Gp10 enus ins_07

Chapter 7: Process Server

7-1

CHAPTER 7: PROCESS SERVER Objectives

The objectives are:

• Understand the basics about the Process Server. • Identify Process Server system requirements and considerations. • Setup and configure Process Server. • Modify the location of where to save process server reports. • View running processes in Process Monitor. • View and purge the process server log.

Introduction The Process Server is the Microsoft Dynamics™ GP answer for distributed processing. Distributed processing helps improve data entry productivity by sending lengthy procedures to more robust computers. Specifically, users can initiate processes from their computers and direct processing of the function to more powerful computers on the network. This eliminates waiting for the process to be completed on the client computer and helps increase productivity.

This course introduces the Process Server. It includes the benefits of using the Process Server to increase performance and the setup and use of its functions to control, track, and report on remote processing.

Overview The Process Server allows users to maximize their network processing horsepower by using a fast-processing computer to reduce the workload of a client computer and help to improve the performance of Microsoft Dynamics GP. Remotely processed tasks include frequently run large reports, financial reports, check printing, and posting processes.

A complete list of processes that can be sent to the Process Server is located in Microsoft Dynamics GP. Click Microsoft Dynamics GP, point to Tools, point to Setup, point to System, and then click Process Server.

Components

The Process Server environment consists of three main components:

1. Distributed Process Manager (DPM) - The traffic manager responsible for tracking all process servers, client computers, and remote processes in the network.

Microsoft Official Training Materials for Microsoft Dynamics ™ Your use of this content is subject to your current services agreement

Microsoft Dynamics GP Installation & Configuration

7-2

2. Distributed Process Server (DPS) - The workhorse that processes tasks sent to it by Microsoft Dynamics GP clients and sends updated information to the data server.

3. Microsoft Dynamics GP Client Workstations - The client installations used by data entry personnel to send tasks to Process Servers so that data entry personnel can resume tasks immediately.

Scenario

The diagram displays sending a task to a Process Server for off-loaded processing.

FIGURE 7.1 DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING IN MICROSOFT DYNAMICS GP

In the diagram, sales order entry clerks are entering sales order transactions in a batch. At some time, the batch is posted. The posting process is set up to run remotely.

The DPM becomes aware of the job and checks the process servers to see which one finishes first. The DPM sends a message to the Microsoft Dynamics GP client computer directing the workstation to the process server that should receive the job.

The process server receives the job and uses the appropriate resources on the data server to complete the task. The process server processes the job and sends the results to the data server for database update. Clerks can continue sales order entry while the process server completes the job. This helps increase the productivity of the clerks; they no longer wait for processing to complete on their own computers.



7-3

Terms and Configuration

These terms in the process server system require definition:

• Service - A collection of process servers grouped together in the process server setup.

• Load Balancing - The process of balancing the workload between the process servers in a service.

There is no limit to the number of process servers in a service. However, a service with three process servers works best.

The number of process servers must be consistent between multiple services. For example, if the first defined service has three process servers, all other services must have three process servers. Process servers are not required to be part of a service; they can also function as standalone process servers.

Whenever a job is set up to process remotely in a service, the DPM decides which process server can finish the job first. The DPM tells the Microsoft Dynamics GP client computer which process server should receive the job. This balances the workload and helps to ensure the job completes at the earliest possible time. This is known as load balancing.

Load balancing is only available for a service. The DPM does not balance the load between stand alone process servers.

DPM Environment

The DPM is a passive component and does not require any additional configuration after it is installed. There can only be one DPM per network. If there are multiple DPMs, each DPM tries to control the assigning of off-loaded tasks, resulting in conflicts between the DPMs.

Once the DPM determines which DPS receives the job, it informs the client machine and the machine sends the job to the process server with no interaction from the user. If the DPM becomes unavailable, the job is sent to the first DPS in the list of process servers in the service and the Process Server system continues to function. Load balancing cannot be achieved if the DPM is offline, but jobs continue to process on the individual process servers of the service.

