Dynamics NAVAX

Shortcuts [AX 2012]

2012-02-03T17:38:00.001+08:00

Below are a few shortcuts I use when setting up new environments.

Client shortcut
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Dynamics AX\60\Client\Bin\Ax32.exe" "C:\AxClientConfig\MyInstance_isv.axc"

Client shortcut into development
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Dynamics AX\60\Client\Bin\Ax32.exe" "C:\AxClientConfig\MyInstance_isv.axc" -development

Visual studio shortcut
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\Common7\IDE\devenv.exe" /AxConfig "C:\AxClientConfig\MyInstance_isv.axc"

Common used commands for model move [AX 2012]

2012-02-02T07:28:00.000+08:00

These are common commands I use to move models on internal environments.
Place these in a batch file and name accordingly. Then all you have to do is run them.

Delete isv layer
"%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Dynamics AX\60\ManagementUtilities\AxUtil" delete /layer:isv /db:TestDb /s:SQLSERVER
PAUSE

Delete usr layer
"%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Dynamics AX\60\ManagementUtilities\AxUtil" delete /layer:usr /db:TestDb /s:SQLSERVER
PAUSE

Export model
"%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Dynamics AX\60\ManagementUtilities\AxUtil" export /model:"MyModel" /file:"\\sharedfolder\mymodel.axmodel" /db:DevDb /s:SQLSERVER
PAUSE

Import model
"%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Dynamics AX\60\ManagementUtilities\AxUtil" import /file:"\\sharedfolder\mymodel.axmodel" /db:TestDb /s:SQLSERVER
PAUSE

PAUSE is in there to allow you to see the results if any.

Links:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh456294.aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh352314.aspx

ManagedBy property on the security node in the AOT [AX 2012]

2012-01-23T11:33:00.000+08:00

I had recently asked this question to Microsoft and thought I should share.

Question:
I am trying to make sense of the security AOT property ManagedBy.
I can understand if I have to put something there to indicate it is being managed manually but why does best practice accept only the two values (that I found):

Manual
CodeAnalysis

I have searched on msdn for more help but all it says is:

ManagedBy

Optional

This property is for use by automation tools.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg731858.aspx

Answer:

This property is used by one of our automation tools internally. We were using it simply so that we could write automations to help the feature teams to make sure they had all of the new security aspects covered for their objects.
It could be used by a custom tool that checks the objects to make sure that all the security is implemented correctly for the objects by checking if the object should be managed manually or automatically.

Business Operation Framework (BOF) [AX 2012]

2012-01-22T17:44:00.003+08:00

The Business Operation Framework (BOF) lets you run services on Microsoft Dynamics AX using the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) framework. The BOF uses an MVC programming pattern.

What is a Model View Controller (MVC) Framework?
MVC is a framework methodology that divides an application's implementation into three component roles: models, views, and controllers.

Model: The model manages the behavior and data of the application domain, responds to requests for information about its state (usually from the view), and responds to instructions to change state (usually from the controller).
View: The view manages the display of information.
Controller: The controller interprets the mouse and keyboard inputs from the user, informing the model and/or the view to change as appropriate.

Features of the Business Operation Framework

Allows menu-driven execution or batch execution of services.
Calls services in synchronous or asynchronous mode.
Automatically creates a customizable UI based on the data contract.
Encapsulates code to operate on the appropriate tier (prompting on the client tier, and business logic on the server tier).

Building blocks Business Operation Framework
Lets work by example. Standard doesnt have a great deal of examples but I found one that is clean to read.
Lets look at the SalesQuotationMassCreate function.

class SalesQuotationMassCreate extends SysOperationServiceBase

Main operation/process that runs in WCF. Takes the Contract as a parameter and does its operation.

class SalesQuotationMassCreateContract implements SysOperationValidatable

Contains the parm methods and validation. This is the object that is passed to the main operation class.

class SalesQuotationMassCreateController extends SysOperationServiceController

Entry point to initialize the query

class SalesQuotationMassCreateUIBuilder extends SysOperationAutomaticUIBuilder

This class is not required but used for overriding dialog behavior. eg. You can enable/disable fields dynamically.

Some advantages

Runs faster
Clean separation of of processing code, the model and the UI.
Can expose main operation as a web service
Consistent with programming language when developing SSRS reports, AIF web services, or batch jobs

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model-view-controller
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff649643.aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg862488.aspx

Loop through record from data source [AX 2012]

2012-01-19T13:36:00.000+08:00

These are simple code snippets to loop through a record from a data source.

Using a while loop

salesLine_ds = _salesLine.dataSource();

localSalesLine = salesLine_ds.getFirst(true) as SalesLine;

if (localSalesLine)

{

while (localSalesLine)

{

//Do your thing

localSalesLine = salesLine_ds.getNext() as SalesLine;

}

Using a for loop

salesLine_ds = _salesLine.dataSource();

for (localSalesLine = salesLine_ds.getFirst(true) ? salesLine_ds.getFirst(true) : salesLine_ds.cursor();

localSalesLine;

localSalesLine = salesLine_ds.getNext())

{

//Do your thing

}

Using MultiSelectionHelper class (blogged previously)
Using MultiSelectionHelper class (blogged previously)

http://dynamicsnavax.blogspot.com/2010/04/ax-multiselectionhelper.html

The element does not have an origin value. This element must have a non-null origin value.

2012-01-12T07:37:00.000+08:00

When you compile and you get this error in AX 2012.
"The element does not have an origin value. This element must have a non-null origin value."

Just restart your AOS. That should sort it out.

Modify Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 SSRS configuration files using PowerShell

2012-01-04T15:50:00.002+08:00

This post is to highlight a pet project I have been working on. Working for a partner I frequently do new environment installations. AX 2012 allows you install multiple SSRS environments on the one machine but it can be tedious with the SSRS configuration file changes.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh389762.aspx

I have scripted the process and loaded on here http://dax2012ssrs.codeplex.com.

