Tips & Tricks in Configuration Console (Supporting Article)

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Introduction

Infor’s Configuration Console is a tool that can be used to configure Landmark applications.  It can be used to create new user interface components, or customize existing user interface components.  It is a very useful tool for customizing and enhancing the user experience in Landmark applications.  The tool uses a proprietary language called “Landmark Pattern Language” (LPL).

To get to the Configuration Console in Rich Client, go to Start > Configure > Application.  Or, you can ctrl+shift+click on a Landmark form and click the “Configure” link.

 

 

The “empty sheet” button is used throughout Landmark applications to create a new item.  Configuration Console is no exception.  Press this button to create a new configuration.  The save and delete buttons are also intuitive.  When you click the delete button, remember you are deleting the configuration only, not the Infor-delivered component!

In most cases, the “pencil” button indicates editing the configuration LPL directly, and the “Configure” button is for editing the component using a graphical interface.

Menus

Configuring menus is pretty straightforward.  Menu items can be deleted, and menus can be hidden from user view.  Note that if a menu is hidden in Configuration Console, this setting takes precedence.  So, if the menu is available via security, it still can’t be viewed.

Pages

There are a few options available in configuring pages.  Mostly you can add different fields, including computed fields.  This is one example where the pencil button does not indicate LPL configuration.  On the main configuration screen for a page, the pencil button takes you into the page editor.  At the bottom of that screen, you will have to option to edit the LPL code.

Web Applications

Web Applications have a few options for configuration.  One thing that can be customized is the home landing page for the web application.  Just make sure the page exists in the correct location on your server!

User Fields

User Fields are probably one of the most widely-used configurations available.  The value in a User Field will be saved in the database, so that it can be accessed later in Landmark queries or Spreadsheet Designer.  There are several types of fields available to allow you much flexibility in form customization.

A snapshot is sort of what it sounds like.  It is a copy or a “snapshot” of another field from a related business class.

A condition field is a way to test a condition without having to rewrite code over & over.  A condition field should always return true or false.

A compute fields allows you to do mathematical and date computations on one or more fields in the business class.

Derived fields are the most flexible option, and can be used in place of all of the above field types.  They can be used to convert data types, take substrings, or write more complex bits of code to return the desired information.

Forms

Forms are another highly configurable component.  User Fields can be added to forms.  Fields can be hidden, actions can be disabled, and basic checks can be done to customize the flow of a form.  Here are some examples for setting default values on a Form.

Relations

Relations are another very useful tool in the Configuration Console arsenal.  They can really open up your forms and other components to allow you to get data from other areas in the application that isn’t readily available.  Relations are a way of relating two business classes on key fields.  A one-to-one relationship requires all of the key fields to be populated.  A one-to-many relationship does not, but be aware that this could return a list of values instead of one value!

These are examples of relating the Candidate business class to the Employee an WorkAssignment business classes.

Actions

Actions can be configured with Entrance Rules (things that happen when the action loads), Exit Rules (things that happen when the action is released), and User Parameters.  The User Parameters would follow the action into the next step, such as an IPA approval flow.  Some of the fields on an action can be configured to be required, or not required.

History

All configuration changes are version and stored each time the configuration is saved.  This means that you can compare current state to any of the previous states to the beginning of the configuration, as well as the base LPL.  This is highly useful, and a great feature!  To get to the history, on the main page of any component, select “Vew History”.  On the left side is the historical configuration.  On the right side is present-day.  You can click the dropdown to select the configuration you want to compare.  If you are ready to go back to that configuration, click the “revert” button.  If you are satisfied, don’t forget to save your changes!

Helpful Links

Infor’s documentation site is a great jumping-off point for learning about Configuration Console and LPL.

 

Also, check out the webinar that our very own Sr Technical Consultant Desi hosted on this topic!

 

ERP Implementation Best Practices

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a valuable workhorse for any business striving to improve its operations and every aspect of their business. With an ERP solution, you can improve collaboration, productivity, customer service, and data security, as well as have a macro view of business operations. Don Hall has been employed as an IT Manager and ERP expert Don Hall shares a very informative article on CIO Insight of many best practices to consider when implementing an ERP.

 

Define and revise goals and objectives
In order to maximize your ERP’s capabilities, you must start with correctly implementing the solution. There are two goals that can be viewed in the macro and micro level, according to Hall. The “The macro goal is to implement an ERP solution successfully, whereas the micro goals are all the checkpoints and critical path tasks to help a business reach the macro goal. These micro goals, or objectives, must be assigned specific tasks with realistic timelines.” A guideline Hall recommends is as follows: Planning, Data Analysis and Migration, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, Support and Updates.

