Wednesday 13 August 2014

Unlimited size dynamic Matrix Page in NAV 2009 & Enhanced "Account Schedule Overview"

As NAV 2009 doesn't have Matrix Page type many tasks that required usage of such forms in Classic interface became less user-friendly and more complicated. Since lot of customers prefer to use Matrix Forms in the same way they have been working with Matrix Forms I've decided to make a little research on possibility to create C# Add-in that would provide same functionality. Here's the result:



This solution has following advantages:
  • Unlimited number of rows and columns which can be added dynamically (for example while scrolling)
  • Account Schedule Overview page has more user-friendly design (everything is on one page, less actions for the same result)
  • Ability to hide pane with settings
  • Better layout of columns (autosize)
  • Possibility to adjust appearance according to customer's need with wide tool set of .NET

Going to technical side

Basically enhanced Account Schedule Overview Page Consist of following controls:

Where Matrix_BigText is a Add-in field with data type of BigText (global variable):


Core function on the page is MakeXML() which builds XML structure of data to display and writes it to BigInterger variable of Add-in control so the Value (XML) is passed to processing methods which displays dynamics matrix. When MakeXML builds it's resulting XML all the Options on the page are processed in the same way as on standard Account Schedule Overview page. 



Add-in has following structure: it waits for changes in XML (which is passed through BigText) and rebuilds Matrix according to new data:

You can find demo of the functionality here. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you have. Feedback is welcome too :)