MSCRM: testing a User's Role (CRM 4.0 only)

Code required to test whether the logged in user to Microsoft CRM has a particular role:

function currentUserHasRole(roleName)
{
//get Current User Roles
var oXml = GetCurrentUserRoles();

if(oXml != null)
{
//get list of role names
var roles = oXml.selectNodes("//BusinessEntity/q1:name");

if(roles != null)
{
for( i = 0; i < roles.length; i++)
{
if(roles[i].text == roleName)
{
//return true if user has this role
return true;
}
}
}

}
//not found, return false
return false;

}

function GetCurrentUserRoles()
{
var xml = "<?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\"?>" +
"<soap:Envelope xmlns:soap=\"http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/\" xmlns:xsi=\"http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance\" xmlns:xsd=\"http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema\">" +
GenerateAuthenticationHeader() +
" <soap:Body>" +
" <RetrieveMultiple xmlns=\"http://schemas.microsoft.com/crm/2007/WebServices\">" +
" <query xmlns:q1=\"http://schemas.microsoft.com/crm/2006/Query\" xsi:type=\"q1:QueryExpression\">" +
" <q1:EntityName>role</q1:EntityName>" +
" <q1:ColumnSet xsi:type=\"q1:ColumnSet\">" +
" <q1:Attributes>" +
" <q1:Attribute>name</q1:Attribute>" +
" </q1:Attributes>" +
" </q1:ColumnSet>" +
" <q1:Distinct>false</q1:Distinct>" +
" <q1:LinkEntities>" +
" <q1:LinkEntity>" +
" <q1:LinkFromAttributeName>roleid</q1:LinkFromAttributeName>" +
" <q1:LinkFromEntityName>role</q1:LinkFromEntityName>" +
" <q1:LinkToEntityName>systemuserroles</q1:LinkToEntityName>" +
" <q1:LinkToAttributeName>roleid</q1:LinkToAttributeName>" +
" <q1:JoinOperator>Inner</q1:JoinOperator>" +
" <q1:LinkEntities>" +
" <q1:LinkEntity>" +
" <q1:LinkFromAttributeName>systemuserid</q1:LinkFromAttributeName>" +
" <q1:LinkFromEntityName>systemuserroles</q1:LinkFromEntityName>" +
" <q1:LinkToEntityName>systemuser</q1:LinkToEntityName>" +
" <q1:LinkToAttributeName>systemuserid</q1:LinkToAttributeName>" +
" <q1:JoinOperator>Inner</q1:JoinOperator>" +
" <q1:LinkCriteria>" +
" <q1:FilterOperator>And</q1:FilterOperator>" +
" <q1:Conditions>" +
" <q1:Condition>" +
" <q1:AttributeName>systemuserid</q1:AttributeName>" +
" <q1:Operator>EqualUserId</q1:Operator>" +
" </q1:Condition>" +
" </q1:Conditions>" +
" </q1:LinkCriteria>" +
" </q1:LinkEntity>" +
" </q1:LinkEntities>" +
" </q1:LinkEntity>" +
" </q1:LinkEntities>" +
" </query>" +
" </RetrieveMultiple>" +
" </soap:Body>" +
"</soap:Envelope>";

var xmlHttpRequest = new ActiveXObject("Msxml2.XMLHTTP");
xmlHttpRequest.Open("POST", "/mscrmservices/2007/CrmService.asmx", false);
xmlHttpRequest.setRequestHeader("SOAPAction"," http://schemas.microsoft.com/crm/2007/WebServices/RetrieveMultiple");
xmlHttpRequest.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "text/xml; charset=utf-8");
xmlHttpRequest.setRequestHeader("Content-Length", xml.length);
xmlHttpRequest.send(xml);

var resultXml = xmlHttpRequest.responseXML;
return(resultXml);

}



The code need to be placed at the top of any Form Event where you want to use the function. the function can then simply be called as follows:

if(currentUserHasRole(‘Salesperson')){
//do this stuff
}else{
//do other stuff
}



We hope this helps anyone getting to grips with java script coding in MSCRM 4.0!

Please post any thoughts or improvements that you have to this.