The DPM tracks if process servers are online. If a DPS is shut down, the DPM does not send jobs to the offline process server. When the DPS is online the DPM is informed and considers the DPS for jobs



7-4

How the DPM Chooses a DPS

The DPM weighs two primary factors when determining which DPS is assigned a job:

• Number of jobs in the queue on a DPS • CPU speed of the DPS

If more than one DPS is available, the tie-breaker is CPU speed. This way the job is assured of being assigned to the DPS that finishes the job first.

DPS Environment

The DPS can be installed on any supported server or workstation. However, for optimal performance, use a dedicated Process Server machine. Only consider using a data entry machine as a DPS when a computer is not being used to its full capacity. The DPS may be installed on the data server to reduce network traffic. However, if the data server runs at capacity or close to capacity, set up separate process servers to decrease the data server load and complete remote processes more quickly.

Customers can connect as many client computers as TCP/IP allows. Also configure as many Process Servers as required on the overall network.

Multiple instances of the Process Server can be run on the same physical client or server when multiprocessor based clients or servers are implemented as Process Servers. Running multiple instances of the Process Server on a multiprocessor machine allows for customers to further maximize the processing power across the network. For details on setting up a multiprocessor machine as a process server, contact Microsoft Dynamics GP support.

Off-Loaded Processes

Not all tasks within Microsoft Dynamics GP can be off-loaded. Those tasks that can be off-loaded must meet certain criteria:

• Only global scripts can be sent to the DPS because they do not rely on information on the data entry computer. It would be inefficient to send a task to a Process Server and then have the process server request data or a script from the client computer.

• Only tasks that do not require user interaction may be off-loaded. It would interrupt the process to require user input at the Process Server to continue processing.



7-5

System Requirements Any computer can act as a Process Server or Distributed Process Manager (DPM) if it is running a Microsoft Dynamics GP supported platform such as Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional (including x64) or Microsoft® Windows® Vista (Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise).

Process Server Requirements

There are two requirements of the Process Server system:

• Each workstation must resolve TCP/IP hostnames for the DPS system to function.

• The data source name (DSN) of the ODBC connection for all Microsoft Dynamics GP client computers and process servers must be the same for distributed processing to work successfully.

Common problems related to the requirements:

Error: Server ‘ServerName’ not available.

Resolution: To resolve TCP/IP hostnames, either a Domain Name Server or a host file can be used. If there is an attempt to register a process server without a hostname on the Domain Name Server or in the hostfile, the error message appears.

NOTE: IP addresses are not used to identify a computer in the process server environment.

Problem: Login window appears on the client computer or on the DPS when a task is sent to the DPS.

Resolution: The DSN for the ODBC connection is incorrect. The DSN for the DPSs, DPM, and clients must match. To resolve the problem, make the DSNs match.

Hardware Requirements

At a minimum, DPS machines should meet the client hardware requirements of Microsoft Dynamics GP.



7-6

Set up Process Server The information in this section helps to setup and configure Process Server. Use the Process Server Setup window to:

• Establish which processes are sent out for remote processing. • Identify what machine serves as the DPM. • Identify what machines serve as DPSs. • Set up services. • Specify what DPS or service a particular process is sent.

Potential Pitfalls

There are potential pitfalls of the DPS system to take into account when planning Process Server setup.

• Any warning or error dialogs generated when a task is sent to a DPS are not displayed on the Microsoft Dynamics GP client computers.

• Any printer output from the off-loaded tasks is directed to the DPS default printer with no dialog sent to the user.

To alleviate these pitfalls, DPS keeps data entry personnel informed on the progress of their tasks by using:

• A log on the DPS machine which captures messages by selecting the option during Process Server setup. Administrators can use UNC pathing to send the output report from the process back to the client workstation.

• A Process Monitor where personnel can monitor the progress of their tasks.

During DPS setup, make sure tasks are sent to DPSs with default printers near the personnel executing the off-loaded tasks.

NOTE: The Named Printers feature can direct printer output to a printer other than the default printer.



7-7

Process Server Setup Window

To open the Process Server window, click Microsoft Dynamics GP, point to Tools, point to Setup, point to System, and then click Process Server.

