Traditionally, Microsoft Dynamics GP or former Great Plains Dynamics and eEnterprise customizations were programmed in Great Plains Dexterity, where you can make your screens working integrated into GP workstation and user security rules.
Dexterity modifications are typically outsourced to Great Plains Technology Partner and Certified GP technical consultant. If you are doing modifications on your own and your are technically comfortable with Great Plains, then you can review eOne Extender. If you are engaged in ecommerce website integration project, then your tool of choice should be eConnect. In this small publication we would like to give your technical highlights:
1. Dynamics GP Dexterity customizations. GP Dexterity has its own scripting language Sanscript, which is cursor like in the manner of database access. When Microsoft acquired Great Plains Software, Dexterity was enriched with MS SQL Server direct SQL code calls, COM objects access library and other features, facilitating integration with Microsoft .Net programming. Dexterity add-on is distributed via so-called chunk file, which should be copied into GP workstation directory to be automatically integrated on the next GP user login. The best practice is to create new Dexterity forms and windows and place triggers in order to modify existing GP tables. However you can also modify or alter existing GP forms, but if you do so – likely that you will come in conflict with other add-ons and third party module, plus there will be more work in Dex customization version upgrade
2. Extender. With eOne version you can extend GP form, and make it intuitively. But in fact Extender is the shell over Great Plains Dexterity and behind the scenes you are creating Dex objects
3. eConnect programming. It is advisable to have Great Plains eConnect programmer or consultant to be involved at least in the tech specification writing and be available to help on case-by-case when programming is in progress. eConnect is written in encrypted SQL stored procedures and replicates Dexterity logic, but is more object oriented and so, more friendly to C# or VB.Net programmers, who are also familiar with MS SQL Server stored procedures. eConnect doesn’t post batches, so you will need Great Plains Posting Server or Autopost
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
