New Flexibility: The Dynamic User Interface in Command 14.2
/ Author: Bernd Pratschke
In today’s digital world, simplifying complexity is key to efficient workflows and high user satisfaction. With Command 14.2, FNT introduces a dynamic user interface that offers maximum flexibility. The more precisely forms and interfaces are tailored to specific tasks, the fewer errors occur, enabling faster onboarding and optimized workflows. This innovative architecture combines adaptability with intuitive usability to meet the diverse needs of modern enterprises.
The Challenge: Static Templates are a Barrier to Innovation
Traditional templates based on static XML files are limited in their adaptability. Changes to attributes, fields, or structures require labor-intensive customization processes that consume time and resources. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to implement customer-specific requirements.
The Solution: Dynamic Templates with Command 14.2
Starting with version 14.2, most entities are transitioning to dynamic templates, offering significant advantages:
- Dynamic Adjustments: Attributes can be flexibly rearranged, hidden, or edited directly within the user interface.
- Enhanced Configuration Options: Mandatory fields, default values, and predefined picklists can be easily modified.
- Hybrid Use: For customers unable to fully switch to dynamic templates, the use of statically customized templates remains possible.
- Simplified Standard Customization: Reduced customization effort significantly improves project efficiency.
The new interface combines a static core (e.g., zone data) with dynamic components (e.g., basic and operational data) that can be configured through the Entity Manager.
A Sneak Peek at Command 14.4
The upcoming Command 14.4 release will further expand the dynamic user interface architecture. Two major enhancements are planned:
- Introduction of Containers: Groups of related elements such as attributes, tables, or buttons can be flexibly integrated into templates. This enables dynamic customization of complex templates.
- Schema Export and Import: Configurations can be transferred between different Command systems, significantly improving collaboration and reusability.
Why Dynamic Templates Are the Future
The dynamic template architecture represents a shift toward more flexible and efficient user interface design. It enables needs-based customization without the complexity of traditional customization processes.
Customers and partners benefit from increased project efficiency, improved workflows, targeted training, and reduced error rates, making it easier to meet individual requirements.
With Command 14.2 and the planned enhancements in Command 14.4, the configurability of user interfaces will continue to evolve to meet growing and changing demands.
Head of Portfolio Management and Senior Product Manager
Bernd Pratschke organizes development and release planning for FNT software products, aligning them with market demands and strategic initiatives.
