The Dynamics GP Blogster

In my previous article I outlined a hybrid development approach for managed code developers that allows for a C# or VB.NET programmer to make use of Modifier and Dexterity as complements to deliver a solution - see Hybrid development for the Managed Code developer . In summary, a managed code developer could leverage Modifier to effect changes on the core Microsoft Dynamics GP (or any add-on or third party product) user interface, then use Dexterity to create the table definitions and routines that will make those tables available on SQL Server - the added advantage? tables are exposed to Microsoft Dynamics GP security model and are created on the first launch of your dictionary and you can create an assembly for the dictionary to drive table operations from your Visual Studio Tools solution that will not require the use of ADO.NET or even the GPConnNet.DLL file to access the tables. Finally, your Visual Studio Tools code would be used to drive the user interface controls added with ...

A few weeks aback, I co-presented a deep dive session with my partner in crime, David Musgrave, at Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011 DDGP03 Microsoft Dynamics GP Customization & Integration Tools Review - see Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011: Day 3  for more on what happened that day. During our session, we introduce a Visual Studio Tools sample that left a few managed code developers scratching their heads - a bit. The sample in question used Modifier, Dexterity, and Visual Studio Tools to provide a customization to the Vendor Maintenance window. So let's break down the customization. The Modifier bit One of the limitations of Visual Studio Tools is that it cannot modify existing Microsoft Dynamics GP windows to incorporate new controls. In addition, if this particular window, the Vendor Maintenance window, was a third party dictionary resource, frankly, Dexterity won't be the tool to modify the window either - Dexterity cannot modi...

Microsoft has made GP 2010 R2 available prior to the original launch date of May 1, 2011. The product can be downloaded from CustomerSource or PartnerSource. For a look at a summary of the changes and improvements in this release, check out the What's New document . This release is available as a new DVD image as well as a Service Pack 2 patch for existing Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 installations. The Fix List and Install Guide is also available for download. Note : Registration Keys for New Customers will not be available until the May 1, 2011 official release date. Also, the Word Template Generator is a new product for this release and is currently only available from PartnerSource. The links below are for the Product Release and Service Pack pages: PartnerSource Product Release Downloads for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 Word Template Generator for Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 Service Pack, Hotfix, and Compliance Update Patch Releases for Microsoft Dynamics GP ...

MVP Mark Polino just released a really nice post about what goes on behind the speaker's curtain - see Convergence 2011: A Peek Behind the Eval Curtain . I thought I would pick up where he left with my own insight on the subject. Let's start by saying that  Microsoft Dynamics Convergence is the biggest stage on the planet for us speakers and presenters in the Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM world. The amount of time that goes into preparing our sessions, assembling presentations, handouts, and demos, and making sure we are ready by the time the event actually happens is ginormous. In our case (David and I) it's at the tune of more than 3 months and with a 12-hour difference - we are invited more than 6 months in advance, IF and when we get invited. For those of you who think we just show up on stage, there is no such thing. We actually have to earn our stripes to be in front of you every year. So how do we earn our stripes you may ask? Well, the firs...

With my newly found stride, thanks mostly to Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011 and the number of interesting questions I fielded during the event, I thought it was time to revisit the issue of scheduling Integration Manager integrations as part of our deep dive session, DDGP03 Microsoft Dynamics GP Customization & Integration Tools Review - see Microsoft Convergence Atlanta 2011: Day 3 for more on what transpired that day. If you have been a follower of my blog for sometime now, you will recall that back in January of 2009 (ok, I don't expect you to remember this) I posted an article on the subject - see How to schedule Dynamics GP to automatically log in and run an Integration Manager integration . In short, the article looked at using the Windows Task Scheduler to launch a batch file, which in turn would launch Microsoft Dynamics GP, which in turn would use a macro to log into the system, then run a previously created shortcut to run the integration...in summar...

This is my first after Convergence post and I have to say, I came away with enough questions from attendees to fill the blog for the remainder of the year. One such questions came from someone attending the interactive discussion session on security, IDGP04-R2 Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Security in Microsoft Dynamics GP - see Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011: Day 4 Morning Closing Session (Cont.) for more on what transpired that day. The individual in question wanted to know if there is a way or method to "reset" all Microsoft Dynamics GP security roles and tasks to the out-of-the-box defaults once these had been changed. After thinking about it for a bit, there is effectively a way using the Support Debugging Tool . Step 1 - Export the security tables from a brand new installation of Microsoft Dynamics GP In a brand new installation of Microsoft Dynamics GP, install and use the Support Debugging Tool's XML Table Export feature to create a SEC...

Well, another year, another Microsoft Dynamics Convergence , my birthday is past, and David is now home . It's amazing to think just a few days aback David and I were hosting a GPUG session and presenting 2 topics over 3 days, and all the work that went in to making our sessions a success - thanks to all of you who attended! As is customary, this post will provide a summary of (most) links where you can find information on Convergence just in case you were not able to attend the event or miss any of the previous posts. So let's get started: The Dynamics GP Blogster (this site): Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011: Day -4 Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011: Day -3 & -2 Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011: Day -1 Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011: GPUG DayONE Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011: General Reception Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011: Day 2 morning Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011: Da...

