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Lasernet FO Connector 7.1 New Features and Fixes (part I) - News / Lasernet FO Connector / Lasernet FO Connector New Features - Formpipe Support Portal

Feb 17 2025

Lasernet FO Connector 7.1 New Features and Fixes (part I)

Authors list

Lasernet for Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations

Release version: 7.1

Release date: 17th February 2025

Notes

The following documentation and files are available:

New Features – Lasernet FO Connector 7.1 (part I)

Lasernet FO Connector 7.1 is released for Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations versions 10.0.41 (PU65), 10.0.42 (PU66), and 10.0.43 (PU67).

The same source code is used across all versions.

This is aimed to be a quality update, provided through the following new features, fixes, and enhancements.

Lasernet FO Connector 7.1 introduces new licensing, improvement options for working with the Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps, and optimized operations for various storage options.

Azure Storage

Lasernet FO Connector supports both the Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps and External Azure Storage options managed by partners or customers.

Internal Azure Storage (FinOps)

Lasernet uses a connection string to access Azure Storage. Microsoft plans to deprecate the use of this connection string when using the Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps.

Only the use of this connection string for the Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps will be deprecated. Therefore, it will still be possible to use a connection string for an External Azure Storage option.

The following are the options provided by Lasernet FO Connector 7.1 for supporting Azure Storage:

  • Use of Temporary Azure Storage both for communication between Lasernet FO Connector (FinOps) and Lasernet, and for archiving purposes.

  • Use of Temporary Azure Storage for communication between Lasernet FO Connector (FinOps) and Lasernet, and an External Azure Storage option for archiving (attachments for Document handling are still saved within the Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps).

  • Use of an External Azure Storage option, where all documents are migrated.

  • Use of a user-delegated SAS for the connection between Lasernet FO Connector (FinOps) and Lasernet. This SAS will be used for communication and/or archiving purposes. For more details, consult this article and this article.

Temporary Azure Storage

A new option called Temporary External Storage has been introduced with Lasernet FO Connector 7.1.

This new Temporary Azure Storage can be used to communicate between Lasernet FO Connector (FinOps) and Lasernet. It also ensures that documents can be saved as attachments (Document handling within Lasernet FO Connector).

Afterward, a batch job will migrate documents from the Temporary Azure Storage into the Internal Azure Storage, which is managed by FinOps.

The advantage of using this approach is documents used for Document handling as attachments, which always use the Internal Azure Storage, can still be saved back into FinOps.

All Review functionalities are supported by the temporary storage.

The option to specify Temporary External Storage is located in Lasernet > Setup > Administration > Lasernet servers.

The temporary connection is created in Lasernet > Setup > Administration > Connection.

Azure storage is the default setting within the Lasernet configuration. It is, therefore, required to use the Azure Storage Connection string if the default configuration is used for Lasernet.

It is possible to override the connection name in Lasernet by specifying the required connection name within the Lasernet Azure command name to reports storage and then creating a connection with the same name in Lasernet.

Use the same Connection string in Lasernet as the one used within Lasernet FO Connector (either the one used for the Temporary Storage or the one used for D365FO connection to reports storage).

No additional adjustments are required in Lasernet when using the default/demo configuration provided by Formpipe.

If you do not receive a response from Lasernet when creating a preview or validating the connection from Lasernet FO Connector to the Lasernet server, use the Lasernet Monitor.

If an error message such as the following appears within the Lasernet Monitor, use the Find all option:

Search “connection”:

Ensure the DatabaseConnection shown actually exists and has the same connection string as the one used within Lasernet FO Connector.

Batch Job for Synchronization of the Azure Storage

The batch jobs used to migrate documents from the External Azure Storage to the Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps are located in Lasernet > Setup > Administration > Temporary storage synchronization.

A prompt such as the following appears if a batch job has not already started, and it is possible to specify whether files should be overwritten, the number of threads, and the recurrence.

The default recurrence is every minute, but it is possible to adjust this within the Batch job.

The Pending files section shows what has been queued within the Temporary Azure Storage and is ready to be processed:

The prefix “document” indicates the file is a document that should be used for Document handling as an attachment and, therefore, should be saved within the Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps.

Document Handling - Saving Documents from Lasernet back into FinOps

It is possible to select attachments From archive instead of From attachments. For example, invoices can be added as attachments when sending customer account statements.

One reason for using the Azure Storage managed by FinOps is to ensure attachments can be picked up from Document handling in FinOps.

However, this can often be replaced by selecting From archive.

