Macros Made Easy

A macro is a computer science term that is used to describe how certain inputs can be combined to produce a particular output. From that abstract idea, we get the more concrete notion of application macros, which combine multiple steps in an application to produce useful results—for example, automating common user tasks such as printing reports, updating a range of records, or opening a SmartList query and exporting the results to Excel®.

In Microsoft Dynamics™ GP, macros can be particularly helpful for repetitive tasks: printing several reports or updating fields on several transactions or records.

To create a macro in Microsoft Dynamics GP, take the following steps:

1. Go to Tools > Macro > Record Macro.
2. To record your macro, perform the steps as you normally would. As the steps are performed, the macro records all the actions within a .MAC file.
3. When you have completed the steps you want to record in your macro, go to Tools > Macro > Stop Record.
4. Save the macro you have just created by selecting a file location and naming the macro.
5. Go to Tools > Macro > Play to use the macro to complete the task you have designed.
6. Select the .MAC file you saved previously.
7. Alternatively, you can add the macro to the Navigation Pane. From within the Navigation Pane select View > Navigation Pane.
8. Select Add > Macro.
9. Enter the display name you want to use in the Name field.
10. Click the Browse button next to the Macro File field to find the file.
11. You can now assign a single key to play the macro. Simply use the drop-down menu next to the Keyboard Shortcut field to select a key.

These instructions should open the door to many time-saving improvements in your Microsoft Dynamics GP implementation.