Kamal's space

Adding custom images for Treenode in Dynamics Ax

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:45:33 GMT

Tree node and Icons for tree nodes are inseparable. Right icons can make your tree look lot different.. Here is one tweak for getting the difference.

This article deals with displaying external images as tree node icons.

Images used in Treenode should be passed as Imagelist. Ax has set a predefined set of classes starting with ImageListAppl that helps to manage different sorts of ImageLists. ImageListAppl is the base classes of all such classes.

The most appropriate way to enable a strong support for external images in tree node would be through modifying the ImageListAppl class to load external images. (Currently they can load only resource numbers). The following code below when added to the base class helps you load images externally or through resource nodes.

public void addImage(int _idNo, FilePath _filePath)
{
    int imageNum;
    Image image = new Image();
    try
    {
        if (_filePath)
        {
            image.loadImage(_filePath);
            imageNum = imagelist.add(image);
            imageConvert.insert(_idNo, imageNum);
        }
    }
    catch
    {
        warning(strfmt("@SYS85977"));
    }
}

Now let’s see the usage of the method we added. Take a class like ImageListAppl_Sales for example. Override the build method and implement in the way as you seen below.

this.I4C_addImage(#ImageNewPic, SysResource::getImagePath('myimage'));

Every Image loaded has to be identified through some resource numbers. Generally it is better if the new resource number you assign is greater than the system defined resource number.To identify the Highest resource number always refer to the “SysImageResources” form. (4.0 users you can use the Tutorial_resources form).

Two things to note from the above line of code.

-> The new Resource numbers has to be defined as a macro in a new macro node or to an existing macro node like resappl (it contains the standard resource number).

-> In the above example i have used an image from the resource node, you can also use an external image which is stored in the computer. (Resource node is preferred, coz it is easy to distribute)

To use this image all you need to do is just load the same Image list class with your tree control and then just refer to the new resource number for the image that you wanted to display.

salesLineTree.setImagelist(imageList.imageList());
SysFormTreeControl::addTreeItem(salesLineTree, displaystring, 0, 0, #myImage);

That’s what it takes to our new image to the tree node. So now you can widen your image space for tree icons with all kind of images you like…

Keep reading… :)

I 4 C For Dynamics Ax:)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:26:41 GMT

So How did you read the title? “I Foresee for Dynamics Ax” …. that’s right, but still it has more subtle meaning to it.Keep reading to know more.

I4C also stands for “Innovites for Cable for Dynamics Ax”, the new add on that I(We) 4 C for Dynamics Ax. I4C(I Foresee) I4C (Innovites for Cable) taking Dynamics Ax to a niche market, that’s cable industries.

It’s perfect to understand why Dynamics Ax was chosen as the platform for I4C before sharing the speciality of the solution.

Why Dynamics Ax?

Dynamics Ax is the right entrant to the market at the right time. This statement might make you raise your eyebrows. But that’s the fact. The market dominant ERP’s of the 1990’s like BAAN where widely implemented in many companies. These implementations have got quite old and the product companies of the ERP’s are not brisk enough to keep in phase with the changes that have happened mean time. So the companies that are looking for a replacement have the following objectives to choose an ERP.

1. A product that exactly fits the existing technology stack.
2. A wider vision that ensures a long time support.
3. Cost Effective
4. Good manageability.

If Ax as an ERP can be scored against these needs, I’m sure that it would make up to a very good score. That simply defines in a few lines why Ax is the Platform for I4C

What I4C promises to deliver..

I can remember long time back having a discussion with some of my colleagues on what it takes to implement a Ax for a new Industry. The answer was pretty simple customize Ax to fit their process and implement. I did nod to it. But today if you would put forward the same question before me, I would definitely not give the same answer. Why do you need to go for new System if it is exactly reciprocating your process. Do you really need it ? What value addition has it got it for you ? That’s were the real reason behind the industry verticals stand.

Build a solution that doesn’t just reciprocate but enhances, add value to the existing process and make it more reliable. That’s the promise I4C carries.

I4C promises to inspires business innovation and create the changes to give room for the innovation and execute the change for excellence.

I4C I4C as a Industry solution that Innovates, Renovates and Implements the best fit process for cable industry.

Simply to say …………..

