Earlier in this chapter, we discussed modifying the default SmartLists that are included with any base install of GP. As wonderful and helpful as these default SmartLists can be, there comes a time in every GP user's life that no SmartList exists to satisfy a particular reporting need. Perhaps an existing SmartList provides some of the data, but it's missing a join to the particular table that provides critical information required by an end user. At times like these, where the ease-of-access and easy-to-use functionality of SmartList is still desired, developers and consultants can use SmartList Builder to extend the basic reporting functionality offered by the default SmartLists.

The beauty of SmartList Builder is that it allows us to replicate the same functionality of regular SmartLists while connecting to data sources beyond just the standard Microsoft Dynamics GP tables. In fact, developers and consultants have the ability...