Comparison guide

Lasernet for Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations vs

SQL Server Reporting Services and Configurable Business Documents from Microsoft

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Content Words from the writer .......................... 3

1. Definitions ........................................ 4

2. Why are business documents so complex? .......................................... 7

3. Product overview ............................. 8

SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) ............... 8 Configurable Business Documents (CBD) ............. 8 Lasernet................................................................. 8

4. Direct comparison: Scheme ........... 9

5. Functions explained ...................... 10

6. Functions in comparison ......... 11

1. Performance requirements ...................... 11 2. Able to print on printer ............................. 11 3. Use Word or Excel for design .................. 11 4. Non-static documents .............................. 11 5. Standard Documents ............................... 12 6. Output formats ......................................... 12 7. Incident triggers ....................................... 13 8. Document variants ................................... 13 9. TransPromo ............................................. 13 10. Special logic ............................................ 14 11. Attachment handling ................................ 14 12. Barcodes, labels, and label print control .. 14 13. Direct printing .......................................... 14 14. Legal 'archive' (PDF/A) ............................ 15 15. Distribution to different output sources .... 15 16. Preview .................................................... 15 17. Batch Print/PDF ....................................... 15 18. Creating new reports ............................... 15 19. Easy maintenance ................................... 16 20. Start-up package ..................................... 16 21. Documentation ........................................ 16 22. User Interface .......................................... 17 23. Print button .............................................. 17

24. Cloud/hybrid/on-premises ............ 17 25. Fields of applications ................... 18 26. Form links .................................... 18 27. Free to use ................................... 18

7. Recommendations – When to use what? ........... 20

SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).. 20 Configurable Business Documents .......... 20 Lasernet Output Management ................. 20

8. Extras .................................... 21

Links and more information ................... 21

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Words from the writer

"Documents are boring and complex" I often hear that. Done correctly, however, Document Management can do miracles for a business. It can transform complicated processes, add agility, scale, and adjust businesses to ever-increasing demands. I hope to give you an overview of different options within the design, development, and implementation of external ERP business documents in Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. Tabellae writes this document. We are industry-leading implementers of, e.g., Lasernet Output Management. With expertise from +500 different ERP projects (including 400 Dynamics projects) over the last eleven years, we have gained extensive general Document Management knowledge that we have extracted to make this document as neutral and objective as possible. Since the first edition of Dynamics AX 2012 RTM, there have been in-software possibilities for creating external reports and business documents in Dynamics AX and Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations. At Tabellae and Formpipe Software, we have had the opportunity to dig a bit deeper into the options by having an in-depth presentation from the Microsoft development department. We have crafted this document based on available knowledge and testing in December 2021. The guide is dynamic and will be continuously further developed. Please feel free to reach out if you have comments or ideas for improvements. We are always interested in dialogue. All the best, Cafer Camur Functional Consultant, Tabellae A/S info@tabellae.com www.tabellae.com

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1. Definitions Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations (hereafter D365) which is a Microsoft enterprise resource planning system. It is the primary source from which documents are generated and distributed. A document or a report (we will use both terms throughout this guide) is to be understood as a 'Sales order invoice' or 'Sales order confirmation' or 'Customer account statement' and so on. One document can also have several variants. ERP ERP is an abbreviation for "Enterprise Resource Planning" and is the electronic resource management of business processes. ERP offers via an administrative software program that manages the company's business interactions across departments.

Lasernet It is a standard software solution from Formpipe Software AB, delivered by Tabellae. It consists of two main components: Lasernet connector for Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations (hereafter LAC) and the Lasernet Server.

Field Logic Field logic is when a field has specific rules, depending on which document type it appears on, but the field placement in question is the same.

A variant It is when a document has different layouts in different

scenarios. An example of a variant can be different layouts of an invoice depending on the generated legal entity. Another example of a variant can be different layouts of a "Sales order confirmation" based on the same field being shown in different places on the pages based on business logic. Test case A data set in D365 holds the data needed to create a variant of a document and matches the different logic in separate fields.

Document Output Management (DOM) which is the automation and centralization management of documents distributed throughout an enterprise. DOM software, such as Lasernet, designs, formats, and distributes outgoing documents/reports and transcript in the desired format.