Keep checking this space….as I take you further in to the journey of Innovites’ Innovation.

A Dynamic journey with Dynamics Ax ----

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:07:10 GMT

It’s exactly 2.5 years from the time i began my journey along with Dynamics Ax. I got in to Sonata as a fresh graduate after my engineering degree. I was made part of the Dynamics Ax practice, being a hardware enthusiast during my graduation days I had little knowledge on “OOPS” (I knew only to say “oops”). So the journey with Ax @ Sonata was much a action packed one, with lots of stuff to learn and lots to explore. The journey was much more interesting when Sonata identified me for my efforts and put me on better roles. I played roles from being a test developer to a lead guiding a large vertical development.

It’s now few weeks since I have got myself out of Sonata to run towards my long term wish. But I sincerely feel that I am much obliged to Sonata for the opportunities and space that I was given. It was a hard decision to make, which I am still refusing to believe.

It’s time to talk about the new role that I have picked up. I am now part of the team that has set steps to build a cable solution on Dynamics Ax. I’m much exited about this new role as it was something that I wished to do after becoming an DAx’er (I mean an Ax guy). So get prepared to here more from me and the cable solution that we are building…..

I know you would be now much interested to know more on the cable solution and the people behind it. Just click here to quench your quest …. www.innovites.com

Using record templates in code for Dynamics Ax 4.0.

Sat, 10 May 2008 14:07:23 GMT

This article deals with defaulting values from record templates through code in Dynamics Ax 4.0.

Whenever you creat a new record in the Item form, a small form opens up showing up the templates. You can choose one of the templates from which you want to the basic values like "Item Group", "Dimension Group" to be copied.(Provided you have setup a template for that table).

This comes handy to create new records further as most of the value is drawn from the template record itself. You can harness this when you do it through code also :) .... The following lines will throw light on how to do it.

1. Assume that you have the template name, then all that you need is to create a new record based on the template.
These three lines will do the job...

    sysRecordTemplate = SysRecordTemplate::newCommon(inventTable); 
    sysRecordTemplate.parmForceCompanyTemplate('Feed'); //Template name as string
    sysRecordTemplate.createRecord();

There are two kind of templates one common for the entire company and the other for specific user. In my example i have taken the company template, for the simple reason that it is valid across all accounts.

2. The above code pressumes that you might know the template name in prior. Sometimes you may want to give user a option of telling what template he wants to use. In that case we may need to create a template for him.

Here is the code that will enable the lookup and validate the selection. Bind these methods to the control where the user selects.

//Call this method in the init method of form
SysRecordTmpTemplate VCTInitItemTemplates()
{
    Container               recordValues;
    ;

    recordValues = SysRecordTemplateTable::find(tablenum(inventTable)).Data;
    recordValues =  condel(recordValues,1,1);
    //tmp1 - Global variable for lookup    
    SysRecordTmpTemplate::insertContainer(tablenum(inventTable), tmp1, recordValues, SysRecordTemplateType::Company, true);
    //tmp2 - Global variable for validation
    SysRecordTmpTemplate::insertContainer(tablenum(inventTable), tmp2, recordValues, SysRecordTemplateType::Company, true);
    return tmp;
}


//Override the lookup method
public void lookup()
{
    SysTableLookup          sysTableLookup;
    SysRecordTmpTemplate    tmp;
    Container               recordValues;
    ;

    super();
   
    sysTableLookup = SysTableLookup::newParameters(tablenum(SysRecordTmpTemplate), this);

    //Add the fields to be shown in the lookup form
    sysTableLookup.addLookupfield(fieldnum(SysRecordTmpTemplate, Description), true);

    sysTableLookup.parmUseLookupValue(false);
    sysTableLookup.parmTmpBuffer(tmp2);
    // Perform lookup
    sysTableLookup.performFormLookup();
}

//Override the modified method
public boolean modified()
{
    boolean                 ret;
    SysRecordTmpTemplate    tmp;
    container               recordValues;
    ;

    ret = super();

    select firstonly tmp2 where tmp2.Description == this.valueStr();

    if (!tmp2 && this.valueStr())
    {
        this.text('');
        warning ('Invalid selection.');
        return false;
    }

    return ret;
}

This also helps you learn usage of temporary tables for lookup's. The following line enables lookups through temporary table.

sysTableLookup.parmTmpBuffer(tmp2);

Hope now you can implement a full fledged code that will create it's record from an pre exisiting template.