FIGURE 7.2 DPS SETUP WINDOW

The following describes the items in the DPS Setup window:

• Series - When the All option displays in the Series box, all processes available for remote processing appear in the scrolling window list. Selecting a series from the drop-down list filters the processes available in the selected series.

• Enable Load Balancing - Select to enable load balancing between process servers in a service. Selecting the check box displays the Manager Host text box. If load balancing is not used, leave this check box clear.

• Manager Host - Specifies the machine in the network serving as the DPM. Enter the full computer name of the machine.

• Track Start and End Times - Selecting the check box creates a log that tracks process start and end times and keeps the information in the Process Server Log file. Print a report showing the Process Server Log information, or view the information from the Process Server Inquiry window.

NOTE: The Log file storing this information can grow at a rapid rate because each process sent remotely is stored. Only select Track Start and End Times if this information is used. Purge the log on a regular basis. Purging the log is discussed later in this manual.



7-8

• Mark All/Unmark All - Provides the ability to select or deselect all the displayed processes in the scrolling window list. Mark All selects all displayed processes; Unmark All clears all displayed processes.

• Processes that can be run remotely are in the DPS Setup window scrolling window list. The processes in the scrolling window list are discussed later in this section.

Define Process Servers

Use the DPS Server Setup window to define computers as process servers. To open the DPS Server Setup window, click Microsoft Dynamics GP, point to Tools, point to Setup, point to System, point to Process Server, and then click Servers.

FIGURE 7.3 DPS SERVER SETUP WINDOW

Fields available on the DPS Server Setup window include:

• Server Host field - Type the computer name of the machine that functions as a process server.

• Verify connection on add check box - Verifies whether a process server is online when the process server is added to the list.

• Add button - Click to register the Process Server. If successful, the computer name appears in the scrolling list

• Delete button - Click to remove a process server from the list after highlighting the server in the scrolling window.

When Verify connection on add is selected, the Process Server system verifies that the process server is running before adding the process server to the list. If the process server is not online, a message stating that the server is not available appears.



7-9

Define Services

Use the DPS Service Setup window to define services and add process servers to services. To open this window, click the Services button on the DPS Setup window.

FIGURE 7.4 DPS SERVICE SETUP WINDOW

The Services drop-down list displays all defined services. To add a service, type the service name in the Services field and then click Add. This registers the service name. To delete a service, highlight the service in the list of services and then click Delete.

To add process servers to a service:

1. Select the service from the Services list. 2. Highlight the process server to add in the list of Configured

Servers. 3. Click Insert.

The process server appears in the Servers in Service list. To remove a process server from a service, highlight the process server to remove from the Servers in Service list, and then click Remove. The process server is no longer a part of the service.

Click the Servers button in the lower right corner of the DPS Service Setup window to open the DPS Server Setup window.



7-10

Tips to Define a Service

Consider the following when defining a service:

• A process server can be added to more than one service; however, this practice is not recommended. Having a server in more than one service may lead to conflicts within the process server system.

• Although a different number of servers can be added to different services in the DPS Service Setup window, keep the number of servers in a service consistent.

Select Remote Processes

Once the process servers and services are defined, select which processes to run remotely from the list of processes in the DPS Setup window scrolling window list.

FIGURE 7.5 DPS SETUP WINDOW

To enable a process to run remotely:

1. Select the appropriate Series from the drop-down list. 2. Select the Remote check box next to the desired process. 3. Specify where the desired process is executed by entering the name

of a defined process server or service in the Service/Server ID field next to the desired process.

4. Click OK to close the window.



7-11

To enable users to process remotely:

1. For each user that should have their processes distributed, log in as the user, click Microsoft Dynamics GP, and then click User Preferences.

2. In the Distributed Processes area of the User Preferences window, select the Remote option to run all designated processes remotely for the current user.

NOTE: If a user decides to leave their Distributed Processes preference set at Local, it overrides any setup done in DPS setup, and the task is processed on their local machine.

Set User Preference Using a SQL Script

For Administrators, there is a SQL script that sets the remote option available on the User Preferences window for all users. Run the following script in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio against the DYNAMICS database to set all users to process remotely:

Use DYNAMICS

Update SY01400

set distproc=1

Start the DPM and DPS

Once the process servers are configured, start the process server components in the following order:

1. Turn off all computers where Distributed Process Manager is being used, and all Distributed Process Servers and Microsoft Dynamics GP client computers.