Lasernet Connector (LAC) which is an ISV module loaded into D365, where we set up the communication to the Lasernet Server.

Lasernet Server It is a software package that we install on a Windows Server OS platform.

Best Practice Implementation Package Tabellae's best practice solution is offered to customers, containing various products and services,

to facilitate the project's development and subsequent maintenance.

Trans Promo It is a compound expression from the words Transactional and Promotional. It is the messages or information, in the form of text, icons, graphs, etc., businesses place in transactional documents to advertise or promote specific business goals.

Customer Is the end customer of the solution.

ERP Partner Is the company in charge of implementing the D365 platform for the customer.

ER Electronic Reporting is a tool created for D365 FO to facilitate the translation from business data to business documents. ER uses configurations instead of code, so it is more accessible for users with non/little code experience SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) is Microsoft's programming toolbox for reports.

CBD (Configurable Business Documents) is a Microsoft framework for Word/Excel template-based schemes for business documents.

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PDF catalog

HTML Order confirmation

Label with picture and codes

Offer with advertisement

The invoice with barcode and graphics

Offer with product and people images Export list with product image Delivery note Label Picking list

Business documents cover a wide range of customer-oriented and internal documents.

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To meet ever-increasing individual demands from customers, suppliers, and legislators, setting up a flexible way of handling an increased number of documents is a focus point for many companies.

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2. Why are business documents so complex? Business documents are often surprisingly complex and challenging to estimate. That is why it is often marked 'High Risk' in ERP project reports. Considering output early in the process is vital. An invoice is not just an invoice. Many factors must be considered: local legal demands, customer demands, multiple distribution channels and formats, logic, graphs, variations, attachments, etc.

However, it is easy to overlook the complexity of business documents. That is why Document Management (DM), shown as green underneath, is often underestimated as just a small task at the end of any ERP project.

ERP Project DM

However, looking at realized time consumption in many ERP implementation projects, Output Management often takes a significantly longer time than estimated1.

ERP Project DM

As a result, 90% of ERP projects are delayed, and 34% exceed the budget2.

Some of the reasons are

1. Output Management is thought of too late. The earlier it is considered, the more predictable the total ERP project gets 2. More countries/areas/entities than initially expected 3. Document data are not available - causing a need to create new tables, etc. that were not in the original estimate 4. Document corrections late in the process, causing unconstructive dialogue with the end customer and unnecessary high number of hours to spend on internal coding

hours, and external consultants 5. Hidden costs, especially from coding costs that run wild

Choosing the right implementation partner can reduce project risks and costs and increase the total ERP project's chances of going live within time and budget.

1 Frequent feedback to Tabellae from leading ERP vendors in Scandinavia 2 Davide Aloini, 2012, s 184. Herbert Nathan & Co. “Hvor er ERP-markedet på vej hen?” William J. Stevenson, 2011: s. 525-526

Language

Distribution

Measurements

Brand

Standard document package Layout

E-documents

Environment Sorting

Customized documents

Data formatting

Calculations

Labels

Field logic

Output

Font

Graph

Footer

Trans-Promo

Legal entity

Design

Number formatting

Prerequisites

Variant

Grouping

Usage

Attachments

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3. Product overview SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) SQL (Structured Query Language) Server Reporting Services is a server-based report generating software system from Microsoft. It is part of a suite of Microsoft SQL Server services, including SSAS and SSIS. Administered via a Web interface, it can prepare and deliver various interactive and printed reports.

SSRS enables the design, production, and development of formatted reports with tables of data, graphs, and charts. It consists of five main components:

1. Reporting Services: Interacts with other components and plays a crucial role in the processing of data, deploying, etc.

2. Reporting Server: Two databases called report server and reportservertempdb, store the reports' definition data.

3. Report Manager: Web-based application that interacts with Report server web services and allows the reports' view of data and management.

4. Report Designer: This is a publishing tool hosted by Business Intelligence Development Studio (BUDS) or Visual Studio and used to create, modify, and deploy the SSRS reports.

