How to Install Docentric AX via Models

A preferred way to install Docentric AX in a D365FO development environment is by importing Docentric AX model files. This deployment strategy doesn’t only give you access to the product’s X++ source code and a possibility to debug and troubleshoot but more importantly, a clean way of creating a single Deployment Package containing all models that need to be deployed to your staging and production environments. In other words, Docentric AX models and all other developed and customized models will be merged into a single Deployment Package.

Available Docentric AX models

Core product models

  • Docentric AX
    Improves SSRS reports in terms of design, printing, emailing, distributing and archiving.
  • Docentric AX Extension
    Contains extensions of the D365FO artifacts that enable integration with the SSRS and other built-in frameworks.
    Prerequisite models: Docentric AX.
  • Docentric AX Emails
    Improves Email templates used for email notifications sent out from D365FO, e.g. for Retail orders, Workflows or Alerts.
    Prerequisite models: Docentric AX.
    Learn more >>
  • Docentric AX License Plate Labels
    Improves WHS License plate labels in terms of design, setup and printing.
    Prerequisite models: Docentric AX, Docentric AX Extension.
    Learn more >>

Additional models

  • Docentric AX SSRS Replicas
    Contains artifacts for Docentric SSRS Replicas including Docentric report templates (stored as AOT Resources) and DSP classes. Docentric DSP classes enable report specific placeholders (Custom placeholders), Improved Print archive, Saving reports to Attachments, Emailing reports with additional attachments, Improved Batch email sending status, etc. It also contains extensions to fix or improve behavior of the built-in artifacts related to SSRS reports.
    Prerequisite models: Docentric AX, Docentric AX Extension.
    Learn more >>
  • Docentric AX CBD Replicas
    Contains artifacts for Docentric CBD Replicas (CBD = Configurable Business Documents) including Docentric report ER-based templates (stored as AOT Resources) and extensions for DSP classes of Docentric SSRS Replicas. These extensions are created to support the existing functionalities of Docentric SSRS Replicas: Custom placeholders, Improved Print archive, Saving reports to Attachments, Emailing reports with additional attachments, Improved Batch email sending status, etc.
    Prerequisites: Docentric AX, Docentric AX Extension, Docentric AX SSRS Replicas.
    Learn more >>
  • POCs and Custom Solutions

    On our Blog you can find completely free custom solutions that you can use as-is or modify to suit your needs, such as:

    and more.
    Prerequisite models: Docentric AX, Docentric AX Extension, Docentric AX Emails, Docentric AX SSRS Replicas.
    Learn more >>

WHICH MODELS TO INSTALL

No matter if you are using Free or Full Edition, we recommend installation of ALL available models (Core product + Additional) except:

  • Docentric AX CBD Replicas -> install if you are using CBD Data Sources for your reports.
  • Docentric AX License Plate Labels -> install if you are using Improved License Plate Labels.
  • POCs and Custom solutions -> install as needed.

Download Docentric AX models

In the downloaded ZIP packages, you will find Docentric AX models but also the following additional files:

  • ReadMe.txt contains more precise instructions which model files to use (e.g. it can happen that models will be different for different D365FO application and platform version).
  • VersionReleaseNotes.txt contains the list of new features and bug fixes in the new version release.
    Read the complete Docentric AX change log >>
  • DocentricAXInstallCoreModels.cmd is a script to import/replace/delete all three product core models on OneBox development environments.
  • DocentricAXInstallSSRSReplicasModel.cmd is a script to import/replace/delete (i.e. install/upgrade/uninstall) the Docentric AX SSRS Replicas model on OneBox development environments.
  • DocentricAXInstallCBDReplicasModel.cmd is a script to import/replace/delete (i.e. install/upgrade/uninstall) the Docentric AX CBD Replicas model on OneBox development environments.
  • DocentricAXBuildAndSyncTool.cmd is a script to build all installed models and synchronize the database on OneBox development environments.

Install Docentric AX with scripts

To install Docentric AX models you can use the scripts from the downloaded ZIP packages:

  1. DocentricAXInstallCoreModels.cmd, DocentricAXInstallSSRSReplicasModel.cmd and DocentricAXInstallCBDReplicasModel.cmd to import the models,
  2. DocentricAXBuildAndSyncTool.cmd to build the models and synchronize the database.

Alternatively, you can follow the instructions below to complete the installation procedure step-by-step.

Install Docentric AX manually

We recommend to stop (1) IIS Server in IIS Manager and (2) Microsoft Dynamics 365 Unified Operations: Batch Management Service in Computer Management, before the installation takes place.

1. Import Docentric AX model files using the »ModelUtil.exe« tool.

This tool is located in the Packages Bin folder (typically, C:\Packages\Bin or C:\AosService\PackagesLocalDirectory\Bin). Run Command Prompt as Administrator and navigate to the Bin directory of your Packages folder. Execute the command for importing the Docentric AX models:

Example:

2. Build the imported models.

In Visual Studio select the »Dynamics 365 -> Build Models...« menu. In the Model Build dialog select the newly imported models and press the Build button.

If you don't see Docentric packages in the list, refresh models by clicking the »Dynamics 365 -> Model Management -> Refresh Models« menu item and then try again.
It might happen that you will need to build the models twice, in order to compile without errors.

3. Synchronize the database.

In Visual Studio click the »Dynamics 365 -> Synchronize Database...« menu item and press the Synchronize button in the shown dialog.

After Docentric AX model files have been properly installed on a D365FO system, Docentric AX becomes fully functional; there are no external dependencies or services to configure or install.

Note that you will need to apply a license in order to unlock the product, unless you are using Free Edition.

See also

Download and Install Docentric AX SSRS Replicas >>
How to Add Docentric AX Models to TFS >>
How to Unlock the Product >>
How to Install Docentric AX Designer >>

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