Data Entry Screen
Parts of the Data Entry screen
Most master-data forms in dsGST use this user-interface (UI) — for example Account Groups, Account Master, Manufacturers, Items, To-Do Entry, etc.
Parts of the Screen
The parts of the data entry screen are...
The content, size and format of the parts may vary from screen to screen, depending on the type of data each one is designed to handle.
Selector Panel
The Selector Panel uses a list box to show the entries already available. Click or select an entry to display its details in the Data Panel.
Double-clicking an entry opens it for editing — the same as selecting it and pressing Edit.
Filter Panel
The Filter Panel controls what is listed in the Selector Panel. Type the text to search for and press Filter; the panel turns orange to remind you that the list is filtered. Press Clear to remove the filter and list everything again.
The First, Previous, Next and Last buttons move through the entries in the Selector Panel.
Data Panel
The Data Panel is where you enter the data. By default this panel is locked — no changes are allowed until an action is started from the Action Panel.
Many screens also show a small usage summary for the selected entry (for example, how many items or accounts use it). This tells you at a glance whether the entry is in use before you change or delete it.
Action Panel
The same screen is used to maintain the data...
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
Add New | Clears the Data Panel and unlocks it for a new entry. When Saved, the data is saved as a new record. |
Edit | Unlocks the Data Panel for the selected entry. When Saved, the existing record is replaced with the changed data. |
Repeat | Unlocks the Data Panel for a new entry without clearing the current data. When Saved, a new record is created from the changed data. Handy for adding several similar entries. |
Delete | Deletes the selected record, if it can be deleted. |
Once Add New, Edit or Repeat is pressed, the Selector, Filter and navigation buttons are hidden and the Action Panel is replaced by:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
Save | Saves the entry and locks the Data Panel again. |
Drop | Discards the changes and shows the entry as it was. |
The background colour of the screen tells you which mode you are in:
| Colour | Mode |
|---|---|
| Normal (grey) | Display — nothing can be changed |
| Light yellow | Add New |
| Light pink | Repeat |
| Light cyan | Edit |
The action buttons are shown only if your user has the matching permission (Add, Edit or Delete — see User Permissions). Edit and Delete are enabled only when an entry is selected, and Delete stays disabled when the entry is already used elsewhere and cannot be removed.