Navigating Your GP Data

Navigating Your GP Data Presented by Victor Desveaux Ron Groening Consultant & DBA – please warn me if Ron gives me a look like I’ve said or done something incredibly foolish

I SQLed Today! Structured Query Language basic concepts SQL, with less syntax Refreshable Excel reports SQL Server Reporting Service (SSRS) reports SmartList & SmartView SmartList Designer & SmartList Builder

SQL Basic Concepts Data stored in tables of columns and rows Data interaction with SQL SQL queries are useful with a wide range of user capability Everything else is GUI, including Dynamics GP

Querying Basics SELECT statement FROM and WHERE clauses Table joins allow you to relate data from multiple tables SQL views are saved queries Query a view to further filter the data

DEMO – Querying Basics

No Direct Access SQL queries are how reports are built Users should not have direct access to SQL Users want the data, not the syntax

Refreshable Excel reports Pros Cons Excel familiarity; 2003 and up No GP license required Security based on AD and GP credentials Users can modify reports based on the built-in data connection Strong Excel knowledge required when modifying or creating new data connections & reports Data exposure risk – files are easy to copy and share Multiple users

DEMO – Top Customers in Excel

SSRS Basics Included in Dynamics GP purchase price Full version of SQL required for out-of-the-box reports Custom reports can be built in SQL Express with advanced services Report Builder and Visual Studio for creating reports

SSRS Reports Pros Cons Extremely customizable Accessible outside of intranet Subscriptions No GP license required Complicated reports require exclusive knowledge – Report Builder, advanced SQL queries, programming

DEMO – SSRS Reports

On-The-Fly Querying in GP SmartList or third-party alternative, SmartView Out-of-the-box reports Customization of fields Search criteria Export to Excel SQL queries without the syntax

SmartList SmartView Free querying tool in GP Four search criteria Column customization Save queries as Favourites In most cases, sufficient for finding your data Third-party tool from eOne Unlimited criteria Drag-and-drop columns & grouping Improved Favourites Subtotals Multiple instances SmartView External

DEMO – SmartList vs. SmartView

Custom SmartLists SmartList Designer allows custom report building Create SQL queries using a GUI Choose tables, fields, table relationships, and filters Can be based on existing SQL views SmartList Builder is an alternative tool from eOne Improved interface & expanded functionality

DEMO – Designer & Builder

Resources & Recommendations If you plan on building your own reports SQL training Targeted reporting tool training GP table references, e.g. Victoria Yudin’s site Pre-made SQL views Prophet Business Group!

Questions ?

THANK YOU