AX2012 - Install multiple instances of Reporting Services (SSRS) on the same computer scripted with powershell

2011-11-02T06:51:00.001+08:00

I have been working on a side project to script Install multiple instances of Reporting Services on the same computer (for use with Microsoft Dynamics AX) [AX 2012]

Most of the steps are straight forward but the Modify Reporting Services configuration files [AX 2012] is a little tedious.

I have scripted some of the steps. It is incomplete but I think it could be useful for our internal SSRS installs.
I hope someone out there can contribute and we can share the load to complete it.

1) Modify the Report Manager Web.config file
(COMPLETE)

2) Modify the report server RsReportServer.config file
(WORK IN PROGRESS)

These have not been scripted - do them manually.

I haven't managed to write a script to delete an element.

This is because it is not in the primary root element. A second root node is started half way through the config file.

3) Modify the report server RsSrvPolicy.config file

(WORK IN PROGRESS)

I haven't managed to get step 7 right. It adds the CodeGroup to the wrong node. I need to find the node by the attribute (I think may have to write a loop to do this).

4) Modify the report server Web.config file
(COMPLETE)

If you get a message saying scripting is not allowed. Just start powershell - run as administrator. Then type the following

Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

Warning:

This is in no way complete but a start. I will update when I have something.

Powershell SSRS AX2012 Config

SQL Server Data Compression and Microsoft Dynamics

2011-07-22T11:31:00.000+08:00

Recently found this through the NAV team blog.
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/nav/archive/2011/07/22/sql-server-data-compression-and-microsoft-dynamics.aspx
Release is available here: http://archive.msdn.microsoft.com/MSSDCTD

I am going to play with it and try to post.

How to Dual Boot from a VHD

2011-07-05T20:54:00.002+08:00

Previously I wrote a step by step guide on how you can run AX2012 HyperV on your local machine.
Today a friend of mine suggested an alternative way to run it. With the new laptops that have hardware virtualization enabled, you can set up a boot from VHD. I won't write a step by step for this but you can google and find a lot of information.
You can use BCDEdit

How to Boot from a VHD - TechNet Articles - Home - TechNet Wiki
Another link

or Windows2008 Install disc
Dual booting Windows Server 2008 R2 with Windows 7 using VHD booting | microsoftNOW
to set this up.

Now the only limitation I can see is the AX2012 image comes with 3 VHDs but this boot from VHD allows you to select a single VHD (OS VHD). What I have done to come around this is setup the boot for the 1st VHD. Then attach the other 2 VHDs as disks in "Computer Management"-> "Disk Management".

Start your services after you have attached. This seems to work. Only issue I found is, I have to attach the VHD every time I boot.

Workflow error: "User 123 has no access to menu item PurchReqTable"

2011-06-30T16:37:00.000+08:00

I recently was helping a client set their security and I found a weird one. The workflow would stop with an error "User 123 has no access to menu item PurchReqTable". This even though they already had access to all the workflow menu items and the purchase requisition form.

The key that is required is the Miscellaneous key.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 on iPhone

2011-06-23T18:47:00.000+08:00

I am passionate about this topic as I have been working on it for a while with the team in my company. We have developed an iPhone solution for Microsoft Dynamics AX which allows users to do the following:

Workflow approval - View and action workflow. eg. Approve/Reject
Alerts - Receive/view notifications
Entities - Browse records in AX - this is extendable to allow you view any record in AX. We have basic records like Customers, Items etc by default but this is extendable

Here are some screenshots:
Main Menu on the iPhone

Alerts on the iPhone

On the iPad

Finally, here is a video I have uploaded to youtube. Instead of showing you an emulator or just screenshots. This video is straight of my iPhone. Its not the best video quality but hope it gives you the concept of this mobile solution.

Here is a link to my companies website:
http://www.eclipsecomputing.com.au/Services/EclipseMobility.aspx

Online (Bing) translator for AX using a shortcut key

2011-06-21T13:19:00.001+08:00

Keeping in theme with the last post, I will talk about another simple use for web services in AX.
I will use Microsoft (Bing) Translator to automatically translate fields with just a shortcut key (in this example I will take over the Ctrl+Z shortcut).

In \Classes\SysSetupFormRun add a new method. Copy and paste below. Make sure to replace the API ID with your own. Sign up to Microsoft API.

Public static server void translate(str _text = "")
{
//ar,bg,zh-CHS,zh-CHT,cs,da,nl,en,et,fi,fr,de,el,ht,he,hu,id,it,ja,ko,lv,lt,no,pl,pt,ro,ru,sk,sl,es,sv,th,tr,uk,vi
//Arabic Bulgarian Chinese Simplified Chinese Traditional Czech Danish Dutch English Estonian Finnish French
//German Greek Haitian Creole Hebrew Hungarian Indonesian Italian Japanese Korean Latvian Lithuanian
//Norwegian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Slovak Slovenian Spanish Swedish Thai Turkish Ukrainian Vietnamese

    str uri;
    str appId = "XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX"; //Replace with your API ID
    str fromLanguage="en", ToLanguage="fr"; //Change the language you want to change from/to
    str ret = "";

    System.Net.HttpWebRequest   httpRequest  = null;
    System.Net.HttpWebResponse  httpResponse = null;
    CLRObject                   clro         = null;
    System.IO.Stream            stream       = null;
    System.IO.StreamReader      streamReader = null;
    XmlTextReader               xmlTextReader ;
    ;

    uri = "http://api.microsofttranslator.com/v2/Http.svc/Translate?appId=" + appId +
        "&text=" + _text + "&from=" + fromLanguage + "&to=" + toLanguage;

    try
    {
        new InteropPermission(InteropKind::ClrInterop).assert();
        clro         = System.Net.WebRequest::Create(uri);
        httpRequest  = clro;
        httpResponse = httpRequest.GetResponse();
        stream = httpResponse.GetResponseStream();
        streamReader = new System.IO.StreamReader(stream);
        ret = streamReader.ReadToEnd();

        xmlTextReader = XmlTextReader::newXml(ret, true) ;

        while(xmlTextReader.read())
        {
            switch (xmlTextReader.NodeType())
            {
                case XmlNodeType::Text: //Display the text in each element.
                    ret = xmlTextReader.Value();
                    break;
            }
        }

