A client uses PO templates to create recurring weekly and monthly PO's.

It appears there is no way to modify an existing template other than to turn it into a PO, make the modifications to the PO, delete the template, re-save the PO as a template, and then delete the PO. Please confirm this.

Is there a way for a user to control how templates are sorted on the grid?

They have two requests to make the template functionality more useful.

They would like to be able to multi-select templates and turn them into PO's en masse. Ideally this could be done in conjunction with template filters (they use an optional field called Frequency to mark each template as weekly or monthly). Alternatively, if there was a way to group templates together on the grid, that would work (see my question above).

They would like to put a "last updated field" on the grid that tells them when they last turned a template into a PO, for control purposes.

Thanks

Steve

Hi, Steve,

I can add suggestions to R&D to make Filters available on the Templates grid which would provide a way to sort the templates and another one to allow multi-selection of templates for PO creation. Question: How many templates are they wanting to multi-select at a time? And, approximately how many templates do they currently have?

Yes, the way to edit a template is to use the Create PO button, make the change and post it. I can also add a suggestion for an Edit button that updates the template but does not also create a new PO.

However, have they considered using Standing Orders? They allow you to edit the order without creating a new PO.

Currently, there already are Date Last Edited, Last Edited by User and Time Last Edited fields that may be added to the Templates grid. There are also fields for creation.

I will look at Standing Orders - that might work for them.

They have about 20 or so Templates, most of which result in weekly PO's, but some monthly and some quarterly.

The Date Last Edited and other fields you mentioned are only updated when the Template is created. We would need a date field that gets updated whenever the Template is accessed, or specifically when it is turned into a PO.

Steve

Yes, I see what you mean. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Steve. Will let R&D know for you.

I took a look at Standing Orders. They are editable and filterable, and you can assign them their own PO number series. In all other respects they offer the same functionality as Templates, so I don't even understand the reason for having Templates. Can you offer one?

The only thing I can think of (and this is stretching) is that Templates are stored in their own data table, while Standing Orders are stored in the same table as PO's/Receipts. Honestly, though, I think it makes more sense to be in the same table.

But I still have the same requests for Standing Orders as for Templates - the ability to multi-select, and a date field that gets updated when the Standing Order is turned into a PO (not just when it is physically edited) and can be displayed on the grid.

Steve

Steve,

Just to update this thread further. There is no edit function for templates which is why there is no Last Edited Date for them.

The PO that is created by a template or standing order is assigned its own Date Created, Created by user, etc. fields.