----------- any template for codes where i can just get all the code that i want

What's new in Dynamics Ax 2009 - PDF download link

Sat, 10 May 2008 13:41:00 GMT

There is now a PDF containing what's new in DAX 2009 is avilable. It is comprehensive and good to read.

What's new in Dynamics Ax 2009 - Technical (Requires login credential)

I started my career in to Ax reading What's new in Dynamics Ax 4.0

Dynamics Ax 2009- Useful resources

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:51:03 GMT

DAX 09 is catching the fire guys..... these days i could see my alert inbox filled with lots and lots of information on DAX 09.

Here are few that i found interesting.... hope you to find them useful

Layers in Ax & The secret semicolon - MFP

MFP throws light over the new layers that will be coming up in DAX 09 and how it will enable mulitiple industrial solutions for Ax.

In the second one MFP has detailed the reason behind The secret semicolon and also details about the possibility of getting rid of it in DAX 6.0

Restricting Enum values in Combobox - Kashperuk

This a feature that i was looking for, now you can decide what elements from an enum will be available in the combo boxes. Thanks Kashperuk for bringing it out very earlier :)

Cross company feature - Helmut

This article gives you a feel of how cross company coding is going to be easire in DAX09

Consuming external WCF Services - Cesar

A detailed article on consuming webservices through code in DAX09 from MBS-ISV Development Evangelist

Downloads (Requires partner source credentials)

What's new in DAX09 - Presentations related to Technical, functional and localizations

Sure Step Business Modeler

Lot's of resource to keep crunching :) ..............

Missing Dll for "Autozip for Dax" loaded

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:42:08 GMT

I'm extremely sorry guys..... very lately after few emails from the readers i realized that i have missed the Dll file that is required to enable the Autozip option working.

My sincere apologies. I have loaded the xpo and the dll in the following location :)

Download AutoZip.zip file

Hope now you are able to use the Autozip option

............... sorry :(

Autozip 1.0 for Dynamics Ax 4.0

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 12:43:24 GMT

A Promise is a promise....

Here guys the Autozip for Dynamics Ax 4.0 which i promised a long time back (click to see my promise).

It is pretty simple to use. Here is a short brief of how to install it.

Download it Here: Autozip 1.0 for Dynamics Ax 4.0 (click to land in the download page)

Installing Autozip

1. Dowload and Extract the zip file from the following place...
2. Add the dll file from the extract to your bin directory and simlarly add an reference to it in your AOT
3. Now import the XPO.
4. Autozip is ready to use.

What's the use of Autozip

Autozip let's you automatically zip the exported xpo and similary import an zip file rather a xpo.

How to zip during Export

1. Just click the zip file option while u export.

2. It will export one .xpo file and one .zip file

How to import a zip file

1. Just open any drive and point to a zip file that contains xpo's(doesn't matter if it contain other files inside it also)
2. That's all ... all xpo files inside the zip will be imported.

Can you use this for your own custom development?

Yes you can use it. Please refer to the Job "JobAutozip" along with this project to know about it.

Missing Feature

1. If your zip file extracts them as folders and puts the xpo inside folders, the system will not find them. (This fill
be fixed in the next release)

Enhancements

1. An option to delete the .xpo file which get's exported.

Axaptapedia Link

Also available at Axaptapedial here ...... http://www.axaptapedia.com/Autozip_for_Dax_4.0

Do let me know your comments.

Keep zipping :)

Sending alerts through code without error in Ax

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:28:34 GMT

There was an article sometime back by Helmut on "sending alerts through code"(click to read the article), there was one problem with the code as helmut had quoted

"* you will get an error in the alert form on the second tab"

The error will not crop up if you use the following code....