        CodeAccessPermission::revertAssert();
    }
    catch(Exception::CLRError)
    {
        throw error(AifUtil::getClrErrorMessage());
    }

    info(ret);
}

Now the second part is to trap shortcut keys. This is done in the same class \Classes\SysSetupFormRun.
Modify the task() method by adding the following code:

public int task(int _p1)
{
    #task
    FormDataSource formDataSource;

    int ret;

    // >> Translate string
    // Munib - 2010-12-28
    FormControl fc;
    formStringControl fsc;
    ;

    if (_p1 == 769) //Ctrl + Z
    {
        fc = this.selectedControl();
        formDataSource =  this.objectSet();

        if(fc && formDataSource)
        {
            fsc    = fc;

            if(fsc.dataField() && formDataSource.table())
            {
                if (fsc.valueStr())
                {
                    SysSetupFormRun::ecl_translate(fsc.valueStr());
                }
            }
        }
    }
    // << Translate string

    if (_p1 == #taskFilter)
    {
        formDataSource = this.objectSet();
        if (formDataSource &&
            formDataSource.queryRun() &&
            formDataSource.queryRun().args() &&
            !formDataSource.queryRun().args().caller())
        {
            formDataSource.queryRun().args().caller(this);
        }
    }

    //info(strfmt("%1=%2",_p1,#taskFilter));
    //shift + F3   - 4443
    //Shift + Down - 1296
    ret = super(_p1);

    return ret;
}

Final result looks like this:

We could be smart and make it parameter driven with the API ID, from/to language. This example is just to illustrate how simple it is to use web services in your project.

Update exchange rate using Yahoo Web Service

2011-06-20T14:14:00.000+08:00

In this example I am using Yahoo's online currency converter to update the exchange rates table. An idea would be to put this code in a batch class, which you can schedule to run daily.

static void YahooCurrencyUpdate(Args _args)
{
    Currency                    currency;
    ExchRates                   exchRates;
    str                         uri;
    str                         exchRate = "";
    str                         fromCurrency, toCurrency;

    System.Net.HttpWebRequest   httpRequest  = null;
    System.Net.HttpWebResponse  httpResponse = null;
    CLRObject                   clro         = null;
    System.IO.Stream            stream       = null;
    System.IO.StreamReader      streamReader = null;
    ;

    while select currency
    {
        fromCurrency    = CompanyInfo::find().CurrencyCode;
        toCurrency      = currency.CurrencyCode;

        uri = "http://finance.yahoo.com/d/quotes.csv?e=.csv&f=l1&s=" + fromCurrency + toCurrency + "=X";

        try
        {
            new InteropPermission(InteropKind::ClrInterop).assert();
            clro         = System.Net.WebRequest::Create(uri);
            httpRequest  = clro;
            httpResponse = httpRequest.GetResponse();
            stream = httpResponse.GetResponseStream();
            streamReader = new System.IO.StreamReader(stream);
            exchRate = streamReader.ReadToEnd();
            info(exchRate);

            if (str2num(exchRate) > 0)
            {
                exchRates.initValue();
                exchRates.CurrencyCode = toCurrency;
                exchRates.FromDate = systemdateget();
                exchRates.editExchRate(true, str2num(exchRate) * 100);
                exchRates.insert();
            }

            CodeAccessPermission::revertAssert();
        }
        catch(Exception::CLRError)
        {
            throw error(AifUtil::getClrErrorMessage());
        }
    }
}

Additional information:
Microsoft provides a simple example on how to consume a web service. In their example they take a currency converter too.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ef3a50d2-61c8-4ffc-bce8-2caf038f98cd&displaylang=en
The Microsoft whitepaper was written to illustrate on how to consume web services using references.

There are a lot of online services that provide exchange rates and methods to consume. Yahoo provides the days rates via the web services but not historical rates.

Other online services:
www.thomsonreuters.com,
www.oanda.com,
www.xe.com

How to run AX2012 HyperV on Virtualbox (Hardware Virtualization)

2011-06-06T18:02:00.000+08:00

In my last post "How to run AX2012 HyperV on Virtualbox (Step by step guide)" I wrote how you can run a HyperV image using Virtualbox.
If these steps don't work for you, there are a few things to check:

1. Mount the vhd disks using IDE controllers. Not SATA, which is the VirtualBox default if you use the wizard.
Follow instruction below exactly– don’t make the mistake of clicking next -> next. Wizard will set it up as SATA controllers.

2. Hardware virtualization must be turned on your PC/Laptop. This is a BIOS setting. Have a look at this link as it may assist.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/configure-bios.aspx
You may want to run Microsoft® Hardware-Assisted Virtualization Detection Tool to check if it is enabled. You should get a message like this:

3. Lastly, Hardware virtualization may not work if you computer has gone into hibernation or sleep mode. You have to reboot your machine.

How to run AX2012 HyperV on Virtualbox (Step by step guide)

2011-04-24T09:40:00.001+08:00

1. Go to http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

Download virtual box and the extension pack.

2. Once you have installed, create a new virtual machine.

3. Select Windows 2008 64bit

4. Allocate a good portion of memory (4GB recommended)

6. Un-tick the boot Hard Disk. Add disks manual after the wizard is finished.

6. Click on your new virtual image settings

7. Navigate to Storage

Add hard disks by clicking the disk icon – then “Choose existing disk”

Repeat this step for all 3 vhd files.

· AX5-W8R2-01.vhd

· AX5-W8R2-01_DB.vhd

· AX5-W8R2-01_PF.vhd

8. After you have finished. Settings should look like this:

9. Start your image

Configure sharepoint

After you have managed to get it to start, there are a couple other things to be aware of:
1. Start the AOS by going to the windows services and start manually
2. All seems to work except for Enterprise Portal

To fix this modify your hosts file “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\Hosts”

Open this file with notepad and add in the line

127.0.0.1 Sharepoint
127.0.0.1 dynamicsax.contoso.com

It should look like this:

3. When you run a report - it will be slow on first run. Don't kill it; leave it for a few minutes. Mine took ~4minutes to run first time. After that, it is very responsive. Standard SSRS caching.