Thanks, Hilltops IT

MSCRM: testing a User's Role (CRM 3.0 only)

This is quite an old tip now, on several blogs and forums, but we'd thought we'd repeat it here to keep it with the updated code for MSCRM 4.0 (see next post). The code below needs to be put in either the global.js file (by default located here C:\Program Files\Microsoft CRM\CRMWeb\_common\scripts\) of in the top of each Form event where you need to call the function. It's then just a case of calling the following in the Form Event:

if(currentUserHasRole(‘System Administrator’)){
//do this stuff
}else{
//do other stuff
}

Note that putting the code in the global.js is a risky strategy as if a patch or update is installed, then the changes may be lost. It does save copy/pasting into each and every Event; the choice is yours!

Java script code to test whether a User has a particular Role:

function getUserId()
{
try
{
var command = new RemoteCommand("SystemUser", "WhoAmI", "/MSCRMServices/");
var oResult = command.Execute();

if (oResult.Success)
{
return oResult.ReturnValue.UserId;
}
}
catch(e)
{
alert("Error while retrieving userid.");
}
return null;
}

function getUserRoles(userId)
{
try
{
var command = new RemoteCommand("UserManager", "GetUserRoles");
command.SetParameter("userIds", "<guid>" + userId + "</guid>");

var oResult = command.Execute();

if (oResult.Success)
{
return oResult.ReturnValue;
}
}
catch(e)
{
alert("Error while retrieving roles.");
}
return null;
}

function userHasRole(userId, roleName)
{
result = getUserRoles(userId);
if (result != null)
{
var oXml = new ActiveXObject("Microsoft.XMLDOM");
oXml.resolveExternals = false;
oXml.async = false;
oXml.loadXML(result);

roleNode = oXml.selectSingleNode("/roles/role[name='" + roleName + "']");
if (roleNode != null)
{
if (roleNode.selectSingleNode("roleid[@checked='true']") != null)
return true;
}
}
return false;
}

function currentUserHasRole(roleName)
{
userId = getUserId();
return userHasRole(userId, roleName);
}

DEVELOPMENT: good software development practices

Here's a list of 5 Good Programming Habits we picked up from Amy Bennett in her article at IT World:

• The best trick I have is to type the sequences/use cases like a story before I write any code. The outline I create is read over and over, tweaking as I go." (Dan Douglas)
• Solve small, individual problems (The rule of 'encapsulation'). If I try to make one part of my code do too much, then I've invited trouble. (Sean Devlin)
• I like to write a routine first as pseudocode in comments, then translate the comments into source code. I find that this is a much faster method for me than writing the source code first. Any mistakes I make in the pseudocode are more easily fixed there than if I wrote the code first. As a bonus, I have accurate and useful comments when the routine is completed. (Jeffrey Henning)
• Make improvements often -- even if they are small -- so you are always making some progress. (James Stauffer)
• I make sure that I get a reasonable amount of sleep and that I come back to each piece of code/design/etc. after 'sleeping on it' so that I see/think about it from different angles and states of mind. This helps with everything. (John Mitchell)

Our "top tip" is to code defensively - always be thinking "what if?". We find this particularly useful and helpful because the code module or class we're writing for application "A" may well be used in application "B" at some point in the future. If the module or class hasn't been coded defensively to produce solid bug-free code, then this could mean a lot of re-writes for the developer on application "B".

Please share your thoughts and tips on how to produce great software development products.

QUOTEWERKS: Aspire re-issue info on free QuoteWerks add-on utilities

Aspire Technologies (authors of QuoteWerks sales quotation software) have released a summary of information on the free QuoteWerks add-on utilities which are available from the QuoteWerks.com website.

Details can be found at the following URLs:
http://quotewerks411.wordpress.com/2009/05/22/quotewerks-dell-import-utility/
http://quotewerks411.wordpress.com/2009/05/21/quotewerks-rounding-utility/
http://quotewerks411.wordpress.com/2009/05/20/quotewerksexcelutility/
http://quotewerks411.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/grouppartnumberbuilderquotewerks/


Each of these utilities is available completely free of charge from the QuoteWerks.com website along with installation instructions.

If these utilities perhaps aren't quite your looking for in terms of enhancing QuoteWerks functionality, then please get in touch with us regarding our QuoteWerks development services. We have a large number of internally developed QuoteWerks add-on utilities, so we can cost-effectively provide solutions which fit your business' requirements. Email us - development@hilltopsit.co.uk - or give us a call on +44(0) 1782 465252. We look forward to hearing from you!