2. Start the computer that is serving as the DPM. 3. Launch the DPM by browsing to the Microsoft Dynamics GP

directory in Windows Explorer and dragging the Dynamics.set file on top of the dpm.exe file. This launches the DPM. Remember, the dpm.exe should only be launched on the one computer serving as the DPM.

4. Start the computers that are serving as process servers. 5. Launch the DPS by browsing to the Microsoft Dynamics GP

directory and double-clicking dps.exe. This launches the DPS client on the workstation. Note that Microsoft Dynamics GP does not need to be running, only the dps.exe.

6. Start and launch Microsoft Dynamics GP on all other computers.



7-12

NOTE: The files DPM.exe and DPS.exe are automatically installed on all clients. However, they should only be launched as described above.

Designate the Output Report Location The default output location for process server reports is the Microsoft Dynamics GP folder on the local drive of the process server. This means the user who executed the process receives no feedback on the status of the process unless alternative measures are taken.

There are two alternative methods:

• Use UNC pathing to direct the output to another computer in the network.

• Put the output file in a shared folder on the desktop of the process server for users to view.

UNC Path

When a process such as Check Links is ready to be executed, the standard output dialog box appears.

FIGURE 7.6 REPORT DESTINATION WINDOW

In the Report Destination window:

1. Send the report to a file by clicking the File check box. The File Name and Format boxes become available.

2. In the File Name field, enter a path to the computer where the report should be saved and the name of the report.

3. In the File Format drop-down list, select Text file.



7-13

4. Select to Append or Replace the file if it already exists, and then click OK.

The hard drive on the computer must be shared and the user logged on to the process server must have the appropriate user rights to access the computer. To confirm the user rights:

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Administrative Tools, and then click Local Security Policy.

2. Expand Local Policies, then User Rights Assignment. 3. Double-click Access this computer from the network and make

sure that the user is added. 4. Double-click Deny access to this computer from the network and

make sure that the user is not added. 5. Test access from the process server. Click Start, click Run, and then

open the C drive on the client computer.

Send Output to the Desktop

To send the output report to a shared folder on the desktop of the process server, in the Report Destination window:

1. Send the report to a file by clicking the File check box. The File Name and Format boxes become available.

2. In the File Name field, either type in the path or browse to the shared folder on the process server.

3. In the File Format drop-down list, select Text file. 4. Select to Append or Replace the file if it already exists, and then

click OK.

Hint: Create the shared folder on the desktop of the process server before specifying a report location.

Process Monitor Use the Process Monitor window to view processes running locally or on any process server in the network. The Process Monitor on the client computer allows users to monitor:

• Processes running on their local machine. • Processes they sent to a process server. • Processes that are running on any process server in the system.

Process Monitor on the process server allows viewing of processes running on the local process server only.



7-14

Client

Use the Process Monitor window on the client computer to view processes running in the Process Server network. To open this window, click File and then click Process Monitor.

FIGURE 7.7 PROCESS MONITOR WINDOW

The Process box displays a list of processes executing on the computer specified in the Server ID field and matching the Location option selected. There are three options for the Location:

• Local - Displays processes that are being performed locally. • Remote - Displays processes that are sent from the workstation to a

process server. • Process Server - Displays processes on the server selected in the

Server ID field.

There are three statuses available:

• Active - The process is currently executing. • Ready - The process is queued properly and waiting to be processed. • Error - An error occurred while processing and processing is

canceled.



7-15

The buttons at the right provide the ability to interact with available processes:

• Redisplay - Refreshes the display of the Process field. • Suspend - Suspends execution of the task currently processing.

Lengthy processes can be suspended to allow the next process in the queue to process first.

• Resume - Resumes the execution of the suspended task. • Remove - Deletes a selected process. Processes that can be removed

are marked with a greater than (>) sign. • Detail - Displays a progress window showing the processing details

and the percentage of the task completed.

