Update Design

Updated on 16 Aug 2024
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The option to auto-update a Lasernet design (the Update design feature in the Tools group of the Setup ribbon) was introduced in Lasernet FO Connector 6.17 and has been significantly improved with version 6.19.

In previous versions, the auto-adjustment feature could only automatically reduce layout dimensions (a layout would have to go from Maximum to Medium, from Medium to Minimum, or from Maximum to Minimum).

The layout specifies the level of context added to the XML file, such as whether Detail Collection and Details should be added or not.

The auto-adjustment feature can now automatically increase a design's dimensions (the layout goes from Minimum to Medium, from Medium to Maximum, or from Minimum to Maximum).

Lowering the layout means creating smaller files, whereas increasing the layout means creating larger files (XML files).

Using a Maximum layout means having larger XML file(s), which, in some situations, can be useful as it provides the option to “collect” (expand/collapse) the data and could, therefore, provide an easier and more readable document within the Lasernet designer.

Update design provides the option to keep the history of the modifications made to the layout over time.

These historical modifications are shown in the form called Designs.

Update design is not enabled by default but can be enabled in the following location: Lasernet > Setup > Parameters > Performance.

For more information about the Designs form, visit this page of the guide.

Update design is also useful when the user is updating an older version of Dynamics where Lasernet was already used (such as upgrading AX2009, AX2012 into Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations). This is achieved by exporting the existing design and importing it into Lasernet FO Connector.

The field Lookup provides the option to remap fields if there are new fields or the existing rearrange has changed.

The auto-update function also provides the option to adjust a Lasernet design in case the structure (Output) is changed in Lasernet FO Connector.

Auto-update design is the product of our effort to improve the interactions between Lasernet and the Lasernet Connectors, such as the Lasernet Connector for Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations.

The option to auto-update a Lasernet design is located at report level: Lasernet > Common > Reports.

Example

Ensure the layout for the Query/report is set to Minimum. Ensure the last Grab/XML file is run with the layout set to Minimum as well.

Export the required form from Lasernet. It is possible to make an export containing many reports. Either make the export from the form list by selecting the required form, right-click, and select Export

select File in the top menu and select Export Objects.

Click Forms and select the required forms.

Provide a file name (AllReports in this case).
Locate the report in Lasernet FO Connector or select the report when opening Update design.

It is possible to select the report from the lookup Report name.

Click Upload.

Select the exported file containing the form from Lasernet.

Ensure a Grab file is selected.

No modifications should be shown at this point.

Change the layout from Minimum to Maximum within the report’s Query wizard.
Re-run the report.
Re-open Update design.

Modifications are shown when selecting a newly created Grab file.

You can download the modifications by using Download updated file or the Download icon. Alternatively, you can create a new version by using Create new design version.