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Setting Up the Dataset Table

Dataset tables define which data from Business Central is displayed in the Business Portal. Each table is identified by a unique Dataset Table Code and linked to a Business Central table. Properties such as type, the name visible in the portal, and activation for the portal can be defined. The setup is done through the functions in the top menu, such as New Row, Delete Row, Fields, Custom Fields, and Detail Layout, to customize the structure and presentation of the data.

In the Overview of Business Portals Setup section, you can find a Setup Example to help you understand the Business Portals setup mechanics better.

Follow these steps to set up a dataset in the Dataset Table:

  1. Start as a Business Portals administrator in the Role Center.
  2. Open the dataset through the menu by selecting Portal Setup and clicking on Dataset. Alternatively, you can find the Business Portals dataset using the search function.
  3. An overview of the available datasets will be displayed.
  4. If you have not set up a dataset yet, you can find a detailed description under Setting Up a Dataset.
  5. Select the dataset in which you want to modify or add to the Dataset Table.
  6. Navigate to the Table section.
  7. Create a new dataset in the Dataset Table by clicking on an empty row or on New Row.
  8. Choose a unique code that defines what you want to display, e.g., Invoices (Invoice).
  9. Select a type. The type Head is the header, and Line is the line that can display individual items within a header.
  10. The Active column shows whether the rows are active. You can deactivate individual rows if you do not need them at the moment.
  11. In the Labels column, you can assign a title. Under Setting Up a Label, you can learn how to create a label.
  12. You can specify whether a dataset table should be displayed for a specific company. This is defined in the Company column.
  13. In the Table section, you need to define which table from Business Central is referenced. If you want to set up a dataset table for invoices, it must be assigned to the Sales Invoice Header table 112.
  14. The Key Index Descending is used to set the sorting of entries, e.g., invoices (ascending/descending).

Displaying Content in the Portal

To display content in the portal, fields must be selected and assigned to groups and collapses in the detail layout.

  1. Select the Dataset Table in which you want to display content.
  2. Click on Fields in the table ribbon bar.
  3. Select the information (fields) that should be displayed in the portal.
  4. The source of the fields comes from the table in Business Central that you selected for your dataset table.

Setting Up Web Content

In the configuration of web content for a dataset table, you can customize the presentation and functionality in the portal.

General Display Options

Types Description Setup
Table Display records in a structured table view Table
Tile Display records in a tile format. Tile
Form Allows sending requests through a configured form Form

Info

To ensure that the setup is efficient and complete, we recommend the following order:

  1. Create Dataset Table
    Create a new dataset in the Dataset Table area.

  2. Define Table Type
    Select the type Head or Line.

  3. Enter Caption
    Define a meaningful caption for display in the portal.

  4. Select Business Central Table
    Choose the table from Business Central that serves as the data source.

  5. Configure Fields
    Click on Fields in the ribbon bar and select the fields to be displayed in the portal.

  6. Design Detail Layout
    Open Detail Layout and arrange the fields into groups and collapses for a clear presentation. If an additional dataset of type Line has been created, you must also organize these in the detail layout.

  7. Define Filters
    Set filters to limit the displayed data.

  8. Add Actions
    Go to Actions and add the required actions.

  9. Check Web Content
    Review the settings in the Web Content area.

  10. Set Up Dashboard Group
    Set up the dashboard group and link it to the dataset.

  11. Publish
    Save your changes and click on Publish to make the table available in the portal.