that needs to be executed by SmartList Builder. This method in particular, seems fairly complex for a simple arithmetic operation.

2. In retrospect, this method is good if you have a fairly decent understanding of T-SQL, which puts you in the category of a power user or at least an entry level T-SQL developer. But what if you are just the average end-user? - no pun intended.

Simply put, there's got to be a better way, right?

As it turns out I can simply click on the Document Amount field, then click on the Field Options expansion button to open the Set Field Options window.

Set Field Options window

Once in the Set Field Options window, you just need to click on the Negative Values tab. You will then mark the Display as Negative Value based on Field check mark and choose the table and field that you will use as basis to flip the sign - in the case of a Sales Transaction, that would be the SOP Type field.

Negative Values tab on Set Field Options window

SmartList Builder is "smart" enough to determine the possible values for the field in question - in fact, Yes/No and List Valued fields are usually supported.

Once again, in the case of the SOP Type list valued field, you would select the Return document type as the option to display the document amount as negative.

How handy is this? And the best of all, it required zero code.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Web Client Phase I details

Over at Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP, Pam Misialek (Twitter: @PamMisialek) details what Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 modules and features are available with the Web Client.

Web Client System features

At the System series level, here is a list of items to consider:

• Modifer changes will render in the Web Client. Modifier itself is not in the Web Client. VBA code will not run on the Web Client.
• Excel Reports work if you are connected to the domain.
• Excel Report Builder and Drill Down Builder are not in the web client.
• Business Analyzer is on the home page. It is not on the Navigation List Pages

Not available in the Web Client:

• Field Level Security
• Integration Manager
• Payment Services
• Concur Expense
• Excel Based Budgeting
• Creating Analysis Cubes Reports.  

Web Client Financials features

At the Financials series level, most features are available with the exception of Grant Management.

Web Client Distribution features

The Distribution modules feature all modules except for the Bill of Materials feature in Inventory.

You can download a PowerPoint presentation from Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP with the above information, just in case you need to present to your customers.

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Features now on Community's YouTube Channel

The Dynamics GP Support and Services team has just released 24 new videos on the Microsoft Dynamics Community YouTube channel focusing on Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 features. Videos cover all aspects of the application, including the brand new Web Client - 11 videos alone on this subject.

Link to the original article is provided below as it contains link to all 24 videos:

Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 Features on YouTube - CHECK IT OUT!

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 "Feature of the Day" - Week 18 Digest

As we approach the release date of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013, the Feature of the Day series will inevitably begin to die out. However, the features are here to stay, so hopefully this series remains a place for you to continue learning about the new features long after the RTM version of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 hits the market.

Let's see what goodies we had in the basket for last week.

Feature of the Day: Custom Fields in Advanced HR

User Defined Field Setup window

Original article: Feature of the Day: Custom Fields in Advanced HR
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Advanced HR Custom Fields.ppsx

Feature of the Day: Use Multiple Budgets with Encumbrance Management

Encumbrance Budget Setup window

Original article: Feature of the Day: Use Multiple Budgets with Encumbrance Management
Link to presentation: GP2013 13929_Enc Budget Combine FOD.ppsx

Feature of the Day: PTO Manager Enhancements

PTO Options window

Original article: Feature of the Day: PTO Manager Enhancements
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD PTO Manager Enhancements.ppsx

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 "Feature of the Day" - Week 11 Digest

Week 11 is gone, but left us the following goodies, enjoy:

Feature of the Day: Credit Card Vendor's Invoice Void

Void a credit card payment to a vendor...

...will reverse the invoice created for the credit card company

Original article: Feature of the Day: Credit Card Vendor's Invoice Void
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD_CreditCardInvoiceVoided.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Default Sort Order for Favorites

Can now select an additional sort option in a lookup...

...then set as the default sort option for the lookup

Original article: Feature of the Day: Default Sort Order for Favorites
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Default View Stores Sort Order.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Default View Stores Sort Order

Can now select Smartlist-based favorites in a lookup...

...and set as a default for the lookup sort order 

Original article: Feature of the Day: Default View Stores Sort Order
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Default Sort Order for Favorites.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Printing 1096 Forms

Not only can you print 1099s, now you are able to print the 1096 form

Original article: Feature of the Day: Printing 1096 Forms
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Print 1096 Form.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: BAI Format

Electronic Reconcile now introduces support for the Bank Administration Institute (BAI) file format

Original article: Feature of the Day: BAI Format
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Add BAI Format to Electronic Reconcile.ppsx
Learning script: N/A

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 "Feature of the Day" - Week 10 Digest

It's been 10 weeks so far of great features in Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013. The list seems to be endless, but at the same time super informative. This shows the amount of work that went into making this one of the biggest releases ever.