DEVELOPMENT: Microsoft Visual Studio Team Studio 2010 beta released

Microsoft Visual Studio Team System 2010 Team Suite is the next generation of Microsoft development tools. It provides the ideal set of tools for every team disciple who is working on your project: architects, designers, developers, database experts, and testers. When a team is building skills and getting guidance at every step of the project life cycle, they will collaborate better than ever.

Overview
Visual Studio 2010 and the .NET Framework 4 mark the next generation of developer tools from Microsoft. Designed to satisfy the latest requirements of developers, Visual Studio delivers key innovations in the following areas:

Democratizing Application Lifecycle Management
Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) crosses many roles in a development organization. Traditionally, not every role has had an equal part in the process. Visual Studio Team System 2010 continues to empower an organization to build a platform for functional equality and shared commitment across its ALM process.

Enabling emerging trends
Every year the industry develops new technologies and new trends. With Visual Studio 2010, Microsoft delivers tooling and framework support for the latest innovations in application architecture, development, and deployment.

Inspiring developer delight
Ever since the first release of Visual Studio, Microsoft has set the bar for developer productivity and flexibility. Visual Studio 2010 continues the tradition by significantly improving the experience for all software development roles.

Riding the next generation platform wave
Microsoft continues to invest in the market-leading operating system, productivity applications, and server platforms to deliver increasing customer value. With Visual Studio 2010, customers will have the tooling support that is required to create amazing solutions around these technologies.

For more information about Visual Studio 2010 and the .NET Framework 4, visit the Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Web site.



Web installer download available here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=85520793-68fc-4361-a8b6-dc2cff49c8d2&displaylang=en

ISO download available here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=255fc5f1-15af-4fe7-be4d-263a2621144b&displaylang=en

.net framework 4.0 training kit download available here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=752cb725-969b-4732-a383-ed5740f02e93&displayLang=en

ReadMe here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/A/0/7A023209-096F-4F7D-B2BC-831ECC68FF5B/VS2010Beta1Readme.htm

Support and feedback forum here: http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/VSPreRelease,netdevelopmentprerelease,visualstudioprerelease,vstsprerelease



Is there anything that we have missed!? Please let us know if there are any other useful downloads or information that you've found. Please also share your thoughts and experiences in Visual Studio 2010 - the latest software development environment from Microsoft.

CONNECTIT: ConnectIT-WebCart beta released

We are very please to announce the release of the ConnectIT-WebCart beta. This utility links an online web shop to QuoteWerks, Sage 50, Sage MAS and Microsoft Dynamics RMS (retail management solution).


Over the years, we have created several bespoke software development utilities which link a businesses web shop to their back office system. Utilities for QuoteWerks, Sage and Microsoft Dynamics CRM. When we were approached to create a link for Microsoft Dynamics RMS as well it was a natural extension of these utilities. Plus, in a market place where high street shops are increasingly moving their business' online for the cost-saving and globalisation opportunities, strategically it was a good project to take on.



With our culture of constantly innovating and looking forward for new opportunities, rather than tackle the project as just another bespoke utility, we took the decision to wrap up all the previous work into one ConnectIT product. Followers of the blog will remember that we had a prototype version of ConnectIT-WebCart back in the early part of the year. With focus drifting onto other projects, this got put to one side, but we felt that with this project it was time to pick it back up again.

This first beta release focuses on the Microsoft Dynamics RMS link in order to satisfy the requirements of this particular project. However, given that this is built on the same data structures and code base as the other bespoke projects, then links for QuoteWerks, Sage 50, Sage Instant and Sage MAS won't be too far behind!

For more information on the ConnectIT-WebCart product, please direct your query through your QuoteWerks or ConnectIT partner. If they are unable to help, then please don't hesitate to contact the ConnectIT development team direct: development@connectit-online.co.uk

CONNECTIT: ConnectIT-Sage v1.10.1 released

This new release of ConnectIT-Sage QuoteWerks to Sage 50 Accounts link includes the following updates and bug fixes:

UPDATE: replaced the files for the SDO (Sage Data Objects) which allow ConnectIT to integrate with Sage 50 Accounts 2009 for the revised ones released by Sage 12/5/2009. This revision allows up to 6 simultaneous SDO connections without the need to purchase additional Sage licenses.