Update 07-10-2011:
RTM version of the image uses
127.0.0.1 dynamicsax.contoso.com

Enjoy.

AX - Scan a document

2011-02-07T16:24:00.000+08:00

There are a few ways to scan a document in AX.
Best way is to use Windows Image Acquisition (WIA). This comes standard from Windows Vista and up. Previous version you had to download "Windows Image Acquisition Automation Library v2.0" from Microsoft.

Without getting into too much detail. Here is the code:

static void scanDocument(Args _args)
{
    COM               commonDialog;
    COM               imageFile;
    str               wiaFormatJPEG     = "{B96B3CAE-0728-11D3-9D7B-0000F81EF32E}";
    str               wiaFormatBMP      = "{B96B3CAB-0728-11D3-9D7B-0000F81EF32E}";
    str               wiaFormatPNG      = "{B96B3CAF-0728-11D3-9D7B-0000F81EF32E}";
    str               wiaFormatGIF      = "{B96B3CB0-0728-11D3-9D7B-0000F81EF32E}";
    str               wiaFormatTIFF     = "{B96B3CB1-0728-11D3-9D7B-0000F81EF32E}";
    InteropPermission perm;
    ;

    // Set code access permission to help protect the use of the
    // COM object.
    perm = new InteropPermission(InteropKind::ComInterop);
    if (perm == null)
    {
        return;
    }
    // Permission scope starts here.
    perm.assert();

    commonDialog = new COM("WIA.CommonDialog");

    if (commonDialog != null)
    {
        imageFile = commonDialog.ShowAcquireImage(
                1,
                1,
                65536,
                wiaFormatJPEG,
                false,
                true,
                false);

        if (WinAPI::fileExists("C:\\Temp\\c\\AXtestb.jpg"))
        {
            info('file exist');
        }
        else
        {
            imageFile.SaveFile("C:\\Temp\\c\\AXtestb.jpg");
        }
    }

    // Close code access permission scope.
    CodeAccessPermission::revertAssert();
}

Ideas:

What you could do is integrate this into the document handling classes in AX and make this available as a feature on the document handling form. ie. Scan and attach a document
You could use the same for Web Cams and a few other devices

AX - Get rid of the white space on report footer

2011-02-07T16:04:00.000+08:00

If you have a page footer and you don't call the super method in the executeSection. You will find the length of the footer is reserved as white space.

Rather than just not calling the super method - you might consider calling
element.disableSection(PageFooter_1)
or
element.disablePageFooter();

This way - no space is reserved for the section.

AX - Import flat file job

2010-11-05T19:11:00.000+08:00

I use this quite often. When I want a quick job to import a text file.

static void ImportFileWithDialog(Args _args)
{
    AsciiIO     asciiIO;
    Filename    filename;
    NoYesId     skipFirstLine;
    Container   line;
    Dialog      dialog;
    DialogField dialogFileName, dialogSkipFirstLine;
    ;

    dialog                  = new Dialog("Import file");
    dialogFileName          = dialog.addField(typeid(Filenameopen), "File name");
    dialogSkipFirstLine     = dialog.addField(typeid(NoYesId), "Skip first line");
    dialog.run();

    if (dialog.run())
    {
        filename      = dialogFileName.value();
        skipFirstLine = dialogSkipFirstLine.value();
    }

    asciiIO = new AsciiIO(filename, 'R');

    if (!asciiIO || asciiIO.status() != IO_Status::Ok )
    {
        throw error (strfmt("@SYS19312",filename));
    }


    ttsbegin;
    asciiIO.inRecordDelimiter('\r\n');
    asciiIO.inFieldDelimiter(',');

    if (skipFirstLine)
        line = asciiIO.read();

    while (asciiIO.status() == IO_status::Ok)
    {
        line = asciiIO.read();

        if (line)
        {
            info(conpeek(line,1));
            info(conpeek(line,2));
        }
    }
    ttscommit;
}

AX - Table Maps

2010-11-05T19:06:00.000+08:00

Maps in AX allow you to wrap tables at runtime. In other words, they allow you to map multiple table fields and share methods. One of the more popular ones is the AddressMap.
The concept of Maps are great in AX but can be confusing at times.
Check the msdn article: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb278211.aspx

One of the gotchas that experienced developers know about is. IntelliSense wont show the map. You have to type it in.

custTable.AddressMap::formatAddress();
ie. [table].[map name]::[method to call]

AX - How to use Map and MapEnumerator

2010-10-10T12:40:00.000+08:00

Similar to Set class, Map class allows you to associate one value (the key) with another value. Both the key and value can be any valid X++ type, including objects. The types of the key and the value are specified in the declaration of the map. The way in which maps are implemented means that access to the values is very fast.
Below is a sample code that sets and retrieves values from a map.

static void checkItemNameAliasDuplicate(Args _args)
{
    inventTable         inventTable;
    Map                 map;
    MapEnumerator       mapEnumerator;
    NameAlias           nameAlias;
    int                 counter = 0;
    ;

    map = new Map(Types::String, Types::Integer);

    //store into map
    while select inventTable
    {
        nameAlias = inventTable.NameAlias;
        if (!map.exists(nameAlias))
        {
            map.insert(nameAlias, 1);
        }
        else
        {
            map.insert(nameAlias, map.lookup(nameAlias) + 1);
        }
    }


    //retrieve from map
    mapEnumerator = map.getEnumerator();
    while (mapEnumerator.moveNext())
    {
        nameAlias       = mapEnumerator.currentKey();
        info(strfmt("%1,%2",mapEnumerator.currentKey(),mapEnumerator.currentValue()));
    }
}

References:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa553382.aspx

NAV 2009 R2 Streamed

2010-09-15T17:01:00.000+08:00

Video is from May but it gives you an appreciation of cloud computing and where dynamics products are heading.
Launch NAV R2 streamed RTC client on May 19 2010