5. Report Builder: Report publishing executed on the client computer and creates ad-hoc end-user reports by drag and drop functionality. The Report Manager can access it.

Configurable Business Documents (CBD) CBD was released in October 2019 and is an extension of the ER. It comes with several reports consisting of ER formats and ER data models as their data source, which can be further customized through Microsoft Word or Excel. CBD comes with the promise to eventually replace SSRS, which does not support direct customization of reports, but only through a copy of SSRS reports in MD365FO.

The reports, built on top of the Electronic Reporting (ER) framework, have initially been created as an alternative to SSRS reports.

Having a global community for programmers is open-source alike, with all the benefits this brings and a lack of central knowledge and support. There is nothing out-of-the-box from Microsoft.

CBD is integrated with business processes and workflows partially, though it is only through Print Management. CBD provides Business document management, a setup for document templates with versioning.

Configurable Business Documents are only partially integrated with the D365FO document-related processes and Print Management. Therefore, it will cover only the Print Management Reports.

Lasernet Output Management Lasernet is a flexible best-of-breed standard software that makes outgoing business documents easy to create, design, format, and distribute in all formats. It is

1. Easy to handle on a day-to-day basis - also for non-technical people thanks to an intuitive drag and drop user interface that ensures that the design and layout changes for print or electronic distribution are quick, simple, and accurate

2. Scalable: new markets, entities, document variants, etc., are handled agile and cost-effective.

3. Easy customization to individual recipients

Lasernet facilitates functions such as

• Faster upgrade of ERP system • Easier maintenance of visual identity • Archiving and scanning • More efficient management of existing legislation

and standards

Lasernet also contributes to the efficient distribution of documents and is therefore well suited for optimizing processes.

Lasernet has a unique integration with most ERP systems, including MD365, NAV/BC, SAP, Oracle, Visma, Infor, and more.

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4. Direct comparison: Scheme

Feature:

SQL Server Reporting Services

(SSRS)

Configurable Business

Documents

1. Performance requirements See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison 2. Able to print () 3. Use Word or Excel for design x 4. Non-static documents x 5. Standard documents x 6. Output formats See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison 7. Incident triggers () () 8. Document variants () () 9. Trans Promo () () 10. Special logic () x 11. Attachment handling x x 12. Barcodes, labels, and label print control () 13. Direct printing () 14. Legal 'archive' (PDF/A) x x 15. Distribution to different output sources x 16. Preview 17. Batch Print/PDF 18. Creating new reports 19. Easy maintenance x x 20. Start-up package x 21. Documentation x x 22. User-interface See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison 23. Print button () () 24. Cloud/hybrid/on-premises See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison 25. Fields of application See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison See Functions in comparison 26. Form links () () 27. Free to use () x

Green: yes. Red: no. Yellow with parenthesis: Yes or no, with limitations. See comparison for details.

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5. Functions explained

1. Performance requirements: For each document and variant, it is essential to identify any performance requirements to adhere

2. Able to print: Is it possible to print to local printers?

3. Word or Excel? Is it possible to use Microsoft Word or Excel to design the documents?

4. Non-static documents: Is there a 'static' design template used as the basis for most documents? Results in a smooth development, fewer iterations during the test-and-approval phase.

5. Standard documents: Are there predefined standard documents ready to use without further development?

6. Output formats: Which output formats are possible?

7. Incident triggers: Automatic report execution based on data-driven events

8. Document Variants: In most projects, there will be a need for variants of every document based on business needs and local legislations.

9. Trans Promo: Is it possible to use Trans Promo functionality to empower the document? Beneficial with an increase in sales, improve customer service, optimize work processes, etc.

10. Special logic: Unique logic is when the document owner wishes the documents or just some fields on a given document to follow specific rules or guidelines.

11. Attachment handling: Can the files in different formats be attached to the documents?

12. Barcodes, labels, and label print control: Do the reports handle the creation or implementation of barcodes, unique labels, and label-print control functionality?

13. Direct printing: How much control is there of printing operations? That can be on static print, dynamic print, distributed print, Follow-Me print, etc.

14. Legal 'archive' (PDF/A): To save the generated business document for easy reference when communicating with customers, vendors, agencies, and municipalities.

