Navigation and Dashboard

current implementation

• functionality split across several modules; partner module is used from finance module and other interoperation
• functionality is hidden in long menu paths
• can edit previous partners, special menu with last used partners

New TaskPanel Layout

• a task panel consists of several sections that can be extended and collapsed
• the goal is to guide the user quickly to the tasks that she needs to do, and links to recent activity of the user
• even quick find controls can be integrated
• simple example of how to use normal Panels, without using yet another user control: http://www.codeproject.com/KB/vb/HomemadeXPPanel.aspx
• (1) sample for the Partner Find Screen (was done using http://www.codeproject.com/cs/miscctrl/TgXPPanel.asp)
• (2) another sample for Finance Module screen
• (3) for the main screen

Outlook like Panel

• only one panel is open at the time
• the other panels are collapsed; they can be shown as items at the bottom of the side panel, or as icons, or hidden completely (a menu brings them back)

ListView

• in the centre panel, a List view (list, big icons, small icons; using groups; using descriptions ie subitem) shows the available tasks

Dashboard

• above or below the listview, we can have several other panels
• eg. a dashboard with charts etc

Calendar panel

• on the right side, there is a collapsable panel with calendar, and reminders etc

Search boxes

• there should be a search box on top of the list view
• default search should be for some data relevant on this page (eg. Partner Name for Address module)
• drop down allows to search for other relevant data
• is it possible to search for several criteria and return all results?
• search for tasks

Hierarchy of tasks

• Department (was Module in Petra 2.x)
  • implemented as top level folder in Outlook style bar (only one visible at one time)
  • eg. Finance, Personnel
  • Custom Module as well where users can add favourite tasks
• Module
  • implemented as collapsible panel in outlook style task bar
  • eg. Finance: Gift Processing, General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Budget, Setup
• SubModule
  • implemented as Link on the collapsible panel in left bar
  • eg. Finance/General Ledger: Setup, transactions, Reports, Period-End, ICH processing
• Task Group
  • implemented as group in ListView
  • eg. General Ledger/Setup: Accounts, Costcentres, Other
• Task
  • implemented as item in ListView; subitem contains the description
  • eg. General Ledger/Setup/Accounts: add posting account; add foreign currency account; import chart of accounts; show account hierarchy; rename account; etc.
  • basically uses the same screen, but presets selection etc.