Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP application was initially designed and coded in Great Plains Software Dexterity. Dex is in turn EDI and shell, written in C++ programming language. Dexterity is tightly interrelated with Database structure, it has its own indexing, typically working with MS SQL Server primary keys and indexes.
Plus Dex has its own scripting language (which is not interpreted, but compiled) – Sanscript. GP Dexterity might be not the first modification option, you like to try – you can first research such tools as Modifier with VBA, eConnect, Extender, but if you think your custom add-on should be seamlessly integrated with GP user interface and security realm, then Microsoft Dexterity programming is the way to go. Let’s come through Dex highlights:
1. Dexterity developer selection. If you need Great Plains technical consultant with Dexterity programming expertise and certification, you typically find these specialists working for mid-size or large regional Great Plains VAR or Reseller. It might be tough project to lure in Dexterity developer on short term contract. If you think Dexterity coding could be learned in short period of time – this might be too optimistic opinion. Dexterity programmers need several years of experience to be comfortable to work on their own to spec out Add-Ons appropriately and then do the coding job, close by its quality to accepted Dex programming standards and guidelines
2. Outsourcing Dexterity Custom Programming to subcontractor. This way is in our opinion the most optimal. Dexterity Software Development Factories are available through major Microsoft Dynamics GP partners and resellers
3. Dexterity Technical World. Dex Add-Ons are distributed via so-called Dexterity chunks, which makes the process very flexible and open for remote support via web sessions, VPN and remote desktop connections. Sanscript is cursor driven programming language, however you can call SQL stored procedure from Dex code to get advantage of SQL selection aggregation. Dexterity debugging – Dex could be installed on your test server and Dexterity programmer could work with your system remotely, debugging flawing raw code, as part of QA procedures
4. eConnect power and limitations. eConnect has SQL encrypted stored procedures as technology base. In various scenarios eConnect replicates Dexterity logic on SQL scripting level and exposes GP object to C# or VB.Net programmer. The strong point of eConnect is the fact, that you can get generic .Net programmer to code your GP objects directly in MS Visual Studio, the only recommendation is familiarity with MS SQL Server scripting. However eConnect doesn’t have all the power of Dexterity – especially this is seen when you need to post Great Plains transactions and batches. eConnect works with master records and work transactions only and it lacks posting logic, meaning, for example that e-commerce developers can’t post GP batches automatically without add-on, such as Alba Spectrum Posting Server
Dexterity Customization for Dynamics GP Evaluation Level Paper
When you are developer it is always a good idea to read technical manuals. But if you was just assigned to the IT team to decide if Dexterity is the right tool to customize your ERP application then first you need something which is in style of ‘easy reading papers’ or FAQ
Planning Dynamics GP Customization in Large Corporation
If you are reading this page then chances are high that you were not able to find ISV add-on and need customization project. Let’s talk about planning, quality assurance and future event such as version updates.
Dynamics GP Invoice Logo Attributed to Specific Company or Crossing the Borders of Three SOP Forms
Initial Great Plains Dynamics architecture had three SOP Invoice forms: Long, Short and Blank. Modern GP is popular in scenarios where you have more than three companies under one business entity umbrella