 

Work with third-party ERP implementation experts
Hall points out that most businesses wanting to implement an ERP solution do not have an ERP implementer on staff since it’s a unique skill set. Though not necessary, working with an ERP expert can vastly speed up and improve the implementation process. Even if you are an IT-based company, Hall recommends that it’s wise to consult an ERP implementer to seek advice on avoiding common configuration errors.

 

Standardize vs. customize
Customization is a project within itself when setting up your ERP and/or when new versions of your software is released. Sometimes your customized features may even need to be rewritten. Halls suggests to CIOs and CTOs to minimize customization by purchasing an industry-specific ERP solution.

 

Focus on business-critical requirements
Businesses should continue to meet their primary goals and objectives for critical processes during ERP implementation. These processes, Hall notes, need to be given proper attention during the planning, design, and development phases. “Secondary processes that feed these primary processes, including any internal or external data, must be considered. Scope creep can quickly get out of hand, so careful consideration is paramount in identifying secondary processes.”

 

Validate the implementation plan before execution
Hall notes, “once an ERP implementation plan is formed, CTOs and CIOs can validate the plan to ensure nothing is overlooked. Quality assurance documents, test protocols, and a validation report are part of a comprehensive validation kit to help avoid the common pitfalls of implementing an ERP solution. Moreover, a validation toolkit can help verify that an ERP implementation plan has addressed every concern thoroughly.”

 

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Geminite Cement Industries Set to Digitally Transform with Infor

Geminite Cement Industries LLC (part of Gemini Group), one of the Middle East’s leading building materials production and distribution players, has selected Infor CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise ERP (enterprise resource planning) solution to optimize delivery against a surging demand for cement boards across the region. Per the press release, Geminite is aiming to automate and integrate its production control systems and plant maintenance solutions, removing the need for manual data entry. The Infor CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise ERP solution will help Geminite boost its efficiency, increase visibility across the business, and provide the agility to expand capacity as needed to cater to the region’s fast-growing demand for gypsum boards. Deployment of this project will start in April 2022 and is expected to go live within five months. ITWare LLC in Dubai, one of Infor’s long-standing ERP channel partners in the region, will be leading the implementation.

 

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Immediately refresh user’s security updates in Landmark

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After updating a user’s security settings in Landmark such as adding roles, adding identities, and changing settings, there is usually a refresh period/waiting time. If you don’t want to wait or want to make sure the changes were applied, there is a simple way around this so you can immediately effect the changes rather than waiting for the refresh period.

To do this, log into the server as the installation user (lawson).  Next, open a landmark command window as administrator.

Run the following command: secadm security list user <username>

 

 

That’s all there is to it! Now you don’t have to wait for the refresh period and you can see your changes immediately.

Heavenly Hospitality Venue in the Cloud

Renowned European hotel and event venue LA VILLA recently decided to upgrade to the Infor HMS hospitality management cloud solution; expecting to boost efficiency and agility as the venue strives to achieve new levels of excellence in providing guest experience. Per the press release, LA VILLA’s management has stressed the importance of an up-to-date software solution that benefits internal organizational capabilities and profitability. With more than 20 years of successful partnerships in the hotel industry, it was a no-brainer for LA VILLA to select the tech giant’s Infor HMS cloud-based management system for their upgrade. Infor HMS will provide LA VILLA managers with comprehensive insight into current business performance and points out potential for improvement. They also have the goal to positively impact the quality of guests’ stays.

 

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LBI 3042 error after configuring ADFS

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After configuring ADFS, if you attempt to launch LBI and receive the message “(security:3042) Unable to authenticate user”, go to the SystemOut.log to gather more information.  If the error is displayed there without any reference to the user name, it is most likely that you need to update DSP on the LBI server.  To do this, download the latest DSP from the product downloads under Lawson Security.  Stop all the IBM services on the LBI server, then run the jar file and select the option to update your existing DSP.  Once DSP is updated, restart the IBM services.  You should be able to launch LBI now.

 

[12/18/21 14:16:53:783 PST] 000000ce LocalTranCoor E   WLTC0017E: Resources rolled back due to setRollbackOnly() being called.

[12/18/21 14:16:53:784 PST] 000000ce webapp        E com.ibm.ws.webcontainer.webapp.WebApp logServletError SRVE0293E: [Servlet Error]-[ServletNameNotFound]: com.lawson.efs.security.GeneralAuthenticationException: (security:3042) Unable to authenticate user.

at com.lawson.efs.security.authenticationprovider.AbstractSSOAuthenticationProvider.authenticate(AbstractSSOAuthenticationProvider.java:174)

…

Caused by: com.lawson.lawsec.authen.SecurityAuthenException: Failed to initialize authentication layer. Cause Connection error (inforapp.cosa.private, null). Cause: {2}.