FIXED: discrepencies seen in the Tax on Sage Purchase Order line items - ConnectIT was using the selling price tax value, not the cost price tax value when writing Purchase Order information to Sage.
FIXED: a tax amount for Carriage may show on a Purchase Order even though the ConnectIT Configuration had the Purchase Document Carriage Tax Code set as "T0" - ConnectIT was ignoring this setting when creating Purchase Order documents, the QuoteWerks document tax rate was always applied to Purchase Order carriage.
FIXED: Conversion from string "" to type 'Boolean' is not valid error when running ConnectIT - this could occur if the user had not opened ConnectIT Configuration to check the new settings added in version 1.10.0 and pressed "Save".


After more than 2 years of having no bugs in a production release, the ConnectIT development team were mortified to find out that a bug had been found in the software. As is stereotypically the case, the ConnectIT software development team have a love for fast food (second only to their love for programming!). By way of self-inflicted punishment for the bug (which was ultimately a school boy error in the code) they are banning themselves from fast food for 1 month!!! (I just hope they survive! - Ed.)

For more information on ConnectIT-Sage and the other products in the ConnectIT suite of time and labour saving products, please see the ConnectIT website here, contact your QuoteWerks / ConnectIT reseller or email info@connectit-online.co.uk

DEVELOPMENT: meeting users expectations and easing frustration

A few tips from Justin James at TechRepublic on ways that developers can meet users expectations and ease frustration.

Introduction
It’s no surprise that users have expectations that, if not met, make those users angry and frustrated. User-friendly applications are much more likely to generate revenue, from sales of the software, sales enabled by the software, or some other revenue model. Yet for whatever reason, a significant portion of applications don't meet user expectations in a number of areas. Here are 10 common user expectations and what you can do to meet them so that you'll have a happy group of users.

See the full article here: http://i.techrepublic.com.com/downloads/dl_10_user_expectations.pdf

BLOG: New vacancies live of Graduate Advantage

Marketing Assistant (part time summer placement): http://www.graduateadvantage.co.uk/placement/396

Software Developer (part time summer placement): http://www.graduateadvantage.co.uk/placement/397

Business Development Manager (full time 12 month placement): http://www.graduateadvantage.co.uk/placement/398


Graduate Advantage (funded by Advantage West Midlands) help students and graduates find and apply for paid full-time and part-time work placements, summer internships, graduate placements, and free employability training. They offer placements in all sectors of industry and business across the West Midlands.

Hilltops IT is working with Graduate Advantage in order to find suitable candidates to fill the above positions. "The Graduate Advantage scheme works for us on so many levels." says Hilltops IT CEO, Stephen Siggs "Not only is it an opportunity to work with local colleges to give the students there the chance to work with a commercial enterprise, but also from a business perspective we can get temporary contract staff to work on a couple of projects we simply haven't had time to complete ourselves. What Graduate Advantage in terms of their screening and grant funding also make this a very cost-effective solution which will contribute to the local community."

Our existing graduate employees say that they would have loved to work for a commercial business during their summer breaks. Unfortunately (according to Graduate Advantage) it is not uncommon for students educated in the West Midland to move outside the area in order to get work. There is a focused effort from government and local projects to retain these skilled individuals in the West Midlands. You never know - maybe Hilltops IT will be giving the next Bill Gates, Sir Alan Sugar or Max Clifford their first opportunity in business!

DEVELOPMENT: Cannot obtain the schema rowset "DBSCHEMA_TABLES_INFO" for OLE DB provider "SQLNCLI" for linked server

Running a query from SQL Server 2008 over a linked server connection to a SQL Server 2000 server causes the following error:

OLE DB provider "SQLNCLI10" for linked server "mylinkedserver" returned message "Unspecified error".
OLE DB provider "SQLNCLI10" for linked server "mylinkedserver" returned message "The stored procedure required to complete this operation could notbe found on the server. Please contact your system administrator.".
Msg 7311, Level 16, State 2, Line 1
Cannot obtain the schema rowset "DBSCHEMA_TABLES_INFO" for OLE DB provider interface, but returns a failure code when it is used.

Or

The stored procedure required to complete this operation could not be found on the server. Please contact your system administrator.
Msg 7311, Level 16, State 2, Line 1
Cannot obtain the schema rowset "DBSCHEMA_TABLES_INFO" for OLE DB provider "SQLNCLI" for linked server "". The provider supports the interface, but returns a failure code when it is used.


Firstly, SQL Server 2000 SP4 (service pack 4) must be installed.

Then the system stored procedures must be manually upgraded.