AX - Workflow troubleshooting

2010-09-15T15:18:00.000+08:00

Microsoft released a troubleshooting document for workflow on customersource/partnersource.
How to troubleshoot common workflow issues for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009
https://mbs.microsoft.com/customersource/documentation/howtodocuments/ax2009_workflow_tips.htm

AX - How to use Set and SetEnumerator

2010-08-22T15:14:00.001+08:00

The Set class is used for the storage and retrieval of data from a collection in which the values of the elements contained are unique and serve as the key values according to which the data is automatically ordered.
You can create a set of primitive data types or complex data types such as a Class, Record or Container. Below is sample of a set of records.

static void _Set(Args _args)
{
    CustTable       custTable;
    Set             set = new Set(Types::Record);
    SetEnumerator   setEnumerator;
    ;

    while select custTable
    {
        if (custTable && !set.in(custTable))
        {
            set.add(custTable);
        }
    }

    if (!set.empty())
    {
        setEnumerator = set.getEnumerator();
        setEnumerator.reset();
        while (setEnumerator.moveNext())
        {
            custTable = setEnumerator.current();
            info(strfmt("Customer: %1",custTable.AccountNum));
        }
    }
}

Common mistake when creating a set of recIds is using integer. AX2009 uses Int64 but a cleaner way to write it is:

set = new Set(typeId2Type(typeid(recId)));

References:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa861938.aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa891129.aspx

AX - Workflow history form

2010-07-30T18:32:00.000+08:00

The workflow history form is designed in a way where if you are a user in the Admin user group, you get view 1. If you are a user that is not in the Admin group, then you get view 2.

Workflow history - for admin

Workflow history - for non admin

Note: It checks the user by looking for the first usergroup in their list. If there is a user group which sorts higher than "Admin" then it will think you are not an Admin.

SQL Server 2005 and 2008 - Backup, Integrity Check and Index Optimization

2010-07-26T17:02:00.000+08:00

Ola Hallengren has updated his site to take care of SQL2008R2. That is some great work he has done. Specially considering he is giving it out for free.
http://ola.hallengren.com

Purchase requisition – Price

2010-07-25T15:26:00.000+08:00

The price fields on the purchase requisition are non-editable for catalogue items. It is expected that a trade agreement be created.

The price fields are only editable for these conditions:

Form is opened view AP -> Periodic -> Purchase Requisition -> All purchase requisition, or
Line type is “Non-catalogue item”, or
User is task owner. Ie. The task is assigned to the user. In other words he/she maybe the purchaser that gets the price.
User is approval owner. Ie. The approval is assigned to the user. In other words he/she maybe the manager that approves the final requisition.

For catalogue items on the purchase requisition line can only select between the vendor directly associated with the item and the cheapest vendor as found through the purchase price trade agreements. If another vendor is requested the vendor can be blanked and the user can enter a “Proposed vendor” in the proposed vendor field on the general tab page for the purchase requisition line.

NOTE: Purchase order line prices and discounts are automatically recalculated when the line is of type catalogue item. The purchase order line price and discounts are not automatically recalculated when the line is of type non-catalogue item or when the line has been through an RFQ process. When the purchase order is created, auto miscellaneous charges for header and lines regardless of item type are automatically recalculated.

So, make sure you set up a trade agreement before the order is created. Otherwise, the order may have an unexpected price.

AX - Links to good blogs

2010-06-04T15:31:00.000+08:00

Application consultants
Supply Chain Management in Dynamics AX
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/dynamicsaxscm/
Dynamics AX Training
http://www.dynamicsaxtraining.com/trade-and-logistics-training
Dynamics AX (General AX news and tips)
http://dynamics-ax.blogspot.com/

Technical consultants
MFP’s two cents
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/mfp/
Dynamics AX tools and tutorials
http://kashperuk.blogspot.com/
Workflow
http://workflowax.wordpress.com/
EMEA Dynamics AX Support
http://blogs.msdn.com
Good AIF articles
http://www.ksaelen.be/wordpress/
Dynamics AX Sustained Engineering
http://blogs.technet.com
Saveen Reddy's blog (good SSRS articles)
http://blogs.msdn.com
AX Daily (regular small useful tips and tricks)
http://axdaily.blogspot.com/
AX Performance
http://blogs.msdn.com/axperf
Issues concerning x++
http://blogs.msdn.com/x
The Microsoft Dynamics AX Enterprise Portal Blog
http://blogs.msdn.com/epblog
Useful AIF Links around
http://daxdilip.blogspot.com/2010/05/aif-links.html

AX - Field not showing in the workflow configuration

2010-04-22T22:02:00.000+08:00

Issue:
I tried to setup a workflow configuration based on the Project field on the purchase requisition.
For some reason the Project field was looking up the dimensions. I had a look at what dimensions I had in the system and I found the 4th dimension was called Project too.
Because the workflow class builds a list on the field names. It only adds 1 field called Project. In other words, only allowing you to select 1 of the two fields labelled Project.

Solution:
I renamed the dimension to "Project No". Something different.

AX - MultiSelectionHelper

2010-04-22T21:53:00.000+08:00

Today I learned a new class which I think is great.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc639186.aspx
The MultiSelectionHelper class provides an interface to work with multiple selected records on a form data source. Say you want to highlight a number of records and run a function against them.
Here is some sample code:

public void initFromArgs(Args _args = this.parmArgs())
{
    MultiSelectionHelper    multiSelectionHelper;
    PurchReqTable           purchReqTable;
    ;

    if (args && args.caller() && args.record())
    {
        multiSelectionHelper = MultiSelectionHelper::createFromCaller(args.caller());

        multiSelectionHelper.createQueryRanges(queryRun.query().dataSourceTable(tablenum(PurchReqTable)), fieldstr(PurchReqTable, PurchReqId));

        switch(args.record().TableId)
        {
            case tablenum(PurchReqTable) :
                purchReqTable= multiSelectionHelper.getFirst();
                while (purchReqTable)
                {
                    info(purchReqTable.PurchReqId);

                    purchReqTable = multiSelectionHelper.getNext();
                }
                break;
        }
    }
}

AX - Section overlapped pageFooter section (maybe because the section is too high)

2010-04-18T18:17:00.000+08:00

This error usual happens when you put a large block in the footer section or you have set the footer section height too high.
Solution would be to adjust the height of the footer section or remove/reduce what you have on the footer section. Or alternatively move your controls to a programmable section.