Examples:

Temporary Azure Storage and Internal Azure storage managed by FinOps

This approach uses the Temporary Azure Storage to communicate between Lasernet FO Connector and Lasernet, as well as for archiving purposes.

Create a Connection string and select TempStorage.

Ensure the connection Azure Storage in Lasernet uses the same Connection string as the one specified within the TempStorage.

This process also requires the batch job located in Lasernet > Setup > Administration > Temporary storage synchronization to be scheduled.

This batch job ensures reports are migrated from the External Azure Storage to the Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps. It also ensures reports are used as attachments if Document handling is used within Lasernet FO Connector.

Create a new batch job in case no batch tasks are shown in the grid/list:

Temporary Azure Storage for communication, External Azure Storage for archiving, and Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps for Document handling

Ensure Azure Storage in Lasernet uses the same Connection string as the one specified in D365FO connection to reports storage when the Lasernet Azure command name to reports field is empty.

Ensure a connection Name with the same Connection string as the one specified in Lasernet Azure command name to reports storage exists in Lasernet, if the field Lasernet Azure command name to reports storage contains a value.

The final destination is shown for the entries within the Lasernet Archive, while the Preview and Download options for the XML/PDF files will work both before and after the batch job for the synchronization has been executed.

External Azure Storage

All storage operations for Azure are redesigned (optimized) in Lasernet FO Connector 7.1.

This is to improve functionality, readability, and performance. Storage operations maintain Lasernet archives and files stored in the storage controlled by Lasernet Connector.

Storage operations are executed in parallel threads in batch mode. The Review form enables users to see the progress of the storage operations, with an Auto-refresh option available and a log per file/record.

  • Process archive lifespan – Cleans up Lasernet archived data by Lifespan setup.

  • Copy archives - Run for Lasernet log (Archive) Query data. Allows copying archived files to another storage and updating archive records.

  • Copy files - Run only for files in storage. Allows copying files by name/date criteria to the storage but does not update Lasernet Archive records.

  • Move archives - Run for Lasernet log (Archive) Query data. Allows moving specific archives to another storage option.

  • Move files - Run only for files in storage. Allows moving files by name/date criteria to the storage but does not update Lasernet Archive records.

  • Cleanup archives - Run for Lasernet log (Archive) Query data. Allows deleting specific archives that contain files or archives that do not contain files.

  • Cleanup files - Run only for files in storage. Allows cleaning up files by name/date criteria in the storage or only files that do not have an Archive record (checking cross-company).

Storage operations can be started in “Pre-calculation” mode via the option Scan only, which allows users to see what files or records will be updated by the operation without any updates actually taking place.

Failed storage operations can be re-rerun on the failed files or records.

A file-based operation can use a Regular expression File name filter as a parameter.

A storage operation can be marked to create a text file log in the storage.

The provided history cleanup job deletes unneeded historical data.

Storage operations can be executed and maintained from the Lasernet connection or the Lasernet storage browser.

Performance Using Storage Operations

Performance across all storage operations for the Azure Storage has been optimized to facilitate the transition of customers who wish to migrate documents from the Internal Azure Storage managed by FinOps to an External Azure Storage managed by the customers themselves.

Performance is optimized by introducing the same Top-Picking framework and 'Overview' as within the Test & Performance Suite, including a staging table. Introducing a staging table also ensures stability when processing many records.

Lasernet Professional

Lasernet Essentials aims to offer a user experience that is largely keyboard-free, with most functions accessible through mouse navigation alone.

This benefits the end-user and enhances software demonstrations.

Lasernet Essentials also adopts a streamlined approach, promoting adherence to best practices by offering fewer options while also ensuring that the available choices are well-considered and effective.

The Lasernet Professional edition of Lasernet FO Connector offers similar benefits concerning simplifications and enhancements. Users have the option to transition from Lasernet Essentials to Lasernet Professional and continue using the same methods/features they are accustomed to.

You have the option to transition from Lasernet Professional to Lasernet Enterprise in relation to the Form designs.

This section of the Lasernet FO Connector 7.1 New Features is divided into the following sub-sections:

1. The first sub-section describes the different options within the top half of the Lasernet Professional workspace.

2. The second sub-section outlines the lower half of the workspace and highlights the features displayed in a report Preview.

3. The third sub-section explores the Links FastTab.

4. The fourth sub-section is devoted to the Auto Update feature.

Workspace – Top Half

Access to the Lasernet Essentials workspace is restricted to users with the roles of Lasernet Administrator or System Administrator, similar to report previewing functions. The difference in logo will indicate whether Lasernet Essentials or Lasernet Professional is being used.