Note that when manually upgrading the system stored procedures, we used SQL Server Authentication mode which requires the syntax:
osql -U [adminlogin]-P [adminpassword]-S [linkedservername]-i [location]\instcat.sql

We first entered the line as:
osql -U sa -P myPassword -S myServer -i C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Install\instcat.sql

But this just bought up the osql help /? list of parameters. To avoid this, make sure that the -i path is in speech marks!
osql -U sa -P myPassword -S myServer -i "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Install\instcat.sql"

Note that the manual upgrade takes a couple of minutes to run and there are a whole bunch of message and numbers displayed in the command window as it executes. If the process is successful, then the last but one line will read "instcat.sql completed successfully".

In our experience, the SQL Service did not need to be restarted, the fix worked immediately and we were able to query the SQL Server 2000 server from SQL Server 2008 over the link immediately:
SELECT COUNT(*)
FROM myLinkedServer.myDatabase.dbo.myTable

We hope that this tip helps others new to SQL Server 2008 development!

Please see our website for more information on our software development services and software development resources.

Business Development Manager wanted (Stoke-on-Trent)

A new full time position is available for a sales person selling computer software products and services. This is an excellent opportunity to join a small, ambitious, highly motivated and positive team of individuals in a growing business and offers excellent career prospects for the successful candidate.

The role will be predominantly working from the office managing and developing a portfolio of prospective and existing customers locally, nationally and internationally. The successful candidate must be well organised, an excellent communicator over the phone, motivated, confident, highly professional, excellent at building lasting relationships, be able to demonstrate excellent computer skills and have an understanding of the software industry. You will report to the Managing Director and be expected to deliver the agreed levels of revenue and profit, whilst adopting a solution lead, consultative sales approach to ensure that customer requirements are met.

Ideally, you will have experience of dealing with small and medium sized businesses. Experience of contact management, quoting and accounts packages, website and software development processes will also be an advantage.

To start as soon as possible. Candidate must have their own car. Package negotiable, commission based (uncapped).

Please apply in writing to Hilltops IT, Lymedale Business Centre, Lymedale Business Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 9QF or by email enquiries@hilltopsit.co.uk. Please include your up-to-date CV and covering letter.

Strictly no agencies.

DEVELOPMENT: Google launches API for Google Analytics

Google has announced the release of an API for Google Analytics. This means developers will be more tightly integrate information into users back office, web and mobile applications.

Announcement Headline: A Google Analytics API has long been one of our most widely anticipated features. Today we're pleased to announce that the Google Analytics Data Export API beta is now publicly available to all Analytics users!

What's so exciting about an API? The API will allow developers to extend Google Analytics in new and creative ways that benefit developers, organizations and end users. Large organizations and agencies now have a standardized platform for integrating Analytics data with their own business data. Developers can integrate Google Analytics into their existing products and create standalone applications that they sell. Users could see snapshots of their Analytics data in developer created dashboards and gadgets. Individuals and business owners will have opportunities to access their Google Analytics information in a variety of new ways.

For the full announcement, please see the Google Analytics Blog post.

For more information on Hilltops IT's software development services and to speak with one of our development team about the possibilities for integrating Google Analytics information into your business support systems, please contact us by phone on +44(0) 1782 564252 or by email: development@hilltopsit.co.uk

CONNECTIT: ConnectIT-Sage confirmed to work for Sage Instant Accounts 2009

We are able to confirm today that the next release of ConnectIT-Sage will work with Sage Instant Accounts 2009.

"I am really pleased that with the new version of Sage Instant, we can now offer users the ability to transfer documents from QuoteWerks to Sage using ConnectIT" says Hilltops IT CEO Steve Siggs. "I'm even more please than we are now able to achieve this with just a few minor adjustments to the existing code base. Now QuoteWerks and Sage Instant users can get the benefits of the ConnectIT software very cost-effectively, without needing to upgrade their Sage software."

The ConnectIT-Sage software has been developed over the last 3 years, gradually adding more and more features that users and resellers have been requesting in the software. Hilltops IT have produced this product to meet end users' requirements which drive more and more efficiencies into their business. With zero defects reported from production environments in more than 18 months, the need for "just a few minor adjustments", users and resellers can expect the same quality deliverable which "does exactly what it says on the tin".

The revised version is expected to be released within the next couple of weeks.

For more information on ConnectIT-Sage, please contact your QuoteWerks reseller or see the ConnectIT website.

