Unleashing the Power of Factbox in Business Central

Unleashing the Power of Factbox in Business Central

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

   • What is Fact Box
   • Why Do We Need It
   • When Should We Use It
   • Where Should We Use It
   • How to Use It
   • Pros and Cons

2. Understanding Fact Box in Business Central

   • Definition of Fact Box
   • Structure of Fact Box
   • Arrangement of Fact Box
   • Example of Fact Box in Customer List Page

3. Usage of Fact Box

   • Displaying Related Record Fields
   • Showing Related KPIs
   • Visualizing Related Data or External Sources

4. Adding Fact Box to Pages

   • Types of Pages to Add Fact Box
   • Adding Fact Box to Card Page
   • Adding Fact Box to Document Page
   • Adding Fact Box to List Page
   • Adding Fact Box to Worksheet Page

5. Creating a Fact Box

   • Creating a New Fact Box File
   • Defining ID and Page Type
   • Adding Content to the Fact Box
   • Adding System Parts to the Fact Box
   • Adding Filtering Data to the Fact Box

6. Examples of Fact Box in Action

   • Displaying Item Information
   • Adding Links and Notes
   • Implementing Repeater Control
   • Optimizing Performance of Fact Box

7. Conclusion

Fact Box in Business Central: Enhancing Data Display

Fact Box is an integral feature of business software such as Business Central, which helps users efficiently access and display Relevant information. In this article, we will explore the concept of Fact Box, its benefits, and its various applications in Business Central.

Introduction

Fact Box: What is it and why do we need it?

The Fact Box is an area located on the rightmost side of a page in Business Central. It is divided into one or more parts arranged vertically. Its primary purpose is to display related data or information about specific items on the main content page.

Understanding Fact Box in Business Central

Definition and Structure

A Fact Box is a container used to display content, including other pages, charts, and system parts. It can be added to different types of pages, such as card pages, document pages, list pages, or worksheets. Only one Fact Box is allowed per page.

Arrangement and Example

The content within a Fact Box is organized in a vertical order, with related record fields, KPIs, or external data sources displayed. For example, in the Customer List Page, the Fact Box shows details about each customer, such as customer statistics, ongoing sales codes, and blanket orders.

Usage of Fact Box

Displaying Related Record Fields and KPIs

Fact Boxes are used to Show related record fields modeled as list parts or card parts with charts or cues. These related record fields provide additional information about the selected item on the main content page. For instance, a Fact Box can display customer details, sales orders, or product information.

Visualizing External Data

In addition to record fields and KPIs, Fact Boxes can also display data from external sources. By adding a client add-in, such as Power BI dashboards or Microsoft Social Engagement, users can Visualize and access external data directly within the Fact Box.

Adding Fact Box to Pages

Types of Pages and How to Add Fact Box

Fact Boxes can be added to different types of pages, including card pages, document pages, list pages, and worksheets. Adding a Fact Box involves creating a new file with an AL extension and specifying the page type, ID, and application area. Only one Fact Box can be added per page, allowing multiple parts within it.

Creating a Fact Box

Step-by-Step Guide

To Create a Fact Box, a new file needs to be created with the AL extension. The file should include the page type, ID, and application area. Parts, such as related record fields or external data sources, can be added within the Fact Box. Filtering data can also be applied to display specific information.

Examples of Fact Box in Action

Real-Life Implementations

To better understand the usage of Fact Box, let's explore some examples. We will look at how Fact Box can be utilized to display item information, add links and notes, implement a repeater control, and optimize its performance.

Conclusion

Enhancing Data Display with Fact Box

Fact Box is a valuable feature in Business Central that improves data accessibility and usability. By efficiently organizing and presenting related information, Fact Box enhances user productivity and decision-making. Implementing Fact Box in different page types provides users with a holistic view of data, optimizing their experience within the software environment.

Highlights

• Fact Box is a feature in Business Central that displays related information on the rightmost side of a page.
• It is organized in a vertical order and can show related record fields, KPIs, or external data sources.
• Fact Box can be added to different page types, such as card pages, document pages, list pages, and worksheets.
• Related record fields are modeled as list parts or card parts, providing additional details about selected items.
• External data can be visualized through client add-ins like Power BI dashboards or Microsoft Social Engagement.
• Fact Box can be created by defining a new file, specifying page type, ID, and application area.
• Examples of Fact Box implementation include displaying item information, adding links and notes, and using the repeater control.
• Optimizing Fact Box performance is crucial for smooth data display and user experience in Business Central.

FAQ

Q: Can multiple Fact Boxes be added to a single page in Business Central? A: No, only one Fact Box is allowed per page in Business Central.

Q: Can Fact Boxes display data from external sources such as Power BI or Microsoft Social Engagement? A: Yes, Fact Boxes can visualize data from external sources by adding client add-ins.

Q: How can Fact Boxes be used to improve data accessibility and decision-making in Business Central? A: Fact Boxes provide additional information about selected items, helping users make informed decisions and enhancing their overall productivity in Business Central.

Q: Are there any performance considerations when using Fact Boxes in Business Central? A: Yes, optimizing Fact Box performance is essential for smooth data display. Implementing best practices can help ensure optimal performance in Business Central.