Lasernet Essentials is used when no license code/key has been entered, while Lasernet Professional requires a valid license code/key.

Functionality within Lasernet Essentials is accessible via the workspace or when previewing a report.

The following is the Lasernet Essentials’ logo:

Lasernet is not included within the Modules list when using Lasernet Essentials or Lasernet Professional.

Entering a valid license code activates the Advanced version and gives access to all functionality via the Modules list or the workspace.

The Lasernet workspace is streamlined to provide core output management functions.

Configuring a new report within Lasernet Professional is a straightforward process, and it can be done from within the workspace by clicking New report or Load from catalog.

Alternatively, it can also be achieved when running a report by using the Setup for Lasernet button.

New Report

1. SSRS report name

The field SSRS report name is populated by default with the name of the report you have selected from the Reports FastTab. You can see the SalesConfirmReplacement report is highlighted in light blue, which means it has been previously selected. Use the dropdown to pick any SSRS report you wish to create.

2. Design name

The Design name dropdown allows you to choose the report design you are going to employ in the legal entity you are currently using. Customer-facing reports have different localization designs honoring the specific legislation. The following is an example for the SalesInvoice.

3. Create replacement

By toggling the Create replacement button to Yes, you will have full control over the data and design of the report by using Lasernet’s powerful Query wizard and Form Editor.

The Create replacement option uses the default naming convention for the Lasernet replacement report, which adds the suffix “Replacement” to the SSRS report name.

Tables used in the SSRS report, including TMP (temporary) tables, will be added to the Query wizard.

Fields used in the SSRS report will also be added to the Query.

Note

The Lasernet Report Replacement functionality is an advanced feature of Lasernet FO Connector. A Lasernet report replacement can be used to replace an SSRS report generated from Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations.

An SSRS data provider normally populates TMP tables with data required for an SSRS report when the report is generated. A Lasernet report replacement can use the data from the TMP tables to create an XML file directly within Finance and Operation. The Lasernet Developer can then use the data from the XML file to create professional-looking documents.

Since all data used by SSRS reports is generated within Finance and Operations, replacement reports can reuse all the data sources for execution.

It is also possible to enhance the data in the Lasernet replacement report by joining additional tables to the TMP tables to retrieve data that is not available with the standard SSRS report. This can be done from the front end and requires no customizations in Finance and Operations.

Note

If you are new to the Lasernet Report Replacement functionality, read about event handlers here.

4. Let SSRS render PDF

When the Let SSRS render PDF button is toggled to No, you will have to use Lasernet Form Editor to create the document's layout.

When the Let SSRS render PDF button is toggled to Yes, you will have to use the current SSRS report design, exactly as it is.

Note

The Lasernet function Let SSRS render PDF is used to render SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports as PDF files. This function leverages the capabilities of SSRS to generate reports in a PDF format, which can then be used as is for Lasernet to distribute, printing, or archiving.

To use this function, you typically need to configure SSRS to render the report and then save it as a PDF file. Lasernet has done this programmatically using the SSRS API or through the SSRS web interface. The process involves specifying the report parameters, rendering the report, and then saving the output as a PDF file.

5. New report name

The Create replacement option uses the default naming convention for the Lasernet replacement report, which adds the suffix “Replacement” to the SSRS report name. However, you are free to change this name to your liking.

6. Create

By clicking Create, your newly created report is added to the report list.

7. Create and open

Clicking Create and open means you are ready to work with the report and would like the report and wizard to open so you can add fields to your report.

8. Cancel

When clicking Cancel, the whole process will be halted, and no new report will be created.

Load from Catalog

The Load from catalog feature enables the configuration (import) of several reports in the same run.

Mark both versions of the report - SSRS and Replacement report - and click Load.

The report is now added to your Reports FastTab and ready for use.

Overwrite

The following prompt is displayed if a report already exists:

Command

Description

Yes

Overwrite report

Yes to all

Overwrite multiple reports

No

Do not overwrite report

No to all

Do not overwrite multiple reports

Cancel

Do not overwrite any report(s)

Configure report from Journal

Additionally, you can set up aLasernet report within any of the standard journals in Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations.

Begin by selecting a standard destination for previewing the report.

The user must have either the role System Administrator or Lasernet Administrator.

Setup for Lasernet

Use the Setup for Lasernet option after previewing a report to screen (preview of standard SSRS report).