15. Distribution to different output sources: A standard output management task distributes business documents to the right channel in the correct format, using intelligent rules based on the ERP output parameters.

16. Preview: Is there any preview functionality that can be used to view the documents before the final output is initiated?

17. Batch Print/PDF: Batch printing refers to the possibility to print in more massive amounts, both on-demand and on time-based schedules.

18. Creating new reports: How easy is it to create reports that are not in the start-up package?

19. Easy maintenance: How is the maintenance of the reports if there is a need to change a document?

20. Start-up package: Does the solution offer a start-up package that contains a variety of products and services?

21. User Interface: How is the user interface? Which program is used, and how is the difficulty level?

22. Documentation: Do the documents have extensive documentation, where data and functionality are explained?

23. Print button: “Short cut buttons” triggering a specific document destination.

24. Cloud/hybrid/on-premises: What is offered on the storage and usage of the documents? Is it cloud, hybrid, or on-premises solutions?

25. Fields of applications: Which application fields does the solution support?

26. Form links: Is it possible to print custom reports through a button or menu in an existing Dynamics form?

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6. Functions in comparison

1. Performance requirements

SSRS is dependent on an SSRS server

CBD is suited for single output documents only

Lasernet uses the scalability and performance from Azure as well as failover and load management technologies.

2. Able to print on printer

Yes

Printing is possible, though only through PDF files, either converted from Word or Excel or documents generated in

PDF format. Before actual printing can happen, users must install DRA

and register the network printers.

Yes

3. Use Word or Excel for design

Not possible Yes. It is possible to use Word or Excel to design business documents. The native format for the document for storing and distribution will then be .xlsx or .docx

Yes

4. Non-static documents

Yes. SSRS can handle dynamic variations and partial design templates

No. If the design varies from single to multi-page

documents, a design template for each layout must be generated

Yes. Lasernet can handle dynamic variations and partial

design templates. Lasernet Developer gives the functionality for precise positioning and dynamic control of headers and footers. Differentiation between the first page

and the last page is standard functionality

SSRS CBD Lasernet

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SSRS CBD Lasernet

5. Standard Documents Microsoft offers several standard documents out of the box, and they support almost all types of documents. Designing documents demands programming competencies. In Dynamics 365, it is not allowed to make changes to Microsoft standard reports, and therefore reports become an extra development object. When making changes, a copy of the Microsoft standard report must be created to make it your own and changing the content. Complexity can increase because new Microsoft upgrades will not be automatically updated on the copies

CBD has several static document templates, but only a fraction of the documents offer Print Management. The documents can be edited in Excel, PDF & Word formats by end-users to add or remove fields and change document layout, formatting, and styles. Also, there are more design elements in the global repository to choose from. Many of these variations work for a single region only. Searching for report elements is limited, as they are only listed after the release date. CBD can program some electronic formats, but it is not a task that can be maintained and extended by super users. CBD can also send limited documents to customers in different languages without customization.

Tabellae Best Practice' package' is designed to give the project an easy and fast jump-start. It has several templates to choose from – pre-configured, designed, and ready for final customization. The templates come in different configurations and designs. The standard documents offer great flexibility, and they are highly dynamic. They can be changed and suited to meet any user's needs, regardless of their coding experience. D365 upgrades do not affect Lasernet functionality as Lasernet is highly flexible and incorporates minor changes. Lasernet can be based on the SSRS framework so that one can use MS standard reports. Changes are made as configuration (metadata), meaning there is no Dynamics 365 programming

6. Output formats

• XML • CSV • Image (TIFF) • PDF • Excel • Word • HTML 4.0

• Peppol • EHF • OIOUBL • Svefak • FinVoice

• Word • Excel • PDF

All XML standards and formats:

• Peppol • EHF • OIOUBL • Svefak • FinVoice • EDI • ZUGFeRD

• CSV • PDF • Word • Excel • HTML

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SSRS CBD Lasernet

7. Incident triggers

Possible, but only when hard-coded

Possible, but only when hard-coded

Yes. Integrated functionality. No need for coding.

