In the fast-evolving world of digital business solutions, customization and efficiency are key. For users of the Microsoft Power Platform, especially those working with Microsoft Dataverse, grids are essential for displaying and interacting with data. However, the out-of-the-box (OOB) grids within Microsoft Dataverse, including dashboard grids, entity main list grids, form grids, associated grids, advanced find grids, and lookup window grids, often lack the flexibility that users need for a truly personalized experience.
Introducing CRM GRID PLUS 2
Enter CRM GRID PLUS 2, a powerful tool designed to enhance the existing capabilities of Microsoft Power Platform grids. By filling the gaps in functionality, CRM GRID PLUS 2 allows users to customize their grid presentations to better meet their specific requirements.
Key Enhancements with CRM GRID PLUS 2
While standard grids offer basic functionalities like adding or removing columns, reordering columns, sorting columns, and adjusting column widths, CRM GRID PLUS 2 takes customization to the next level.
Missing Functions Addressed:
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Row Formatting: Users can apply alternating colors to odd and even rows, significantly improving readability—an essential feature when handling large data sets.
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Conditional Formatting: Much like the powerful conditional formatting feature in Microsoft Excel, CRM GRID PLUS 2 enables users to format grid cells based on specific conditions. This includes options to change text styles (bold or italic), text color, and background color, making it easier to highlight critical data points and trends at a glance.
Technical Insight
CRM GRID PLUS 2 achieves its enhancements through an innovative approach. Instead of utilizing the default icon and description rendering, it employs a technique based on insights from Microsoft’s documentation. By returning a null icon and an empty description, CRM GRID PLUS 2 uses JavaScript to dynamically format grid colors, providing a seamless experience similar to Excel’s sophisticated conditional formatting.
The JavaScript code generated by CRM GRID PLUS 2 is optimized for performance, ensuring that operations are efficient and responsive. This code meticulously checks performance, making certain that each cell is processed only once during rendering. This efficient approach minimizes resource usage and improves load times, which is crucial for maintaining high performance. Furthermore, all processing occurs on the client side, reducing server load and enhancing the user experience by handling interactions directly in the browser.
It’s important to note that CRM GRID PLUS 2 does not support editable grids. This limitation means that while it provides extensive functionalities for viewing and formatting data, direct data modification within the grid itself is not possible. Users will need to rely on other methods for editing data entries.
Historical Context and Evolution
CRM GRID PLUS 2 builds on a rich legacy of customization solutions. The original CRM GRID PLUS supported various versions of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, including CRM 2013, 2015, and 2016, as documented in the CodePlex Archive. This foundational work has led to the advanced capabilities found in CRM GRID PLUS 2 today. You can view a demonstration of the original CRM GRID PLUS in action on YouTube here.
Seamless Integration and Accessibility
CRM GRID PLUS 2 integrates effortlessly with existing systems, requiring minimal setup while delivering maximum benefit. To get started, download and install a managed solution from the GitHub release page. Once installed, you can set up CRM GRID PLUS 2 in the home page grid, ensuring you are utilizing the latest features to enhance data interaction and performance.
To see CRM GRID PLUS 2 in action and learn more about its journey, you can watch a detailed video on YouTube: CRM GRID PLUS 2 Video. This video highlights the development process and the features this solution offers, marking the culmination of years of effort now ready for public release.
Conclusion
For professionals and organizations aiming to enhance their data interaction and visualization within Microsoft Power Platform, CRM GRID PLUS 2 is an invaluable tool. By adding essential features like Excel-style conditional formatting, it transforms the way data is viewed and utilized, making complex data sets more accessible and actionable.
Embrace CRM GRID PLUS 2 to not only enhance your current capabilities but also to drive innovation in how data is managed and utilized. As businesses continue to seek greater customization and efficiency, tools like CRM GRID PLUS 2 will play a pivotal role in the future of Microsoft Dataverse and data management.