A refresh is needed when the report is set up from a journal but not if it is configured through a printer dialog, such as when posting packing slips or invoices.

The following dropdown menu is shown after the session has been refreshed, with the Lasernet destinations:

Open Designer

The Open designer tile opens the Lasernet Form Editor, where it is possible to adjust the design for the selected report.

Users can open the Form Editor from either a report’s Preview or within the workspace.

The tile’s name will change to Designer Disabled if no entry is found for the report within the Lasernet Archive. The system will inform you about this when the mouse pointer is positioned over the tile.

Designer Disabled is also shown if the report is not using an Embedded design, such as in a hybrid setup where some reports are using the Embedded engine and others are using a Lasernet Server (Enterprise version).

Similarly, a message appears within the report’s Preview if Enable embedded designs is disabled and if no single entry exists within the Archive.

When the Lasernet Form Editor is opened from a report’s Preview or from the workspace, the report name will be shown in the top bar of the Form Editor.

Run the report from its original location if no data is shown when opening the designer. Generating the report from its initial location will help ensure that data is available the next time the designer is accessed from the workspace.

Setup Wizard

The Setup wizard provides guidance for configuring Lasernet.

A checkmark in the Complete column indicates that a step has been completed. It is, however, possible to use the Reset button to remove all checkmars and start over.

1. Download and install Lasernet report designer

This step contains a link to the Lasernet report designer installation package. Lasernet report designer will allow you to design the report layout. Download the package and install the software.

2. Load basic settings

This step will load the default basic settings from the Formpipe Azure Storage. These basic settings include parameters, connections to Formpipe Azure Storage, and configuration settings allowing report execution and printout.

3. Download and install Cloud Print Connector

This step contains a link to the Cloud Print Connector installation package. Cloud Print Connector is installed on a local computer and waits for print jobs from Dynamics 365. When a report is printed from Dynamics 365, the printout file is sent to your local computer, and Cloud Print Connector will redirect it to the chosen printer on your network. Download the package and install the software.

4. Download and install Cloud Print Connector configuration

Cloud Print Connector configuration is a configuration file for Cloud Print Connector. It contains the necessary information to keep the connection with Dynamics 365 active. Download this file and double-click it. The previously installed Could Print Connector software will load and configure it.

5. Fetch local printer names via Cloud Print Connector

Fetching printers will instruct the previously configured Cloud Print Connector to prepare the list of your locally available printers and load this list to Dynamics 365.

6. Assign Lasernet users

Assign users to the Lasernet User security role. This role only provides access to the Lasernet destinations within the printer dialog. If the reports are not configured for Lasernet, a user of this role has access to the standard destinations (SSRS).

The following prompts appear if basic settings are already in place:

Settings

The Settings tile opens the Lasernet parameters page, which contains the following options:

General FastTab

In this FastTab, you can prevent the Edit dropdown option from appearing on a report’s Preview by toggling the Disable report preview edit features button to Yes.

Normally, the Edit dropdown is shown in a report’s Preview if the user has the role of either System Administrator or Lasernet Administrator.

The Disable report preview edit features option will hide the Edit button and, therefore, all features located within this dropdown.

Note

While the Edit button can be disabled, the Go to Report button is always available in a report Preview and is used to show the report within the workspace.

The Clear Lasernet cache function is located within the General FastTab and removes stored information about tables and fields within the environment. It should be used whenever new tables or fields are added.

Using Clear Lasernet cache will not interrupt any user sessions.

Performance FastTab

This FastTab enables users to choose settings for Performance optimization.

Email FastTab

This FastTab enables the user to set up the Email body editor type.

License terms FastTab

This FastTab contains information about the license type.

After entering a License code, click Save to ensure Lasernet is shown within the Modules list if a valid License code is provided.

Clicking Save will also ensure Lasernet is removed from the Modules list if no valid License code is entered.

Catalog FastTab

The Connection string found in the Catalog FastTab includes an optional link for loading basic settings and configuring reports. This is useful for sharing environment settings and report configurations.

Version FastTab

The Version FastTab contains details regarding the environment and installed software versions.

To enable the Professional edition, input a valid License code in the License FastTab and click Save. This will refresh the session.

Lasernet will appear within the Modules list and the main menu once a valid License code for Lasernet Advanced/Enterprise has been provided.

Install/Upgrade tasks FastTab

In this FastTab, it is possible to view the batch job that Lasernet automatically schedules whenever it detects a version change. This batch job is called Lasernet Install/Upgrade.

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