Preview PDFs Directly in Business Central Web Client (v26)

With the release of version 26, a significant productivity boost has arrived: direct PDF attachment previews within the web client. No more downloading, opening external viewers, or switching between applications. This streamlined experience lets you access and review crucial documents instantly, right within your Business Central workflow.

What Does This Mean For You?

Imagine you’re processing a purchase order and need to quickly verify the attached vendor invoice. Previously, you’d have to download the PDF, open it in a separate application, and then return to Business Central. This process was time-consuming and disruptive.

Now, with the new preview functionality, you can:

  • View PDFs directly in the FactBox: When a PDF is attached to a record (like a sales order, purchase invoice, or customer card), you can preview it instantly in the FactBox without leaving the page.
  • Save time and improve efficiency: Eliminate the need for downloads and external viewers, allowing you to focus on your core tasks.
  • Enhance collaboration: Quickly share and review documents with colleagues, streamlining approvals and decision-making.
  • Enjoy a seamless user experience: The integrated preview functionality provides a more intuitive and efficient workflow.

How Does It Work?

The new feature leverages the browser’s built-in PDF rendering capabilities. When you click on a PDF attachment in the FactBox, the document opens directly within the Business Central web client, allowing you to:

  • Scroll through pages.
  • Zoom in and out.
  • Search for specific text.

This feature is enabled by default in Business Central version 26. Simply open a record with a PDF attachment, and you’ll see the preview option in the FactBox.

For Developers:

  • Microsoft has added the following AL methods to enable this functionality.
    • File.ViewFromStream (for Business Central online)
    • File.View (for Business Central on-premises)

Unlock the Potential of Microsoft Dynamics 365 at Directions Asia 2024

Are you ready for Directions Asia 2024?

Directions Asia 2024 poised to be a significant conference for those in the SMB market, focusing on the latest advancements in ERP, CRM, and Cloud solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to leverage powerful tools such as the Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and Azure to unlock their full technological potential.

Key Aspects to Look Forward to:

  1. State-of-the-Art Keynotes: Industry leaders and experts will present the latest trends and innovations in ERP, CRM, and Cloud technologies. These sessions will provide insights into how SMBs can stay competitive and efficient by adopting these solutions.
  2. In-Depth Sessions: Breakout sessions and workshops will offer deep dives into specific aspects of Microsoft Power Platform, Dynamics 365 Business Central, and Azure. Participants can expect practical demonstrations, case studies, and best practices to help them implement and optimize these technologies.
  3. Networking Opportunities: The event will provide a platform for professionals to connect, share experiences, and collaborate. This is an excellent opportunity to meet peers, industry leaders, and potential partners.
  4. Hands-On Experience: Labs and interactive sessions will allow attendees to get hands-on experience with the latest tools and technologies. This practical approach helps in better understanding and applying the knowledge gained.
  5. Focus on SMBs: The sessions are tailored to address the specific challenges and opportunities faced by small and medium-sized businesses, ensuring that the content is relevant and actionable for this audience.

Key Technologies Highlighted:

  • Microsoft Power Platform: Learn how to use Power Apps, Power BI, and Power Automate to create custom business solutions, automate processes, and gain valuable insights from your data.
  • Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Discover how this comprehensive business management solution can streamline operations, improve customer interactions, and drive growth.
  • Co Pilot AI: A cutting-edge AI technology that provides intelligent assistance across Microsoft applications. Co Pilot AI helps businesses automate routine tasks, gain insights from data, and improve customer interactions, ultimately enhancing productivity and decision-making.
  • Microsoft Azure: Explore how Azure’s cloud services can enhance your IT infrastructure, provide robust security, and offer scalable solutions to meet your business needs.

Schedule

Directions ASIA 2024, held at the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel on May 16-17, features a packed schedule of keynotes, sessions, and workshops focused on ERP, CRM, and Cloud solutions. Highlights include sessions on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Power Platform, Azure, and AI integration. The event offers ample networking opportunities and practical insights tailored for SMBs looking to enhance their technological capabilities.

For more details on the schedule and specific sessions, you can visit the official Directions ASIA 2024 schedule.

Venue:

Avani+ Riverside Hotel 257 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Samre, Thon Buri, Bangkok 10600, Thailand

This is one of the wonderful venue for Directions Asia 2024. Situated along the Chao Phraya River, it offers stunning views and excellent facilities, making it a perfect location for a conference of this scale.

In my view Directions Asia 2024 is an excellent opportunity for SMBs to gain cutting-edge knowledge and tools to drive their business forward using Microsoft’s powerful technology stack.

Looking forward to seeing you at Directions Asia 2024!

What’s New for Developers (2024 Wave 1)

As you all aware of that new version of business central 2024 Wave 1 is knocking the door but before that we already got new AL language extension with many changes. The points which I can feel most useful as below

  1. Support for multiple extensions to same target and extensions and target in same app
    • This means if you are working in one of the app and based on some requirement if you want add field in one of the base table then you can create table extension for that table in the same app. Personally, I still not figure it out how I can use it in my application. (Lets give a try).
  2. Support ended for debugging Business Central server versions less than 20
    • Once you install this new version of AL language then Business Central server versions released before the April 2022 release (version 20) cannot be debugged with AL extension package versions that are greater than or equal to version 13.
  3. Tooltips on table fields
    • Introduced the tooltip property on table fields, which like the caption will be applied on page controls that reference the table field. This includes a code action that helps with moving the tooltip from page controls to table fields or cleans them up from the page in case of duplicates.
    • To get this property enabled please set runtime version as 13.0 in app.json

Note : If you already set tooltip property on table and then you try to move the page tooltip then you can see code actions is not available.

4. Placeholder text on Page Fields

Page fields can now leverage the InstructionalText and InstructionalTextML properties to define placeholders. These values will be showed when the field would otherwise be empty.

Using this new capability, you can provide example values to your users. This feature is currently supported only for text types like TextBigTextCode, and Guid.

5. New “Create AL Project” button

  • This is replacement of AL:GO!




Keep exploring and stay in touch for more.