DEVELOPMENT: skills developers will need in the next five years

Tech Republic software development commentator Justin James released a paper today with his thoughts on skills developers will need in the next five years: http://i.techrepublic.com.com/downloads/dl_10_skills_dev.pdf

Clearly we can always improve, but we were really pleased to read that we already "tick the boxes" in all but one category!

The technical aspects aside - we have always considered it imperative to work with the business to understand their pain points, to be flexible in delivering the requirements which will evolve with the business and communicate effectively in a way that everyone understands.

The one box we can't tick right now if the mobile development, which to date hasn't been necessary for the type of applications and solutions we deliver. Clearly as the power of mobile technology improves and workers increasingly do business on the move, then we will need to address this. But it's encouraging to know that (at least within Justin James criteria) hilltops IT's development team are already off to a very good start!

For more information on our software development and website design and development services, please see our website or contact us direct on +44(0)1782 564252.

DEVELOPMENT: SQL Server 2008 SP1 released

SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is now available. You can use these packages to upgrade any SQL Server 2008 edition.

Note: [Microsoft] remain committed to our plans to keep service packs contained, focusing on essential updates only, primarily a Roll-up of Cumulative Update 1 to 3, Quick Fix Engineering (QFE) updates, as well as fixes to issues reported through the SQL Server community. While keeping product changes contained, [Microsoft] have made significant investments to ease deployment and management of Service Packs:

• Slipstream – You are now able to integrate the base installation with service packs (or Hotfixes) and install in a single step.
• Service Pack Uninstall – You are now able to uninstall only the Service Pack (without removing the whole instance)
• Report Builder 2.0 Click Once capability

For more information about SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1, please review the Release Notes.

For more information about Hilltops IT's software development services, please see our website or contact us direct on +44(0) 1782 564252.

CONNECTIT: details of ConnectIT-Workflow - workflow manager for QuoteWerks now on QuoteWerks.com

Details of ConnectIT-Workflow - business workflow manager for QuoteWerks are now available on QuoteWerks.com: http://www.quotewerks.com/addons/alertsworkflow.asp

ConnectIT-Workflow is the latest addtion to the ConnectIT suite of products from Hilltops IT; another QuoteWerks development add-on product to enhance the user's experience of using QuoteWerks.

ConnectIT-Workflow manages entries on a QuoteWerks document to ensure that the QuoteWerks user has entered all the required information at each step of document creation (Quote, Order and Invoice).

ConnectIT-Workflow validates that the QuoteWerks user has entered required values into particular fields before the user is allowed to print, save, convert or email a document.

When an error is detected, then depending on the level of that error, the user is either prompted and asked to correct the problem before they are allowed to continue, or they are just warned about the problem(s).

For full details of ConnectIT-Workflow, please see the website here: http://www.connectit-online.com/default_workflow.aspx

For pricing click here: http://www.connectit-online.com/Calculator.aspx?p=CITWF&curr=GBP

CONNECTIT: ConnectIT-Workflow - QuoteWerks workflow manager

Pricing for the new product to the ConnectIT range has been released today. Plus for a limited time only we are offering free installation and training.


Product Overview
ConnectIT-Workflow manages entries on a QuoteWerks document to ensure that the QuoteWerks user has entered all the required information at each step of document creation (Quote, Order and Invoice).

ConnectIT-Workflow validates that the QuoteWerks user has entered required values into particular fields before the user is allowed to print, save, convert or email a document.

When an error is detected, then depending on the level of that error, the user is either prompted and asked to correct the problem before they are allowed to continue, or they are just warned about the problem(s).


Key Benefits

• Quick to install and easy to configure to the fields you use which means your company’s quoting and sales order processing functions become instantly more accurate and more productive.
• Ensures that your customers and suppliers get complete and consistent information on the documents you send them thus improving your business relationships with them by avoiding time wasted checking, correcting and resending documents.
• Maintains integrity of input to maximise the power and accuracy of QuoteWerks reporting which means more informed business decision making.

Key Features

• When an error is detected, then depending on the level of that error, the user is either prompted and asked to correct the problem before they are allowed to continue, or they are just warned about the problem(s).
• Validates fields based on the particular document type and document status.
• Contains many different rule expressions – that a field is not blank, that a fields value is in a particular range, that a fields value is one of a particular list of options, etc.
• Contains many different rule targets – Document Header fields, Document Item fields, first Document Item row, all Optional Document Item rows, etc.