The materials for our presentations are now available for download. Click the link for each session to retrieve the zip files containing all the summary slides (used to present), the extended slide decks, and the Microsoft Word documents detailing each topic presented. Remember... we worked really hard to provide the samples and documentation included with our sessions. If you have any comments on the materials, please feel free to add them to this post. Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011 Site CSGP14 Administering Microsoft Dynamics GP like a Pro with the Support Debugging Tool DDGP03 Microsoft Dynamics GP Customization and Integration Tools Review   DDGP03 UI Customization Tools Examples DDGP03 Integration Tools Examples UBGP15 Ask the Experts Microsoft Dynamics GP Development Tools The Learning Resources page on this site has been updated to include these presentations too. Until next post! MG.- Mariano Gomez, MVP IntellPartners, LLC http://www.Int...

Hope you had a great time at Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011 and that you made it home safely. Now that you have had some time to catch up on your emails, please visit the Convergence website to fill out the evaluation forms. Your input is the only venue we have as presenters to improve our content and delivery. Remember that Convergence is also helping the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta (YEA) organization by donating $5 USD for each form submitted. Eval Reminder slide Also, if there's any topic you would like to see included in future Convergence events, please include in your overall event eval. Until next post! MG.- Mariano Gomez, MVP IntellPartners, LLC http://www.IntellPartners.com/

Day 4: April 13, 2011 After the awesome closing speach by Malcolm Gladwell and the interactive discussion session on Security , we came across Pam Misialek, who was just out of a meeting and also on her way to lunch. . Mariano Gomez and Pam Misialek Little after catching up with Pam, we saw John Lowther walking down the corridor and caught up with him as well. As you can expect, we all were dragging feet by then, but managed to keep up the good spirit for the rest of the afternoon. Mariano Gomez, Pam Misialek, David Musgrave, John Lowther On our way to the Meal Hall, we stopped to say hi to Greg Willson and Patrick Roth who were manning Support in the Community and Learning Center area. We also ran into fellow blogger Yulia Smotrova and MVP Leslie Vail . Yulia was on her way out to the airport to grab her flight to New York City. David Musgrave, Yulia Smotrova, Mariano Gomez, Leslie Vail, Greg Willson After lunch, David and I were quick to the Sydney Marcus Auditor...

Day 4: April 13, 2011 Where do I begin... Minutes earlier, we were finding out about Houston having the honor of hosting the next Microsoft Dynamics Convergence event. If this was exciting, and if seeing the YEA kids performing  was exciting, then I couldn't imagine what the last minutes would bring. Doug then introduced guest speaker,  Mr. Malcolm Gladwell , Staff Writer for The New Yorker  and best-selling author. Now this was a real treat! If you haven't heard about Mr. Gladwell, his body of work often deals with the unexpected implications of research in the social sciences and makes frequent and extended use of academic work, particularly in the areas of psychology, and social psychology - see Wikipedia entry . Malcom Gladwell, Guest Speaker Mr. Gladwell's speach centered around how technology can aid in the decision making process. To illustrate his point, he brought to light research conducted in sports around teams holding home court advantag...

Day 4: April 13, 2011 After the phenomenal opening  minutes earlier, it was time to know which city would have the privilege of hosting the next Microsoft Dynamics Convergence 2012 event. Doug Kennedy announced that Houston, Texas would claim this honor. Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Houston 2012 Intro Slide Doug introduced Danielle Moon, Project Coordinator at NOV Tuboscope who immendiately outlined the Top 5 coolest things about Houston and why the city makes perfect to host the next Convergence. Top 5 Coolest Things About Houston So now that you know, mark your calendars and begin making preparations for Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Houston 2012 , which will run from March 18th to March 21st, 2012, and will be hosted at the George R. Brown Convention Center . Convergence Houston Dates and Venue Of course, there's no Texas without its cowbows, so Doug was presented with a hat for the occasion, all the while he prepared to introduce the final act of t...

Day 4: April 13, 2011 By the time you read this post, Microsoft Dynamics Convergence Atlanta 2011  will already be something of yesterday. Many of you will already be home, thinking of spending a relaxing weekend with family and friends or simply catch up on some sleep. My day started with a bit of a rush trying to get to the closing keynote session in Hall B5 where David had already reserved me a seat upfront with the GPUG elite, but on my way, I couldn't help to see the amount of people already checking in their bags to get out of town. Also, this showed how organized this event was from the very beginning. Airline Bags Check In Still, I was pleased to know I wasn't the only one running late - not an excuse, but some comfort nonetheless. Attendees heading to closing keynote session As I entered the hall and sat next to David the Nick Brophy band was already setting stage for the closing session. Nick Brophy band The closing began with the Danger Game...