I would do the latter if I am displaying a large block of text. For example terms and conditions at the end of a purchase order report.

AX - Modify Table collection when it is attached to a virtual company

2010-04-18T18:02:00.000+08:00

Recently I wanted to move the table collection to my dev environment. The table collection was attached to a virtual company - the system wouldn't let me change it. I tried to delete - didn't work. I tried to import an xpo of the table collection changes - nothing happened.

I had 2 options to do this:

Option 1: Do a full layer release to your environment. This is what you would do in production environment releases. I didn't want to do this because I had other changes in the environment that would have been over written.

Option 2: Find which virtual companies the table collection are used and delete them. To find the virtual companies that are attached to the table collections - go to "\System Documentation\Tables\TableCollectionList".

You can do a dat/def export of this table. Changed the table collection. Then imported the dat/def.

NAV - The page contains a control add-in that is not permitted. Contact your system administrator.

2010-04-14T20:26:00.000+08:00

After installing NAV2009SP1 and you try to open a clean database or your database. You may get this error.
"The page contains a control add-in that is not permitted. Contact your system administrator."

Reason: This happens because in NAV2009SP1 has a client add-in that comes with the role centre. This needs to be setup in the Client Add-in table.

AX - Install multiple workflow instances for Dynamics AX 2009

2010-03-21T15:08:00.000+08:00

The standard install for AX2009 and AX2009SP1 does not allow you to run multiple workflow instances on the one machine.
There is a KB article which explains how to do it. It requires an install.
https://mbs.microsoft.com/knowledgebase/KBDisplay.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;960801
After the install you essentially copy the workflow folder, virtual directory and application pool in IIS. Create your config file (*.axc) and point the web.config file to it.

AX - Using Set-Based Updates in X++

2010-03-20T18:04:00.001+08:00

This is a reminder more than anything else. Using set based updates is far more efficient.

while select forupdate custTable 
where custTable.CustGroup == '10'
{ 
    custTable.CustGroup = '20'; 
    custTable.doUpdate(); 
}

Can be rewritten in X++ as:

update_recordset custTable 
setting CustGroup = '20' 
where custTable.CustGroup == '10';

AX - Best practice tip for controls

2010-03-20T18:00:00.000+08:00

On forms you want to set controls ie enabled or visible
You can do this by specifying the control name or the id but the best way is to do it like this:

element.design().control(control::Name).visible(false);

"control" is a system enum that maps the name to the id.

Another advantage of doing it this is, you don't have to set the AutoDeclaration on the form control.

AX - send e-mail job

2010-03-11T17:41:00.000+08:00

Sometimes you want to test your SMTP setup. I normally run this job (don't forget to change the parameters):

static void sendMail(Args _args)
{
    SysMailer           sysMailer;
    SysEmailParameters  sysEmailParameters;
    ;
    sysEmailParameters = SysEmailParameters::find();

    sysMailer = new SysMailer();
    sysMailer.SMTPRelayServer(sysEmailParameters.SMTPRelayServerName, sysEmailParameters.SMTPPortNumber, sysEmailParameters.SMTPUserName, sysEmailParameters::password());

    sysMailer.fromAddress("from@defaultemail.com.au");
    sysMailer.tos().appendAddress("to@defaultemail.com.au");
    sysMailer.subject("test - subject");
    sysMailer.htmlBody("test - body");
    sysMailer.sendMail();
}

AX - Get tables virtual company id

2010-02-20T20:59:00.000+08:00

To find a tables DataAreaId. This comes in handy when you are trying to select records from another company but that table may belong to a virtual company.

ProjTable.Company('CEU');
info(ProjTable.DataAreaId);

AX - get Extended Data Type label

2010-02-20T20:50:00.002+08:00

To get an extended data type label.

static void getEDTLabel(Args _args)
{
    Dictionary dict;
    DictType dictType;
    TreeNode treeNode = TreeNode::findNode("Data Dictionary\\Extended Data Types\\ABCModelType");
    ;
    dict = new Dictionary();
    dictType = dict.typeObject(dict.typeName2Id(treeNode.treeNodeName()));
    
    info(treeNode.treeNodeName());
    info(dictType.label());
}

AX - Issue deploying Proxies to Enterprise Portal site

2010-02-16T19:34:00.000+08:00

I made some changes to the Proxies static file in AX. Generated the proxies in Visual Studio but for some reason it did not deploy to the site. There are known issues with 64bit/MOSS standard - that could have been causing the problems to deploy the files.

At the end I copied the proxy files generated by visual studio to the site directory.
From:
C:\Users\admin\Documents\Visual Studio 2008\WebSites\MyProject\App_Code\Proxies
To:
C:\inetpub\wwwroot\wss\VirtualDirectories\80\App_Code\Proxies

On another note. The ascx and cs files are kept here:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Web Server Extensions\12\TEMPLATE\LAYOUTS\ep

AX - Find if running client or server side

2010-02-16T10:46:00.000+08:00

To find if you are running client or server side.

if (isRunningOnServer())
{
  info('Server side');
}
else
{
  info('Client side');
}

AX - SQL query another database via ODBC

2010-01-24T15:04:00.000+08:00

Recently I was involved in migrating a large data set from another database. The standard Excel import/export is a great tool for migrating data. Once you start importing over 500 records - it can get very slow.
Here is some code to do an ODBC connection to execute a select statement.

server static void main(Args args)
{
    LoginProperty                   loginProperty;
    ODBCConnection                  connection;
    Statement                       statement;
    ResultSet                       resultSet;
    SqlSystem                       sqlSystem;
    SqlStatementExecutePermission   sqlStatementExecutePermission;
    str                             sql = 'SELECT * FROM Vendor';
    ;

    sqlSystem = new sqlSystem();
    loginProperty = sqlSystem.createLoginProperty();
    // Set server - if you dont setServer. It will use current server the AOS is on.
    loginProperty.setServer('localhost');
    loginProperty.setDatabase('OtherDb');
    connection = new ODBCConnection(loginProperty);
    statement = connection.createStatement();

    //Assert
    sqlStatementExecutePermission = new SqlStatementExecutePermission(sql);
    sqlStatementExecutePermission.assert();

    //BP Deviation Documented
    resultset = statement.executeQuery(sql);
    CodeAccessPermission::revertAssert();
    while ( resultset.next() )
    {
        info(resultset.getString(1));
    }

}

You have use a class and run on server. If you create a job it wont work because it will run client side.

