Filter Groups
Filter groups are an essential part of the Dime.Scheduler framework. They allow you to specify requirements for work items (such as qualifications, region, certifications, etc) and attributes for resources (such as a driver's license, languages spoken, etc), which facilitates the process of finding the right resource for the job. The most convenient way to achieve this matching process is through filter group and values management.
The 'Dime.Scheduler Filter Groups' setup also allows to define categories, time markers and pins. The configuration as described below also applies to these visual indicators.
The process of creating any of the said entities consists of the following steps:
- Create the item
- Specify the source
- Generate the available values (only for filter groups)
- Send the record to Dime.Scheduler
Filter groups and filter values can be sent manually to Dime.Scheduler (through an action in the ribbon) or through the scheduled job functionality in the 'Dime.Scheduler Setup' page.
Create the filter group
Go to the Dime.Scheduler Filter Groups list in BC, where you will encounter a grid with the following fields:
| Field, tab or group | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Specify whether this record represents a filter group, category, time marker and pin. |
| Group | The entity's name. This is also the name that is displayed in Dime.Scheduler. |
Specify the source for the filter values
The source list for the filter values are located in the ribbon under the ellipsis button and the 'Related' submenu:
The list contains the following columns:
| Field, tab or group | Description |
|---|---|
| Table No. | Specify the table number that is the source for the filter values |
| Field No. | Specify the field number of the field that contains the filter values. |
| Field Filter | Enter an optional filter to limit the available values (e.g. WHERE(Type=CONST(Resource),Skill Code=FILTER(DS))) |
Generate the available values
The sources are now available, so it is time to generate filter values based on this input. Hit the 'Create Filter Values' button. In the screenshot below, Dime.Scheduler will generate filter values for the 'Zone' filter group based on the data in table 5957 (service zones).
For the sake of completeness, it is also possible to enter manual filter values.
Send the filter values to Dime.Scheduler
Go to the 'Dime.Scheduler Filter Values' list in BC and select the entities that you wish to intend to synchronize with Dime.Scheduler, or select none to send them all.
You can mark certain filter values to be excluded from Dime.Scheduler. This is an alternative to the field filter in the filter values sources. To exclude a filter value from Dime.Scheduler, enable the Do Not Synch field.
Filter values
To manually send all filter values to Dime.Scheduler: Actions -> Synch. All. To manually send a selection of filter values to Dime.Scheduler: Actions -> Synch. Selection
Filter groups
To manually send the filter values for all filter groups at once to Dime.Scheduler, the same buttons are available here too: Go to Actions -> Synch. All. To manually send the filter values for a selection of filter groups at once to Dime.Scheduler, from the filter groups page only: Actions -> Synch. Selection
Automatic
To automatically send filter groups, categories and time markers to Dime.Scheduler, use the supplied codeunit DS Scheduled Sync.
Use a job queue to run DS Scheduled Sync every night.
Standard connector
The standard connector allows you to skip this setup for a few common scenarios. For instance, skills and zones come out of the box in Business Central, for which there is setup available in the FastTrack Wizard. When enabled, you'll see that the connector will add filter groups and configure their sources so Dime.Scheduler uses resources' skills and zones to match to the task requirements.
This standard functionality should give you a good idea of what can be achieved with the filter group and values setup in Business Central.
For an even more flexible approach, you could consider using dimensions. For a guide to set this up, continue reading here.