One of the best parts of Microsoft Dynamics GP is the ability customize the interface in a way that makes sense for you. As a rule, customizations are saved for each individual user and will persist everytime they log into Dynamics GP. That being the case, how good is this feature, if you don’t take advantage of it?!
This installment represents the first of a five part series addressing the customization options of Dynamics GP. Below is a summary of the other planned topics to be covered:
- Homepage Layout
- Quick Links - GP, external program, web
- Shortcuts
- Customizing your tool bar
- User preferences
If you see I am missing a topic, let me know! As I work through the above topics, other ideas may occur to me, so stay tuned for additions to the above. So, without further ado…
Customizing GP, Part 1 - Customizing the Layout of Your Home Page
A Dynamics GP Home Page provides easy access to information that you need for your job. From your Home Page, you can see a summary of your appointments, a list of your tasks and reminders, and the number of unread e-mail messages that you have, as well as other information specific to your job.
The first time that you log in to Microsoft Dynamics GP, you can select a role that is similar to your job if you are not already assigned a role, and information that might be specific to your job will be available to you. When logging onto Dynamics GP the first screen that appears is your Home Page. Customizations to the Home Page are based on user. Notice how it is labeled ‘Cathy’s Home’ in the upper left hand corner for the user ‘Cathy’. Any changes to the Home Page area will follow Cathy regardless of where she is logged in.
Microsoft Dynamics GP Home Page
To customize the Home Page layout, simply click on the link ‘Customize this page’ in the upper right hand corner of the screen. This will bring you to the ‘Customize your home page’ window: Roles determine what defaults display on the users home page. If you are a new user this could be beneficial, however if you have made changes to the layout they will be lost by opting to ‘Change Role’. Note the message that appears when you select this option.
In the Select Home Page window you will select the industry that best fits your business…
Microsoft Dynamics GP Select Home Page window
Select Home Page Window
Once you click ‘OK’ it will bring you back to the Home Page with the new layout based on the industry and role you’ve selected.
To refresh your home page click on the arrows to the far right of the address bar at the top of your window.
Other layout changes can be made in the ‘Customize your Home Page’ window. The first area determines what you would like to display on your home page. Note there are 5 items to choose from. To remove the items from your home page uncheck the box to the left of the item. For details about the item, click on the blue arrow to the right of the item (watch for my next blog for more information about this). Below this area you can ‘Define the page layout’. Your GP Role determines the default settings. To modify the layout simply highlight the content you would like to move and click the ‘Move right’ or move left button between Column 1 and Column 2, or the ‘Move Up’ or ‘Move Down’ buttons respectively.
Customize Home Page window in GP
Once your changes are complete, click on the ‘OK’ button to return to your Home Page.
Tags: customize, Dynamics GP, GP, home page, user roles