AX - Loop through dimensions

2010-01-23T12:39:00.000+08:00

This is a good article regarding handling dimensions in code.
http://blogs.msdn.com/palle_agermark/archive/2006/03/30/Additioanl-Financial-Dimensions.aspx

General idea to loop through dimensions.

static void PrintDimensions(Args _args)
{
    Dimension   dimension;
    int         numOfDimensions, i;
;
    numOfDimensions = dimOf(dimension);
    
    for (i = 1; i <= numOfDimensions; i++)
    {
        info(myTable::find('1001').dimension[i]); 
    }
}

NAV - Change language at runtime

2010-01-16T15:42:00.001+08:00

In my last post. I showed how you can change the system language at runtime. You might want to do this when a you want to print 1 single report in a different language.
NAV has the same ability too.

GLOBALLANGUAGE := 3081; // To set it to Australia

To find the language ID. Go to Tools -> Language. Then use Zoom (Ctrl+F8) on this form.

Warning: Set the language back when the report is finished.

AX - Change language at runtime

2010-01-16T15:34:00.001+08:00

Last week I got a request to write a report in a different language.
Instead of creating new labels. You can change the language at runtime using the infolog.language() method.

static void TestDiffLanguage(Args _args)
{
    ;
    info("@SYS22548");
    infolog.language('de');
    info("@SYS22548");
    infolog.language('En-US');
    info("@SYS22548");
    infolog.language('ar');
    info("@SYS22548");
    infolog.language('En-AU');
}

I used it in the header and footer methods of the report.

Warning: This will change you system language. Make sure you set back to your own language at the end.

NAV - RTC personal view and experience

2009-12-28T15:18:00.001+08:00

In my personal experience RTC has been great. Here are some positives and negatives from my experience.

Positives:
1) Personalization of the RTC - role centre/cues/fields etc. Everyone loves it.
2) Web Services - I used this in my first implementation. Easy to use/very stable/fast to implement. Best thing since sliced bread. :)
3) Reports - You can create some nice reports. Save to pdf and excel is a bonus.
4) Training and adoption - you will find that adoption will be great. I found my client basically really taking charge and personalizing the client to their needs and to their teams needs.

Negatives:
1) Batch processes - They are slower.
2) Large reports cause issues (may crashes in some incidents) - there has been some changes in SP1 but I don't think it fixes it totally. But it is a good improvement.
3) In a fast data entry environment. Where you have people just entering orders all day. RTC is actually slower for them. NAV classic has always been great with shortcuts. Maybe this just needs getting used to. They seem to be accepting/enjoying it more as time goes on.
4) Reports - they take a little longer to develope. After you learn the tools. This is not a negative any more.
5) Matrix forms - not so great in RTC. It is a lot easier to use the Classic client for analysis by dimensions and similar forms.

Transformation tool - I only use the executable to create the page. Then I manually keep the form and page in synch. I find this so much faster.
I personally will use the transformation tool if I had a repetitive task. Like maintaining an add-on.

Overall - the positives outweigh the negatives. Even though I am mentioning more negatives (its easier to complain than to praise).

NAV - Only ENU language installed in NAV2009SP1

2009-12-28T14:50:00.000+08:00

Issue:
After installing the NAV2009SP1 classic client. You may find that only the ENU language being installed.

Reason:
There has been major folder restructuring in the install disc in NAV2009. They have gone further in NAV2009SP1 - the language folders have been moved to the main "\Installer\" folder. So if you installed by executing the exe/msi in the client folder - then the language files wont be copied over.
This is a conscious decision by Microsoft. From my understanding they are trying to centralize the installer to a world release and then you install your localized changes (ie language and db). This means everyone in the world will be using the exact same world installer.

Resolution:
Option 1 (preferred) - Execute the language installer under [drive]:\installer\ENA\
Option 2 - Find the folders (ENA and ENZ) and copy them to the Classic\60 folder. Thats basically what option 1 does.
Option 3 - Make sure you install using the main directory setup.exe. This should guide you through it.

AX2009SP1 - Analysis service install on SQL2008

2009-12-28T14:23:00.000+08:00

You might receive this error message if you try to install analysis services component on a machine that has SQL2008.
"You must install SQL server 2005 Anaylsis Services Pack 2 before installing the Analysis extensions".

Find the script and run it manually in "SQL Server Management Studio".
\support\Analysis Services\Scripts\DynamicsAX.xmla

Make sure you change the connection string (ctrl+F for connection).

There is also a good blog
here. This blog suggests uninstalling SQL2005express and going through the install program again.

Good luck.

AX2009SP1 - Hotfixes to consider when installing EP on 64bit and SQL2008

2009-12-07T17:18:00.002+08:00

Here are a few hotfixes to consider:
https://mbs.microsoft.com/knowledgebase/KBDisplay.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;959111
https://mbs.microsoft.com/knowledgebase/KBDisplay.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;960048
https://mbs.microsoft.com/knowledgebase/KBDisplay.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;959494

AX2009SP1 - Reporting Service install on SQL2008 error

2009-12-07T17:17:00.001+08:00

When you try to install Reporting Service on SQL2008. You may receive this error:
"You must install SQL server 2005 Reporting Services Service Pack 2 before installing the report extensions".