8. Document variants

Possible to manage, but then the complexity rises tremendously, making document maintenance a high-

level task

Possible to manage, but then the complexity rises

tremendously, making document maintenance a high-level task

Yes. Supported as standard

9. TransPromo Not a standard functionality but can be programmed

Not a standard functionality but can be programmed

Yes. User-friendly elements have been added as a standard to the Tabellae Best Practice document package, such as logo, highlighting, and call to action. The desired degree of complexity can be selected on and off as layers depending on the document

Transactional document

User-friendly document (standard)

Promotional document

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SSRS CBD Lasernet

10. Special logic

Not a standard functionality but can be programmed

Not a standard functionality Yes, it is possible to specify the unique logic behind some of the fields' documents and their variants.

It can be a simple visual marking on the visual layout of the document variant and preferably followed by a

detailed description of the logic

11. Attachment handling

No No Yes

12. Barcodes, labels, and label print control

No, but it can be encoded

Yes, via barcode data sources Yes, several formats/fonts supported and easily applied to the documents

13. Direct printing

Yes. The print is supported. Static print and print on

multiple printers are supported.

Printing profiles, like specific settings on printer drivers for a specific document, are not supported

Printing is supported in the April 2020 release.

It is no longer needed to impose a lot of manual operations to produce a print.

Printing profiles, like specific settings on printer drivers for a specific document, are not supported

Yes. Complete control over the printing operation,

including static print, dynamic print over multiple pages, and distributed print, directly to label printers, and print to

Follow-Me printing solutions are supported.

The use of advanced barcode printing is included in the standard package from Tabellae.

The Cloud print connector fully controls cloud print from Azure to printers on the ground

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SSRS CBD Lasernet

14. Legal 'archive' (PDF/A)

Not supported

Not supported.

In many situations, the desired and standard format for business documents is PDF. It is possible to create PDF documents by using Precision Designs or PDF templates

Yes.

Archive the document attached to the related business transaction (e.g., order, confirmation, invoice). The storing

format is PDF/A, an ISO-standardized version of the Portable Document Format (PDF) specialized for

archiving electronic documents' long-term preservation. PDF/A differs from PDF by prohibiting features unsuitable for long-term archiving, such as font linking (as opposed

to font embedding) and encryption

15. Distribution to different output sources

Yes. In SSRS, this functionality is covered by using print management

No. In CBD, it is not an option for all documents and consequently must be performed manually

Yes. Lasernet Output Management has this functionality as a standard, called predefined destinations

16. Preview

Yes Yes Yes

17. Batch Print/PDF

Yes Yes Yes

18. Creating new reports

Yes

Yes

Yes

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SSRS CBD Lasernet

19. Easy maintenance

No.

Programming and deeply technical skills required.

No.

Programming and deeply technical skills required. As CBD is built on ER, it is inflexible regarding customer-specific documents. CBD requires the build on a fixed

XML model. Subsequently, data sources are mapped to this fixed model.

CBD is based on XML models and mapping definitions as ongoing releases in a community, with no guarantee

whether a model/mapping definition will be changed when upgrading the D365FO.

Yes.

No need to have programmers do daily maintenance. Business functions such as Marketing, Sales, or

Administration can handle day-to-day functions, thanks to an intuitive drag and drop user interface in Lasernet.

Lasernet + connector to MD365 is continuously adjusted to newer versions.

20. Start-up package

No Yes Yes. Tabellae Best Practice package includes

• Implementation best practices • Documentation • Predefined documents

21. Documentation

No No Yes. • An extensive set of manuals with

Best Practice guidelines. • Tabellae Academy (certification in Lasernet).

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SSRS CBD Lasernet

22. User Interface

SSRS has introduced a lot of improvements in its latest interface. Works well with most modern browsers and

removing Active X components. However, the visualizations' fundamental nature and the reluctance to introduce easy upgrades hamper the user

experience.

Power users can use Business document management templates by designing in Word, Excel, and PDF.

To enable Business document management, D365FO is used.

Lasernet Developer is a powerful tool that anyone can use, no matter their code experience. The software's

drag-and-drop functionality enables easy, friendly usage.

