Basics in the Windows and Web user interface
The purpose of this user manual is to assist the user in learning how to work with a software application developed with the Thinkwise Platform. This guide takes the reader step by step through all parts of the program so that they can become familiar with all the possibilities.
This manual only deals with the standard Thinkwise capabilities such as the maintenance of data. Specific calculations and controls fall outside the context of this document. The screenshots that serve as examples are taken from a standard Thinkwise application. The basic Thinkwise functionality works exactly the same in all applications.
The examples of the screen prints are based on the 'Insights' application that is included as standard with the Thinkwise Platform. Furthermore, the screen prints of the user interface are mostly created using the Windows user interface. It can be that you are using the Web user interface, which differs in detail from the Windows interface.
Logging in
After starting the program by double-clicking the application icon, a login popup is shown to login, unless the application administrator setup the application to automatically authenticate users with their Windows credentials.
Password expired
If your password has expired then the following screen appears after logging in.
Change password
If the password is successfully modified then the application starts up.
It can also be chosen to skip this page. The application will then start. The possibility to change the password will appear again the next time the user logs in.
Setting the password prior to logging in
From the Web GUI it is possible to set the password if this has been forgotten or if the password is not yet known.
Set a new password
The following screen appears if the 'Set password' link is clicked on. Enter the user name and the code that is displayed in the picture. If inputting this code is not correct, then please try again. A new code will then be displayed. If the code is not legible then a new code can be requested by pressing the F5 key.
Request password
By clicking on 'Next' the following screen appears. In the meantime an email will be sent to the email address of the user. This contains the 'Validation code' that is requested in the following screen. Additionally the password can be entered here. When typing in the password a 'Strength' is displayed that indicates the strength of the chosen password. A strong password consists of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters and is at least 8 characters long.
Password strength
The password can now be set by clicking on OK. The user will receive an acknowledgement of this.
Successful change of password
After this the user is returned to the sign in page to be able to login with the new password.
Help
To support the user even better it is possible to call up a help document. In
this document the developer can specify what the various components within the
application are used for. The help can be accessed in two ways, via the menu bar
under the Help 
button at the top right of
the screen and by pressing the F1 key at an arbitrary place in the
application.
Help via the menu bar
Help via the menu bar opens the Help in the main menu. This is the starting point for the user to search for himself via the content or via the search option. This method is particularly easy when general information about the program is sought.
Help via F1
The help via the F1 key, the so-called context-sensitive help, leads the user
directly to the subject which is selected at that time. A specific explanation
can be found here about the field that is selected. When a tab and not a field
is selected then the help for the entire table is displayed. If there is no help
available for the selected subject then this is displayed empty.
Using Help
The help page appears when the help is opened.
The help menu
This page is divided into a number of sections. There is a menu available on the left-hand side where the different sections (tables) can be found. When these are expanded the underlying information of the columns is available. The possibility to collapse all the table of contents is available in the toolbar at the top of the help screen.
The arrows can be used to navigate within the table of contents. This makes it possible to navigate forwards and backwards.
To be able to provide the help functionality on paper, it is possible to print it using the print icon in the toolbar.
Only the requested screen is printed, not the entire help document.
Navigation with the keyboard
The most obvious navigation method is with the help of the mouse cursor to navigate and the keyboard for data entry. It is however also possible to navigate with the keyboard. This is particularly of importance when working with large data volumes.
Shortcuts
Some of the shortcuts may be blocked or result in different behavior when using the Web GUI, depending on the browser that is used.