There is a hotfix for it:
https://mbs.microsoft.com/knowledgebase/KBDisplay.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;959494

AX - Workflow notification

2009-12-07T16:25:00.002+08:00

Just an FYI.
If you have a system with multiple companies. You want to view all your workflow notifications in the role centre. Right?
Well thats how it works.
If you are in the company where the document exists. You will get this when you right click:

If you are in the other company. You will get this:

AX - Workflow - Direct approver

2009-12-06T14:22:00.001+08:00

Requirement:
Can you send a direct workflow approval request to an employee in the system? You can’t do it in standard workflow.
I.e. Can the user select who to send it to. Rather than the template determining it by Role/Hierarchy or specific user.

Solution:
You can do this very easily witha simple mod.
In this example we will look at purchase requisition workflow.
1. Add a new field to the purchase requisition header. Called “Direct approver” (Employee table).
2. Create a new class called
with the following methods

public class PurchReqWorkflowParticipantProvider extends WorkflowUserGroupParticipantProvider
{
}

public WorkflowParticipantTokenList getParticipantTokens()
{
    WorkflowParticipantTokenList tokenList = WorkflowParticipantTokenList::construct();
    ;

    tokenList = super();

    //Hardcoded to make it a readable
    tokenList.add('DIRECTAPPROVER', 'Direct approver');
    return tokenList;
}

public WorkflowUserList resolve(WorkflowContext _context,
                                WorkflowParticipantToken _participantTokenName)
{
    PurchTable purchTable;
    WorkflowUserList    userList = WorkflowUserList::construct();
    ;
    userList = super(_context,_participantTokenName);

    if (_participantTokenName == 'DIRECTAPPROVER')
    {
        //DirectApprover is the new field I created on the PurchTable
        //I did it all in 1 call but you could break it up to make it readable
        userList.add(
            SysCompanyUserInfo::findEmplId(
                PurchTable::findRecId(
                    _context.parmRecId()).DirectApprover).UserId);
    }
    return userList;
}

public static PurchReqWorkflowParticipantProvider construct()
{
    return new PurchReqWorkflowParticipantProvider();
}

Now change the task/approver ParticipantProvider to point to your new class.

When you configure your workflow it should look like this:

NAV - Web portal through Web Services

2009-11-16T20:14:00.002+08:00

I have been working on an idea for a while now. Using web services which had come in in NAV2009 - I wanted to create a simple web portal which would allow customers to login, view their sales orders, view their invoices, view/download their statement and update their own records.

With out spending too much time on this. I downloaded a free stylesheet (css).
Using basic .NET membership I was able to create those things.
With going into too much detail. Here are some screenshots.

I found this link useful to upskill on .NET membership controls etc.
Microsoft - Membership and Login Controls
There is a lot of info on the web. Just google/bing ".NET membership".

Here is some code to list orders for a particular customer.

using System;
using System.Data;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Configuration;
using System.Collections;
using System.Web;
using System.Web.Security;
using System.Web.UI;
using System.Web.UI.WebControls;
using System.Web.UI.WebControls.WebParts;
using System.Web.UI.HtmlControls;

public partial class OrderList : System.Web.UI.Page
{
    protected void Page_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
    {
        if (Page.User.Identity.IsAuthenticated)
        {

            SalesOrder_Service service = new SalesOrder_Service();
            service.UseDefaultCredentials = true;

            SalesOrder_Filter filter = new SalesOrder_Filter();
            filter.Field = SalesOrder_Fields.Sell_to_Customer_No;
            filter.Criteria = Utility.GetUserName();

            SalesOrder_Filter filter2 = new SalesOrder_Filter();
            filter2.Field = SalesOrder_Fields.Status;
            filter2.Criteria = "Released";

            SalesOrder[] salesOrders = service.ReadMultiple(new SalesOrder_Filter[] { filter, filter2 }, null, 0);
            
            rptMyOrders.DataSource = salesOrders;
            rptMyOrders.DataBind();
        }
    }
}

Final words
I am not here to try and give out a solution. I am just trying to get the idea that anything is possible with web services. It opens up so many doors.

For end customers, you will need the External Connector for this. There is currently a promotion going on for existing customers.

NAV - Print & E-Mail PDF

2008-10-26T19:26:00.004+09:00

This has been blogged and discussed on forums many times before but I thought I would write one about Amyuni. I have been using it for a number of years and IMHO is a very good product. This also works on vista and x64.

Here is how to use it – I won't go into detail with all the variables etc:

//PDFConverter – Automation - 'Common Driver Interface Control'.CDIntfEx
IF ISCLEAR(PDFConverter) THEN
  CREATE(PDFConverter);

// PrinterNameText on default install is 'Amyuni PDF Converter'
PDFConverter.DriverInit(PrinterNameText);
PDFConverter.Lock(PrinterNameText);

//You must enable the printer with the correct licensee and activation code.
//If this is different to the installation – you will get an error.
PDFConverter.EnablePrinter(LicenseeText,ActivationCodeText);
PDFConverter.FileNameOptions(3);
PDFConverter.DefaultDirectory(TEMPORARYPATH);
PDFConverter.SetDefaultPrinter;
PDFConverter.DefaultFileName(TempFileName);

REPORT.RUNMODAL(REPORT::"Sales – Invoice",FALSE,TRUE,SalesInvHeader);

PDFConverter.FileNameOptions(0);
PDFConverter.RestoreDefaultPrinter;

//Codeunit 397 - Mail
IF Mail.NewMessage(SendTo,'',EmailSubject,EmailBody,TempFileName,TRUE) THEN;
ERASE(TempFileName);

Most common issue people have with this is. The activation code doesn't match what has been installed or a different version is used.

List of possible error codes are available here:

http://www.amyuni.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6671&sid=e3fb6c01251153f5b6e48e452169b1a4

Other option to try:

PDF Creator http://www.mibuso.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18331&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=pdf+converter+navision+ara3n&start=45

Bullzip http://mibuso.com/blogs/ara3n/2008/08/01/save-nav-reports-to-pdf/

Note: This is one of many options. Amyuni is not free but I believe well worth it.

Everyone has to start somewhere

2008-10-25T15:40:00.001+08:00

This is my first blog. I hope it helps people out there. I certainly learn a lot from other peoples blogs.