void sendMessageToUsers()
{
    SysMailer           mail;
    UserInfo            UserInfo;
    EventInbox          inbox;
    EventInboxId        inboxId;
    ;

    select UserInfo where UserInfo.id == CurUserId();

    inboxId = EventInbox::nextEventId();

    inbox.initValue();
    inbox.ShowPopup     = NoYes::Yes;
    inbox.Subject       = "Testing alert via code";
    inbox.Message       = "Hello we are alerting";
    inbox.AlertedFor    = "This alert is just information no links are available";
    inbox.SendEmail     = false;
    inbox.UserId        = UserInfo.Id;
    inbox.TypeId        = classnum(EventType);
    //Give any table and field values
    inbox.AlertTableId = TableNum(Address);
    inbox.AlertFieldId = fieldNum(Address ,Name);
    inbox.TypeTrigger   = EventTypeTrigger::FieldChanged;
    inbox.CompanyId     = CurExt();
    inbox.InboxId       = inboxId;
    inbox.AlertCreatedDate = systemdateget();
    inbox.AlertCreateTime = timeNow();
    inbox.insert();

}

...... Alert plz Alert

All about Ax upgrade for Ax 2009 (Ax 5.0)

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:58:59 GMT

Hi Guys,

Let's rush to MFP's blog to know all about upgrade for Dynamics Ax 2009. You get to download an interesting PPT From there.

Upgrade to Dynamics 2009(click to land in the download page)

That's interesting

My new Photo blog :)

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:49:08 GMT

Guys this is something not related to Ax... recently i got an cannon camera(Cannon IXUS75).

Asusual can't resist myself from exploring with it and the out come is my new photo blog :)

check it out here ... http://isawifeltucusay.blogspot.com/ (You can read it like "I saw I felt U See U Say".... )

Let me know what you feel

User Experience Guidelines for Ax 2009

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:33:23 GMT

Microsoft Dynamics™ User Experience Guidelines (BETA) for AX 5.0(Click to download)

Guys this is one among the best documents that i have seen. it wonderfully explains the guildlines for designing forms, reports and EP pages.

Have a look... you will definetly appreciate it :)

Thanks MS that's gr8

Joining back for a happy journey of sharing :)

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:16:44 GMT

Hi all readers,

My sincere apologies for taking such a long time to come back. Though this blog has always been a central stage for me to put up my Ax learnings with the world I had to stay away from it due to an very interesting work. It was not just interesting but challenging too... i have nearly spent 24/7 of my time for it. But all of it turned in to a priceless possession of learning, which i will keep sharing in the coming days here.

Keep reading !!! Keep expressing !!! Keep supporting !!!

Let's have a happy journey sharing

Auto zip for Dynamics Ax--- keep watching

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 14:32:59 GMT

Guys,

Are u frustrated to export your xpo and zip it each time .....

Are u bored of unzipping your zip files and importing it each time as XPO's.....

Then something interesting waiting for you.... Keep watching this space...

You will soon find the solution here....

AutoZip for Dynamics Ax :)

Dynamics Partner Information source for India

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 14:19:32 GMT

Check out Dynamics Partner Information Source...... the new partners blog from Micrsoft India.

Good Luck Dynamics India

Interview with Steen(Author Morphx IT) - By Brandon George

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 14:08:56 GMT

Read What Steen andreasen has got to tell us about Ax 4.0 and his future works.... interview by Brandon George

Interview With Steen (Author of Morphx IT)

Thanks Brandon that was Interesting

Search Redefined - www.tafiti.com

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:20:37 GMT

This is not about Dynamics Ax.... but still i wanted to share it with all ...

Check out this search engine http://www.tafiti.com/

It's really marvellous guys ...Microsoft Silverlight and Live search have joined hands to redefine UI and search

technolgy. I'm amazed hope you too :)

Expect to have Ax UI like this ...........someday :)

Preventing a form getting added to "LastActivated Form" in Dynamics Ax

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:13:03 GMT

The Class "Infolog" has few methods corresponding to "Last activated form" like

                       - activate
                      - setLastActivatedForm
                      - parmLastActivatedForm
                      - close

     These methods help in you knowing, setting or getting the currently active form.

       Say you have a form like "Toolbar" or "Popup" form like Alerts or "Find" then you would prefer to prevent these form from being added to the lastactivated form. In such cases all you have to do is go to the "activate" method in infolog and add the following code

    if (formRun.name() != formstr(DocuView) &&
        formRun.name() != formstr(sysFormSearch) &&
        formRun.name() != formstr(EventAttentionGrabber) &&
        //added by kamal
        formRun.name() != formstr(MyForm)
       )
    {
        this.setLastActivatedForm(formRun);
    }

This would skip adding your form to the last activated form list.