Enjoy this weeks features:

Feature of the Day: Journal Entry History Inquiry

Journal Entry Inquiry

Original article: Feature of the Day: Journal Entry History Inquiry
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Journal Entry History Inquiry.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Edit Remit To Address

Edit Remit to Address

Original article: Feature of the Day: Edit Remit To Address
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Edit Remit To Address.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Update 1099 Information

Update 1099 Information

Edit 1099 Transaction Information

Original article: Feature of the Day: Update 1099 Information
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Update 1099 Information.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Update Item Allocation Inquiry in Field Service

Service Call Entry - Parts showing allocated item

Can now inquiry Field Service allocations from Item Allocation Inquiry window

Original article: Feature of the Day: Update Item Allocation Inquiry in Field Service
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Update Item Allocation Inquiry from Field Service.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Multitenant SQLReports

Can now select deployment folder for reports of a specific company

Original article: Feature of the Day: Multitenant SQLReports
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Multi-tenant SQL Reports Server.ppsx
Learning script: GP2013 Multitenant SQL Reports Server Learning Script

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 "Feature of the Day" - Week 9 Digest

Just back from the Microsoft Dynamics GP Technical Airlift 2012, I could probably write a full series with the remaining features left to be covered, but that honor goes to the Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP blog team, which was able to kick these out while the event was in full swing in Fargo, North Dakota.

Here are the highlights from last week:

Feature of the Day: Multi-Select Serial Numbers

Item Serial Number Entry

Original article: Feature of the Day: Multi-Select Serial Numbers
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Multi-Select Serial Numbers.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Saved Batch Approval

Query shows Approval User ID (APRVLUSERID) and Approval Date (APPRVLDT) columns with info

Original article: Feature of the Day: Saved Batch Approval
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Saved Batch Approval.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Unapply Credit Documents when Voiding a Check

We start out with a fully applied invoice for $1,070 by a payment and a credit memo

We now void the payment for $705.00

Now the invoice and the credit memo return to open after voiding the payment

Original article: Feature of the Day: Unapply Credit Documents when Voiding a Check
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD_UnapplyCreditDocumentsWhenVoidingCheck.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day:Update Back Order Item Qty in Field Service

Work Order Entry/Update generated back order quantity of 2 and updates overall item BO qty

Original article: Feature of the Day:Update Back Order Item Qty in Field Service
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD-Update Back Ordered Item Qty from Field Service.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Pay Code, Benefit & Deduction

Original article: Feature of the Day: Pay Code, Benefit & Deduction
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Pay Code, Benefit & Deduction Modifier.ppsx
Learning script: N/A

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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Microsoft Dynamics GP 2013 "Feature of the Day" - Week 7 Digest

Over at Inside Microsoft Dynamics GP, it seems like week 7 was a slacker - just kidding :-)

Week 7 brought us 4 very good articles on some nice System and Fixed Assets enhancements - some of which I had blogged about before. Without further due, enjoy week 7's features.

Feature of the Day: Password Protecting Word Forms

Password Protect under System Preferences window

Original article: Feature of the Day: Password Protecting Word Forms
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD_Password_Protect.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature of the Day: Fixed Asset Calendars

New Fixed Assets Calendar Setup window

Book Setup window: Can now assign a calendar to a specific Book

Original article: Feature of the Day: Fixed Asset Calendars
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD FA Calendar Setup.ppsx
Learning script: N/A


Feature fo the Day: Mass Depreciation

Depreciation Process Information window

Original article: Feature fo the Day: Mass Depreciation
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD Mass Depreciation Reversal.ppsx
Learning script: N/A

Feature of the Day: Named System Database

Named System Database

Original article: Feature of the Day: Named System Database
Link to presentation: GP2013 FOD - Named Database.ppsx
Learning script: GP2013 Named Database Learning Script

NOTE: I have both GP 2010 R2 and GP 2013 installed, side-by-side, on my machine currently and I have to say that thanks to the Named System Database feature, I did not have to setup another SQL Server instance which is typically what would have ended up happening in this case for previous releases of Microsoft Dynamics GP. See my previous article on the Named System Database feature over at Community:

Microsoft Dynamics GP "12" Named System Database Architecture

Until next post!

MG.-
Mariano Gomez, MVP
IntellPartners, LLC
http://www.IntellPartners.com/

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