… com.lawson.security.authen.AuthenMessages.Unable to create a connection

Stack Trace :

com.lawson.security.server.LawsonNetException: Unable to create a connection

 

5 Advantages a CRM System Can Bring to your Business

Customer Relationship Management (CRM), while not a new offering, is still a ‘new’ concept for many businesses. What exactly is a CRM? A CRM system is a tool used by a company to manage and track customer interactions within your business. The tools at your disposable in your CRM system are pertinent to learning about your customer’s preferences, behaviors, buying patterns, etc. With this real-time data available at your fingertips, CRM systems prove to be advantageous for those companies wanting to have a competitive edge. An informative article on newswatchtv.com shares five major benefits of having a CRM implemented for your company.

  1. A CRM system can help you keep track of your customers’ contact information and preferences, making it easier for you to provide them with the personalized service they continue to desire.
  2. A CRM system can give you a 360-degree view of your customers, allowing you to better understand their needs and how best to serve them.
  3. A CRM system can automate many of the tedious and time-consuming tasks associated with customer relationship management, freeing up your staff to focus on more important things.
  4. A CRM system can help you track and measure key metrics such as customer satisfaction and lifetime value, allowing you to continuously improve your business.
  5. A CRM system can be a powerful marketing tool, helping you segment and target your marketing efforts more effectively.
No two companies will have the same CRM strategy, but every company can benefit from implementing this tool.

Syapse Partners with Infor to Revolutionize Cancer Care

Syapse, a real-world evidence company dedicated to extinguishing the fear and burden of serious disease by advancing real-world care, has seen recent success with Infor CloudSuite Cloverleaf, built on Amazon Web Services® (AWS). Per the press release, Syapse chose Infor to take data from a wide variety of community health systems and provide insights that can positively influence ongoing patient care. As a data-driven healthcare organization, they rely on compiling real-world evidence that illustrates the entire course of cancer care for patients. With Infor’s help, Syapse can better collect, analyze, and leverage massive amounts of pertinent data that can have significant consequences for patients and healthcare providers. Syapse’s partnership with Infor aims to elevate its three primary operational priorities—compiling and processing data intelligence, using analytics to draw insights, and applying them to patient care. Further, since its implementation, Infor Cloverleaf has provided Syapse’s certified team of tumor registrars with access to patient records that are used to enhance and validate data, creating a curated patient database that’s far more robust in usability and applicability.

 

For Full Article, Click Here

Using Bulk Insert for interfaces

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Bulk Insert (delivered with SQL Server) is a great way to quickly import data into SQL Server tables.  The input file format does not need to match the column definition on the table.  You can use import file definitions for that.

To create an import file definition, first go to the SQL server where the database table resides.  Run the command bcp <database>.<owner>.<tablename> format nul -c -f <local path>\<filename>.fmt -t, -T

(For clarity, best practice is to name the file the same as the table name).

Edit the format file (if needed) in a text editor to accommodate for any differences between the input file and the database table.  The first column is the order of fields in the input file.  The 5th column provides the delimiter between fields.  The 6th column maps to the appropriate field in the database table.  The number at the top (below the version “10.0”) describes how many fields are in the input file.  If you are not using all the fields from the input file, you must adjust this number accordingly.  If you say it is looking for 20 fields, it will be looking for 20 fields and will error if 20 fields aren’t found.

CSV files are a little tricky, as you need to accommodate for double quotes.

Note that the files must be accessible by a local path on the SQL Server machine.

The Bulk Insert command is:

BULK INSERT <table name>

FROM ‘<full path to import file>

WITH (FORMATFILE = ‘<full path to format file>’, FIRSTROW = <first row of data in the import file>)

 

Infor Strengthens its Position in the Czech Republic’s Manufacturing Sector

In recent news, more manufacturing companies are turning to modern manufacturing ERP solutions from Infor to digitize and increase the efficiency of their production. Tatra Trucks, Škoda Transportation and, most recently, the traditional tractor manufacturer Zetor Tractors are among the customers of Infor’s industry-specific ERP systems focused on discrete manufacturing in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Per the press release, Zetor Tractors has decided to deploy Infor’s ERP solution, replacing multiple subsystems to centralize and digitize business processes. The worldwide supplier of tractors expects that the broad functionality and integration of the ERP system and complementary applications will allow its more than 500 employees to manage the rapidly changing demands of customers more flexibly. Further, in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Infor ERP solutions have traditionally been used mainly by companies in the manufacturing sector, helping them to streamline and automate discrete manufacturing processes and bring industry-specific functions tailored to their requirements.

 

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