23. Print button

Possible, but only when hard-coded.

Possible, but only when hard-coded.

Yes, pre-configured through the Lasernet Connector

module in D365FO.

24. Cloud/hybrid/on-premises

SSRS offers its services through both on-premises as well as cloud or hybrid environments.

The business document management feature is

implemented only for cloud deployment. MS Suite for designing templates is both in the cloud and

on-premises.

Lasernet has a close integration with all IT systems,

including MD365, through its module connector and can be used on cloud or on-premises.

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SSRS CBD Lasernet

25. Fields of applications

• Output Management • Sales documents • EDI/E-invoicing (via Electronic Reporting) • E-mail templates (via Print Management/Dynamics) • Config of new reports and buttons • TransPromo (Not standard, can be programmed)

• Output Management • Sales documents • EDI/E-invoicing (via Electronic Reporting) • E-mail templates (via Print Management/Dynamics)

• Output Management • Sales Documents • EDI/ E-invoicing • E-mail templates • Config of new reports and buttons • Warehouse Mobile App • System Integration • The digital signature on the invoice • Review before sending • Web archiving

• Input Management

26. Form links

Possible, but only when hard-coded.

Possible, but only when hard-coded.

Yes, standard in the Lasernet Connector.

Users can create and configure form links on existing D365 forms.

27. Free to use

Free if you have Microsoft SQL Server.

Free

Not free.

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7. Recommendations – When to use what? SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)

The tool is useful when there are only very few external reports in minor variations.

Configurable Business Documents

The tool helps static and straightforward documents and smaller enterprises where the existing predefined documents can be used.

Lasernet Output Management

The tool for companies with more entities, regions/countries, or need for business documents customized to the receivers.

Use SSRS for internal reports that are to be presented on screen or as lists.

It is not recommendable for designed or graphic documents, where the visual elements are essential.

It is not recommended when there are operations with several entities, countries, and printing needs.

It allows users to create business-critical reports on a scalable server-based platform and has a large support community.

It can take vast amounts of server resources from the database, especially if it runs extensive reports.

SSRS can handle large volumes and batch print, but the SSRS servers and technology's use tends to be slow for print or PDF output in large volumes.

To maintain the solution, it is advisable to have internal SSRS and Visio studio experts or to make sure to get access to these from your ERP vendor.

Not easily usable for average users that do not have any coding experience.

It only runs on Windows and can be difficult to upgrade.

As it is built around Electronic Reporting, users must first configure the ER parameters to start working with Business document management.

Word and Excel make this solution designed for smaller volumes of business documents where the need for automation is low.

Very user-friendly if the documents are to be designed in Word or Excel.

Both Word and Excel are somewhat lacking in functionality and have limited usage and control.

Valid for Dynamics 365 Finance–only implementations but not valid for the typical 365 operation installation where unique logic, labels, and various output formats (EDI, XML, etc.) are often required.

The handling of all graphic and electronic formats is supported, including barcodes, PEPPOL, and EDI. The Output Management project comes with several elements:

• Design in a proper design tool.

• An implementation process reduces build time and brings the desired documents quickly to the Test phase – when implemented with Tabellae Best Practice.

• Access to customer support and SLA

• High flexibility in adding more data to the business documents and different designs from data in a different environment. This means that the documents' layout can be adjusted without the need for access to D365FO environments.

• Design in a proper design tool.

• Access to "Business Document" and requirements knowledge, which have been accumulated for more than ten years.

It is not 'free software' like SSRS and CBD. The typical Return of Investment is less than six months for renting the software due to significant day-to-day savings.

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8. Extras

Links and more information Please contact info@tabellae.com for more information or to evaluate the business case.

Electronic Reporting and Configurable Business Documents:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/fin-ops-core/dev-itpro/analytics/er-business-document-management

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/fin-ops-core/dev-itpro/analytics/general-electronic-reporting

Lasernet:

Visit www.tabellae.com for customer cases, videos, etc.

Disclaimer We reserve the right to make text changes and typing errors. The views expressed in this paper is that of Tabellae at the time of publication and should be regarded as a guidance, rather than a statis and absolute truth.

Publication date: December 2021.