...................

Some interesting articles for Dynamics Ax developers

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:08:43 GMT

There were some very good articles from Several bloggers that drew my attention, here are some of them that i felt should every DAX developer should have a look at....

> AnalogMeter in Ax - Sreenath's Space

> Drag and Drop nodes from XPO - Max Belugin

> Misuse of string concatenations - x++ team

> Link to Articles on X++ development - MFP

--------------- WOW :)

New MSDN blog for "X++"

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 14:09:08 GMT

Check out the new MSDN blog from the X++ compiler team....it is a must read for all guys who love Daxing ..:)

x++ Blog (Click to view the blog)

........mmmm wow that's really a cool blog guys

Blog list: Ax Blog list

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:39:46 GMT

Ax Blog list

Book List: Just Read

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:27:40 GMT

Just Read

Stephen Hawking: A Brief History of Time
A book that attempst to give a understanding of time, space and black holes to commoner. The book meets it's ultimatum. Wonderful book, worth reading
Paulo Coelho: AlChemist
A Fable About Following Your Dream
Anne Frank: Anne Frank: The Diary of a small girl
A diary describing a hide out life of the author (a small girl) and their Family in Holland during the german's anti jewish regime. A popular book with readers around the world
Paramahansa Yogananda: Autobiography of a Yogi
A spiritual treasure. The author speaks about the spiritual lifes of yogi who live and lead their life in search of GOD. Since the author himself is a yogi the explanation given are profound.
Bill Gates: Business @ The Speed of Thought
John Hodgson: Financial Awareness
Introduce you to basic financial awareness Test your understanding with a before and after test Enable you to calculate key financial measures Help you make better business decisions based on financial input
Ramakrishna Math Publication: HEALTHY MIND HEALTHY BODY
When we speak of health, we normally think of only the body, but health of one’s mind is important too. A healthy mind and body are great assets in the development of a healthy spiritual life. This books speak's about a healthy spiritual life
Gerald and Henry: How To Read a Person Like a Book
APJ.Abdul Kalam: Ignited Minds
KIshore Biyani: IT Happened in India
The book that speaks about the man behind the biggest retail chain in India and how he revolutanized retail in India
Richard Bach: Jonathan livingstone seagull
It's a story about a seagull who, unlike his comrades, is not happy yelling "Mine! Mine! Mine!" for food. He loves to soar, and fly. He faces rejection and ridicule for his quest for greater heights. And of course, he inspires all of us to reach for our go
Swami Rama: Living with the himalayan masters
This is a timeless classic by one of the most influential yoga masters of the 20th century. It transports you into the caves of the Himalayas and introduces you to the great adepts who live there.
Akio Morito: Made In Japan(Tamil version)
A wonderful book from the founder of SONY; Speaks abt how Sony become the world leader in electronics and also on the facts abt Japanese trade
Jeffrey S. Young, William L. Simon: Steve Jobs Icon: The Greatest Second Act of Business
This books tries to narrate the happening of Steve Jobs, in an effort to keep it interesting and informative the author loses track in order of the happenings eventually creating a confusion in the reader's mind. But a good one if u want to know about
Jack welch : Straight From the Guts
Jack Welch, with the help of Business Week journalist John Byrne, recounts his career and the style of management that helped to make GE one of the most successful companies of the last century
Swami Prabhupada: The Art of Self Realization
A short compilation of interviews and Lectures by the author. The author talks about the science of self-realization, meditating and practicing yoga in the modern age, gaining liberation from the law of karma, achieving super-consciousness, and much more.
David A.Vise: The Google Story

Book List: Reading now

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:26:28 GMT

Reading now

Deepak Chopra: Ageless Body, Timeless Mind
The message that this book brings is "We are not victims of aging, sickness, and death. These are part of the scenery, not of the seer, who is immune to any form of change.This seer is the spirit, the expression of eternal being."

Custom List: Dynamics Ax Links

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 04:19:30 GMT

Dynamics Ax Links

Axapta Knowledge Village
Microsoft Dynamics Ax Community
TrucosAx.com
A spanish website on Dynamics Ax
Axapta Link