Server

When accessed from the process server, the Process Monitor window looks at processes running on the local process server. However, the window is slightly different from the client application:

• The Location or Server ID fields are not available. • The Status box changes from Server to Client. This box displays the

name of the client computer that sent the executing process to the process server.

While processes are executing, the Process Monitor window displays the progress of the executing task.

FIGURE 7.8 PROCESS MONITOR WINDOW



7-16

Process Details

In the Process Monitor window on the process server, a Progress window displays the details of what table and record are being processed. The Suspend button is active to allow interruption of the processing.

When a process is highlighted in the Process Monitor window, the Status and Client workstation machine name are displayed and the Detail button becomes available. After clicking Detail, the Process Detail window appears.

FIGURE 7.9 PROCESS DETAIL WINDOW

The Process Detail window displays information about the current process, including the steps executing to complete the process. In the General Entry Info section:

• The Status field is marked as Active. • The Type field is listed as Procedure, meaning a stored procedure is

being executed. • The Priority field contains the priority of the current step.

The name of the computer where the process is being executed is listed in the Server field.



7-17

Process Server Log The Process Server Inquiry window displays the information gathered when the Track Start and End Times in the Process Server Setup window is selected.

Use the Remove Process Server Detail window to eliminate old information from the process server log.

View the Process Server Log

To open the Process Server Inquiry window, click Inquiry, point to System, and then click Process Server.

FIGURE 7.10 PROCESS SERVER INQUIRY

There are a couple of options for displaying the log. The log can be displayed by Date or by User ID. The Server ID drop-down list provides the option to view any process server in the network. If this box is blank, the detail for all process servers appears.

The information in the scrolling window includes the results of the processing, Date and Time of execution, Workstation ID, User ID, and Company Name. All these details are helpful in troubleshooting any failed processes. The Result box displays any warning or error messages generated by the process.

The Redisplay button updates the display in the scrolling window for any newly completed processes.

NOTE: Even if the Track Start and End Times option is turned off, this log still captures error messages that are generated by processing. Monitor the log on a daily basis to validate the success of all remote processing.



7-18

Clear the Process Server Log

The Process Server Log can grow quickly, depending on the offloaded transaction volume. The log must be cleared from time to time to prevent it from growing and affecting performance. Use the Remove Process Server Detail window to remove outdated information from the process server log. To open this window, click Microsoft Dynamics GP, point to Tools, point to Utilities, point to System, and then click Process Server.

There are several options for removing detail:

• A range of Server IDs or Dates can be specified. Change the From and To boxes depending on the selection. – Server ID - Select a range of process servers. – Date - Enter the 2-digit month, the 2-digit date, and the 2-digit

year in each box. • After entering ranges, click Insert to move the ranges into the

Restrictions box. To remove restrictions, highlight the restriction and then click Remove.

• Select the Print Report check box and then click Process to print a report showing the activity of the selected Server IDs based on the restrictions on the network. Use this to verify that the ranges are correct.

• To remove the log activity, click the Remove Records check box and then click Process. The records are removed for the specified restriction range.



7-19

Summary The following are key steps in setting up the Process Server system.

• Load the Microsoft Dynamics GP client software, including Process Server, on the computers that serve as Process Servers.

• If using the DPM to balance the processing load between process servers in a service, check the box for Enable load balancing. This is strictly optional.

• If load balancing is used, specify the hostname of the DPM in the Manager Host field.

• To log process server information for verification and troubleshooting purposes, check the box for Track Start and End Times.

• Define the Process Servers and the Services when using load balancing and a DPM.

• Define which processes are to be sent for remote processing and designate the destination Server or Service.

• Use the Process Monitor and Process Server Logs to validate that processing is happening correctly.

• Clear Process Server Logs regularly when tracking start and end times to create a process server log.



7-20

Test Your Knowledge Test your knowledge with the following questions.

Comprehensive Task

Fill in the blanks to test your knowledge of this section.

1. The Process Server component that manages load balancing is _________.

2. _____ is the Process Server component that performs selected processes.