QUOTEWERKS: Sugar CRM integration add-on released

Another QuoteWerks development partner has just released an integration between QuoteWerks and SugarCRM.

The QuoteWerks development partner, Wildcat Development, has developed the new integration link between Sugar CRM and QuoteWerks called WildSugar.

WildSugar increases the functionality of QuoteWerks by integrating directly with SugarCRM, a leading contact management software. By utilizing WildSugar, users can access their SugarCRM contacts from within QuoteWerks, effectively creating a more efficient quoting process.

WildSugar saves users considerable time by eliminating the replication of data entry for contacts.

Features and benefits of WildSugar include:

• Seamless integration between SugarCRM and QuoteWerks
• Easy installation
• Immediate access to all SugarCRM contacts
• Ability to auto populate SugarCRM contact information in quotes generated by QuoteWerks
• Custom searches that allow users to quickly and easily locate a particular SugarCRM contact

The WildSugar link is a third party add on to the QuoteWerks program. It was developed for QuoteWerks users on version 4.0 and using Sugar version 5.0 and higher.

Visit the official WildSugar website for more information on the link.

Contact Hilltops IT for more information on our QuoteWerks services plus other add-on and integration solutions.

QUOTEWERKS: v4.0 build 45 released

The new release of QuoteWerks v4.0 contains the following:

New Features

1. When creating Sales Opportunities in MS CRM, QuoteWerks now supports custom CRM Opportunity Rating Codes in addition to the standard codes of "Hot", "Warm", and "Cold". [Service Release: 45.01]

2. Added support for Outlook 2007 Business Contact Manager (BCM). The integration includes:
a) The currently open Outlook BCM Contact or Account can be pulled into the quote.
b) The Business Contacts and Accounts can be searched to find Contacts or Accounts to pull into the quote.
c) When searching for contacts, subfolders within the specified Outlook BCM Accounts or Contacts folder are included in the search.
d) QuoteWerks will create/update linked documents (as Outlook journal entries) in Outlook BCM.
e) QuoteWerks will create/update a follow up call (as an Outlook appointment) in Outlook BCM.
f) QuoteWerks will create/update Sales Opportunities (as an Outlook BCM opportunity) in Outlook BCM.
g) The QuoteWerks DataLink feature can be used with Outlook BCM enabling you to retrieve information like Terms and shipping method from the Outlook BCM contact into the quote.
h) When printing, QuoteWerks can retrieve data from Outlook BCM and include it in the printed output.

3. Online Ordering module can place online orders with Ingram Micro (USA and Canada) from within QuoteWerks (requires Real-time and Online Ordering modules). Order items from a single order, or combine items from multiple QuoteWerks orders into a single Ingram Micro order. This will save you the time and hassle of calling your Ingram Micro sales rep and reading each part number, quantity, and price to him/her. Another benefit is that the order date and Ingram Micro sales order number will automatically be stored with your QuoteWerks order for reference. When placing Ingram Micro online orders electronically through QuoteWerks, there is an option that will let you place the order on hold. This will afford you an opportunity to review the order with your distributor rep and negotiate pricing without the time consuming process of reading to your sales rep all the part numbers, quantities, ship to location, etc. No more calling your distributor sales rep only to reach voice mail (understandable - sales reps can't be on the phone with more than one customer at a time) and then have to remember try again later in the day to place the order - or wait for a call back! This is truly the best of both worlds - automation with sales rep service! Supports government and educational pricing.

4. Online Ordering module can place online orders with SYNNEX (USA and Canada) from within QuoteWerks (requires Real-time and Online Ordering modules). Order items from a single order, or combine items from multiple QuoteWerks orders into a single SYNNEX order. This will save you the time and hassle of calling your SYNNEX sales rep and reading each part number, quantity, and price to him/her. Another benefit is that the order date and SYNNEX sales order number will automatically be stored with your QuoteWerks order for reference. When placing SYNNEX online orders electronically through QuoteWerks, there is an option that will let you place the order on hold. This will afford you an opportunity to review the order with your distributor rep and negotiate pricing without the time consuming process of reading to your sales rep all the part numbers, quantities, ship to location, etc. No more calling your distributor sales rep only to reach voice mail (understandable - sales reps can't be on the phone with more than one customer at a time) and then have to remember try again later in the day to place the order - or wait for a call back! This is truly the best of both worlds - automation with sales rep service! Supports vendor promotion, government, and educational pricing.

