What's Used

What’s used is a Lasernet FO Connector Tool accessible via the Query wizard. It enables users to import a design (Form) from Lasernet (.lnobject, .lnobjectx) into Lasernet FO Connector.

We have created this function because, without it, consultants would need two screens to compare the Lasernet Connector and the Lasernet Developer, so that they can validate which fields are used and which can be deleted.

Now, once the design is imported from Lasernet, the Lasernet Connector for Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations can show which tables (patterns) and fields (rearranges) are being used within the Form in Lasernet.

• Green - Shows which data sources/tables are used in Lasernet.

• Red - Shows unused data sources/tables.

Similarly, in relation to the used fields:

Unused tables (patterns) and unused fields (rearranges) might have either been previously added for debugging purposes or been there due to new or changed business requirements.

Having only the fields that are used within the Lasernet Connector Query can increase performance and handover satisfaction between Delivery/Implementation team and Support team.

Example

What’s used provides the option to identify which tables and fields are used within the Lasernet design.

Additional and unused tables (patterns) and fields (rearranges) can be added in Lasernet FO Connector and Lasernet.

Unused tables and fields might have been added for debugging purposes or due to new or changed business requirements.

Normally, tables in Lasernet FO Connector are represented as patterns within the Lasernet Developer, while fields are represented as rearranges.

What’s used is enabled in Lasernet > Setup > Parameters > Performance.

What’s used is located within the Structure (elements) and the Query wizard.

• Lasernet > Common > Reports > Structure

• Lasernet > Query wizard > Tables

What’s used enables users to export the form’s design from Lasernet and import it to Lasernet FO Connector.

Once the design is imported, Lasernet FO Connector will be able to show what is used in relation to the design in Lasernet Developer (which data sources/tables and fields are used for the patterns and rearranges within the Lasernet Developer).

1. Export the required form from Lasernet. It is possible to make an export containing multiple reports.

2. Either make the export from the form list by selecting the required form, right click, and select Export.

OR

click File in the top menu and select Export Objects.

3. Click Forms and select the required forms.

4. Provide a file name, such as SalesInvoiceReplacement in the following example:

5. Locate What’s used in Lasernet FO Connector, either within the Structure or the Query wizard.

6. Click Upload.

7. Import the file containing the Lasernet forms/design, in this case, SalesInvoiceReplacement.

8. Toggle the following buttons to Yes:            

• Activate What’s used highlighting

• Highlight used

• Highlight not used

9. Close the form. The used and unused tables (patterns) and fields (rearranges) are respectively green and red when all three settings are turned on.

• Example from Structure (elements):

• Example from the Query wizard:

Tables

Fields

It is now possible to remove fields, disable data sources/tables, or both.

Use Update design in case you are disabling data sources/tables or when disabling Create element for the data sources/tables.

Update design also can assist in ensuring everything is included after a modification.

Removing unused fields should not require any update of the design.

Use Reset to overwrite an already imported design/form.

What’s used also provides the option to search for the Input and Output objects used in Lasernet.

This tool searches across all patterns, which is extremely useful in the case of multiple patterns. It also provides an overview and allows for grouping items together.

It is also possible to adjust Input and Output objects and export these from Lasernet FO Connector to then re-import the form into the Lasernet Developer.

Another advantage of removing unused tables and fields is the improved performance, as removing unused information will lower the size of any generated XML file.

This can also speed processes up in case many records in a table are unused.