3. Load balancing is only available for _________.

4. The number of servers added to each service should be _______.

5. Set the Distributed Processes option in the User Preferences window for users to send processes to be complete __________

Overview

6. What is a grouping of process servers called?

( ) Distributed Process Server ( ) Service ( ) Load Manager ( ) Multi-Processor

7. A DPM performs what function for a Service?

( ) Load Balancing ( ) Processing ( ) Send data updates to the server. ( ) Manage communication between process servers.

8. What does the DPM consider when deciding which Process Server in a Service is assigned an offloaded task? Mark all that apply. (Select all that apply.)

( ) The speed of the processor in the Process Server ( ) The number of Process Servers in the Service ( ) The number of Services in the Process Server system ( ) The number and length of jobs in the Process Server queue



7-21

9. When load balancing is being used but the DPM is offline, which Process Server in the Service is assigned all offloaded tasks?

( ) The fastest Process Server. ( ) The Process Server with the least jobs in its queue. ( ) The tasks are rotated among the Process Servers in the Service list. ( ) The first Process Server in the Service list.

Setup Process Server

10. Task: Put the following steps in order to correctly start the DPM and DPS.

Step _____ : Launch DPS by double-clicking dps.exe.

Step _____ : Launch DPM by dragging the Dynamics.set file on top of the dpm.exe file.

Step _____ : Start all other computers that use Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Step _____ : Turn off all computers that are or will be using DPM, DPS or Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Step _____ : Start the DPS computer(s).

Step _____ : Launch Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Step _____ : Start the DPM computer.

Process Monitor

11. What actions are available for interacting with the processes that are listed in the Process Monitor window? Mark all that apply. (Select all that apply.)

( ) Suspend ( ) Detail ( ) Move ( ) Redisplay

Process Server Log

12. What window is used to view the Process Server Log?

( ) DPS Server Setup ( ) DPS Setup ( ) User Preferences ( ) Process Server Inquiry



7-22

Quick Interaction: Lessons Learned Take a moment and write down three Key Points you have learned from this chapter:

1.

2.

3.



7-23

Solutions Test Your Knowledge

Comprehensive Task

Fill in the blanks to test your knowledge of this section.

1. The Process Server component that manages load balancing is _DPM_.

2. _DPS_ is the Process Server component that performs selected processes.

3. Load balancing is only available for _Services_.

4. The number of servers added to each service should be _Equal_.

5. Set the Distributed Processes option in the User Preferences window for users to send processes to be complete remotely

Overview

6. What is a grouping of process servers called?

( ) Distributed Process Server (•) Service ( ) Load Manager ( ) Multi-Processor

7. A DPM performs what function for a Service?

(•) Load Balancing ( ) Processing ( ) Send data updates to the server. ( ) Manage communication between process servers.

8. What does the DPM consider when deciding which Process Server in a Service is assigned an offloaded task? Mark all that apply. (Select all that apply.)

(√) The speed of the processor in the Process Server ( ) The number of Process Servers in the Service ( ) The number of Services in the Process Server system (√) The number and length of jobs in the Process Server queue



7-24

9. When load balancing is being used but the DPM is offline, which Process Server in the Service is assigned all offloaded tasks?

( ) The fastest Process Server. ( ) The Process Server with the least jobs in its queue. ( ) The tasks are rotated among the Process Servers in the Service list. (•) The first Process Server in the Service list.

Setup Process Server

10. Task: Put the following steps in order to correctly start the DPM and DPS.

Step 5 : Launch DPS by double-clicking dps.exe.

Step 3 : Launch DPM by dragging the Dynamics.set file on top of the dpm.exe file.

Step 6 : Start all other computers that use Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Step 1 : Turn off all computers that are or will be using DPM, DPS or Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Step 4 : Start the DPS computer(s).

Step 7 : Launch Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Step 2 : Start the DPM computer.

Process Monitor

11. What actions are available for interacting with the processes that are listed in the Process Monitor window? Mark all that apply. (Select all that apply.)

(√) Suspend (√) Detail ( ) Move (√) Redisplay

Process Server Log

12. What window is used to view the Process Server Log?

( ) DPS Server Setup ( ) DPS Setup ( ) User Preferences (•) Process Server Inquiry


Education

Gp10 enus ins_07