How to Use BAQ in Epicor: Part 3 – Updatable BAQs and Advanced Functionalities

In this third part of our series on using Business Activity Queries (BAQ) in Epicor, we will explore updatable queries, a powerful feature that allows users to create and edit records directly through queries. We’ll also cover the “Where Used” feature, search capabilities, actions available, and how to export query data.

If you haven’t, go check out our second chapter from this series!.

1. Updatable BAQs

Updatable BAQs extend the functionality of standard queries by allowing you to not only retrieve data but also update it directly within the query interface. This is particularly useful for creating custom data entry forms or integrating updates with other parts of the Epicor system.

Steps to Create an Updatable BAQ:

• Create a New BAQ: Begin by creating a new query as usual. On the General sheet, select the “Updatable” checkbox to enable updatable features.

• Define Updatable Fields: Specify which fields within the tables can be updated. You can do this on the Update > General Properties sheet, where you indicate which fields are editable and which are mandatory.

• Define Update Method: Specify which Business Object use for this operation. You can do this on the Update > Update Processing sheet, where you indicate the Business Object.

• Set Permissions: Ensure that only authorized users can modify the updatable BAQ by configuring the necessary user rights in the User Account Maintenance.

Updatable BAQs can be placed on dashboards, enabling users to interact with data directly from their Epicor interface, including from mobile devices. This makes it easier to manage data entry and updates, whether in the office or on the go.

3. Analyze and Test updatable query

• Set Row Limits: In the Designer, go to the Rows to Return field and select a limit (e.g., 10, 50, 100) for testing purposes.
• Test Data Retrieval: Click the Get List button to retrieve data using the updatable query.
• Modify Data: Double-click on a row in the results grid, change a value in the Fields window, and click OK.
• Update the Database: Click Update to save changes to the database.
• Verify Changes: Use Get List again to confirm updates

2. Where Used Functionality

The “Where Used” sheets allow you to track all the items that use a particular query, helping you manage dependencies and avoid unintended consequences when modifying or deleting queries.

Key Features:

• Dashboards: See which dashboards are using the current query.
• Quick Searches: Identify quick searches linked to the query.
• Reports: Check which reports are based on the query.
• Linked Queries: Discover other queries that use this query as a parameter.

By navigating to the appropriate sheet, you can assess the impact of any changes you plan to make to a BAQ and ensure that dependent dashboards, reports, or searches continue to function correctly.

3. BAQ Search

The BAQ Search feature allows you to make query results available to users searching for specific data within the Epicor application. This is particularly useful for enhancing standard search forms with custom query results.

Setting Up Search:

• Shared Queries: Ensure that the BAQ is marked as shared so that it can be accessed by other users.
• Search Sheet: Define the columns that will be searchable and the fields that will be displayed in the search results.
• Testing: After setting up, test the search by navigating to the relevant module and confirming that the BAQ appears in the search options.

This functionality helps improve productivity by allowing users to find the exact data they need quickly.

4. Actions

The Actions menu in BAQ Designer provides various tools for managing and enhancing your queries. These include options for copying queries, exporting definitions, and managing updatable features.

Notable Actions:

• Copy Query: Duplicate an existing query to use as a base for a new one. This is especially useful when you need to create similar queries with slight variations.
• Run BPM Designer: For updatable BAQs, this action allows you to set up method directives that define how the query interacts with business processes.
• Define Custom Actions: Create placeholders for actions that can be used within updatable BAQ method directives.

These actions streamline the process of managing BAQs, making it easier to develop and deploy custom queries.

5. Exporting Query Data

Exporting query data is essential for backing up BAQs, sharing them between different environments, or conducting offline analysis.

Exporting Steps:

• Specify Output Location: Define where the exported file will be saved, whether on the server or a local directory.
• Export Process: Use the BAQ Export Process program to automate the export, ensuring the data is saved in the desired format.

This feature is critical for maintaining versions of your queries and ensuring that your BAQs can be easily transferred and reused across different Epicor environments.

Conclusion

By mastering updatable BAQs and the advanced functionalities within Epicor’s BAQ Designer, you can significantly enhance your data management and reporting capabilities. These tools not only streamline workflows but also empower users to interact with data more dynamically. Stay tuned for the next installment, where we’ll delve even deeper into Epicor’s powerful querying tools. Be sure to stay tune at our news section for next episodes!.

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