Please note: It is best to save the specific filter value in the “Select” tab with values that obviously need to be replaced (i.e. Once a template is set up to filter data for a report, that template can be used repeatedly, eliminating the need to know what field or fields to choose from the data tables that the report is using. A template for a report allows the user to save additional filter criteria (like “customer equals”) as well as modify sorting and output options. While templates are available both for reports and data entry screens, most of the usefulness of templates lies in the area of reporting. Tip 6: Use the template feature to easily filter reports. This tool also allows for quick navigation from the list of records shown to various related Dynamics SL data entry applications that relate to the type of record that is being viewed.
It is easy to create favorites from the base queries, and new queries can be added to the tool to show data such as user fields and even customized table data. This addition to Dynamics SL is a game changer for getting data back out of the system. Tip 5: Learn the ad-hoc reporting/query tool “Quick Query.”
The best place to find all of the possible functions is in the user guide titled “QuickReferenceGuide.pdf,” which can be found either on the installation media or in the Dynamics SL installation folder under the “User Guides” folder. Many users already know that the function key “F3” is used to look up possible values, but few know what other function keys and shortcuts can do. Dynamics SL has keyboard-based shortcuts for most, if not all, of the menu options within a particular screen.
When we work with users who know these helpful functions it is amazing how fast they can navigate and enter data. Tip 4: Learn the many keyboard shortcuts available in Dynamics SL to speed data entry.Įach year at our client events, we share several keyboard shortcuts that are available in Dynamics SL. The “F1 help available” is especially helpful for new users. These files are included on the installation media, but they do need to be installed and users need to know where to find the files.
Microsoft has replaced the old hard-copy user manuals with PDF-based user guides. We have seen many times over the years that clients do not effectively leverage the information that’s readily available on the use of the product they own. Tip 3: Use the built-in help system and user guides. We frequently use this resource to stay current on product functionality.
Besides offering a knowledge base of how-to’s and support information, CustomerSource also offers customers free Dynamics SL online training and access to downloadable training manuals.
Microsoft continues to update and add content to this already feature-rich website for customers who stay current on software maintenance. Tip 2: Use CustomerSource, Microsoft’s portal for their Business Software user community. This can cause efficiency problems (poor performance) and security issues as the server-based software becomes out of date. Not keeping the Dynamics SL product current can prevent updating of the underlying server technology (SQL Server and Windows Server). Not keeping up on these product releases can be risky for clients. Microsoft has invested a lot to continue to make their Dynamics products feature-rich and stable. Not only does this provide insurance that Microsoft will assist should a technical issue arise in the product, but it also reduces the support time that our staff consumes in assisting with a support issue. The vast majority of our clients keep their Dynamics products in a version that is supported by Microsoft.
This week we are sharing the first two in a series of 10 tips to help you improve efficiency in Dynamics SL: Tip 1: Keep your software in a supported version. Want to speed up your work processes in Dynamics SL? These tips can help you learn the product better and customize where needed so that it works smarter and faster for your specific needs.