5. When no documents are open, the FileNew and FileOpen menus now have shortcut keys CTRL-N and CTRL-O respectively.

6. The Bundles window (ProductsBundles menu), Configurations window (ProductsConfigurator menu), Required Items window (ProductsRequired Items menu), Optional Items window (ProductsOptional Items menu), and Substitute Items window (ProductsSubstitute Items menu) are now all resizable.

7. Added macro fields &DH_&SoldToFirstName, &DH_&SoldToLastName, &DH_&ShipToFirstName, &DH_&ShipToLastName, &DH_&BillToFirstName, and &DH_&BillToLastName.


Misc Features

1. The fields on the SoldTo/ShipTo tab, SaleInfo, Notes, and Custom tabs now limit the number of characters that can be entered based on the size of the field in the database. [Service Release: 45.01]

2. The Required Items window (ProductsRequired Items menu), Optional Items window (ProductsOptional Items menu), and Substitute Items window (ProductsSubstitute Items menu) have been re-designed.

3. When creating a Bundle, the maximum length of the Bundle name was increased from 40 to 255 characters.

4. Added new Technical support Debug Command for changing seed numbers.


Fixes

1. For MSCRM 1.2 users, when closing an opportunity, the Actual Close Date was not being populated. [Service Release: 45.01]

2. If the FileConvert to Lost Sale menu was selected for a document that did not have a contact linked to it, an error would be displayed. [Service Release: 45.01]

3. When doing a FileSave As and choosing "Assign new Project #", a new project number was not being generated. [Service Release: 45.01]

4. In the Layout Designer when inserting fields, if the CustomNumber03, CustomNumber04, or CustomNumber05 labels (In the DocumentItems or Products tables) were renamed, the label name did not display next to the field like "CustomNumber03 (Size)". [Service Release: 45.01]

5. When editing a Management Report on the Filter tab, DocumentItems macros like &LineAttributesOption were being listed as available fields. [Service Release: 45.01]

6. For SalesLogix users, issue with German / European decimal and date formatting when creating SalesLogix Opportunities.

7. On some machines, Would receive "Run-time error '339': Component 'comctl32.ocx' or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: a file is missing or invalid" when downloading the price file from SYNNEX FTP site.

8. In the Open Export Module wizard, the title bar would repeat the step like "- Step 1: Step1".


Users with valid UMP subscriptions can download and install this latest QuoteWerks build from by clicking the link.

For new users and for users looking for additional help with their QuoteWerks setup or require training, consultancy or development services, then please don't hesitate to contact us on +44(0) 1782 564252.

CONNECIT: new product beta released - ConnectIT-Workflow

Another new product and QuoteWerks add-on utility from Hilltops IT software development team was released in beta today.

ConnectIT-Workflow: linking your business process to quotewerks document creation

ConnectIT-Workflow manages entries on a QuoteWerks document to ensure that the QuoteWerks user has entered all the required information at each step of document creation (Quote, Order and Invoice).

ConnectIT-Workflow validates that the QuoteWerks user has entered required values into particular fields before the user is allowed to print, save, convert or email a document.

When an error is detected, then depending on the level of that error, the user is either prompted and asked to correct the problem before they are allowed to continue, or they are just warned about the problem(s).

Key benefits:

• Quick to install and easy to configure to the fields you use which means your company’s quoting and sales order processing functions become instantly more accurate and more productive.
• Ensures that your customers and suppliers get complete and consistent information on the documents you send them thus improving your business relationships with them by avoiding time wasted checking, correcting and resending documents.
• Maintains integrity of input to maximise the power and accuracy of QuoteWerks reporting which means more informed business decision making.

Key features:

• Functions triggered by events in QuoteWerks – before print, before save, before convert, before email, etc.
• Validates fields based on the particular document type and document status.
• Contains many different rule expressions – that a field is not blank, that a fields value is in a particular range, that a fields value is one of a particular list of options, etc.
• Contains many different rule targets – Document Header fields, Document Item fields, first Document Item row, all Optional Document Item rows, etc.

Pricing will be available soon here; if you would like any further information, then please email us at sales@connectit-online.co.uk

Early bird special offer: we are now taking advance orders for the ConnectIT-Workflow product which includes free installation and training. To take advantage of this offer, please contact sales@connectit-online.co.uk now!