| Shortcut | ||
|---|---|---|
  | Objective | Next row |
| Description | To go to the next set of data in the form with the help of the keyboard. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to display the following set of data in the form without the use of the mouse. | |
 | Objective | Previous row |
| Description | To go to the previous record in the form with the help of the keyboard. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to display the previous set of data in the form without the use of the mouse. | |
 | Objective | Adding a row |
| Description | To add a row the grid or the input screen, in which an extra row must be added, must be activated. It is possible to click on Ctrl and + to add an additional row. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to add a row without the use of the mouse. | |
 | Objective | Confirmation and adding a row |
| Description | To save a new row and to add another row immediately after that, press Ctrl en + . The row just added is stored and immediately afterwards it is possible to proceed with the addition of a new row. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to add several rows one after another without a mouse | |
| | Objective | Save and copy to new |
| Description | To save a row and immediately add a another row with largely the same data it is possible to make use of this shortcut combination. | |
| When | This shortcut combination can be used when adding data that is for the most part the same. For example, the addition of addresses for the same street. The only difference is the house number. | |
 | Objective | Deleting a row |
| Description | To remove data in an input screen press Ctrl and -. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to add a row without the use of the mouse. | |
 | Objective | Editing a row |
| Description | To edit data in an input screen press Ctrl and e. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to edit a row without the use of the mouse. | |
| | Objective | Edit mode |
| Description | To edit data in a grid press Ctrl and Alt with E. From that moment it is possible to directly edit the data in the grid. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to quickly edit several rows at the same time without the use of the mouse. | |
 | Objective | Confirmation of a row |
| Description | To save a new row press on Ctrl and ENTER. The row just added is then saved. | |
 | Objective | Cancel |
| Description | If it is necessary to cancel the processing of data, then this can be done using the ESC key. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to cancel the data entered in the input field. For example, an address is being entered but it turns out to be incorrect. | |
 | Objective | Refresh the data |
| Description | To refresh the data in a screen press F5. The data of the solution is then re-loaded from the central storage location. Apart from the current table the tables which are referred to are also refreshed. Only the selected row of higher level subjects is updated. The data in all sub-components is also updated. | |
| When | This shortcut can best be used if several users are working with the data in the same screen. For example, an input screen for addresses. | |
 | Objective | Search |
| Description | To search for specific data in the columns press Ctrl + F. At that moment a screen is opened, in which it can be specifically indicated which data is being searched for. | |
| When | It is possible to search for specific data with this shortcut. For example, to search for the name of the street of the address with postcode 7324 AE and house number 7B. | |
 | Objective | Find next |
| Description | Search for the following row that satisfies the criteria that is defined in the search screen. | |
| When | Search in the following row without entering criteria in a pop-up window. | |
 | Objective | Find previous |
| Description | Search for the previous row that satisfies the criteria that is defined in the search screen. | |
| When | Search in the previous row without entering criteria in a pop-up window. | |
 | Objective | Filter |
| Description | To filter rows on a specific value or criteria of a column which the data must satisfy press Ctrl + R. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to create a list of rows for which specific data satisfies the stated criteria. For example, a list of addresses for which the postcode starts with 10. | |
| | Objective | Clear filter |
| Description | An active filter on a grid can be cleared with this shortcut combination. | |
| When | An activated filter on a grid can be cleared with this shortcut combination. | |
| | Objective | Quick filtering |
| Description | The value of the active cell in a grid is added to the active filter. This function can be used several times consecutively on various columns, whereby the set of data becomes smaller. | |
| When | To quickly filter on the active cell without having to complete a pop-up window. | |
 | Objective | Combined filter |
| Description | Moves the focus to the combined filter. | |
| When | To quickly filter in the current set of data on a combination of columns. | |
 | Objective | Sort |
| Description | To sort columns in a specific sequence press Ctrl + S. At that moment a screen is opened in which you can indicate in which sequence certain columns must be sorted. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to create a ranking of the data in a grid. For example, sorting the postcodes of an address in ascending order. | |
| | Objective | Default sort |
| Description | The default sorting of columns can be returned to its original situation. | |
| When | Screens can have a predefined sort sequence on columns. This can be changed during work. The given shortcut can be used to reset this sort sequence. | |
 | Objective | First row |
| Description | To go to the first row of a grid, it is useful to select a row so that the solution knows which grid it must use and then press on Ctrl+ HOME. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to quickly go to the first row in a long grid. | |
 | Objective | Last row |
| Description | To go to the last row of a grid, it is useful to select a row so that the solution knows which grid it must use and then press on Ctrl+ END. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to quickly go to the last row in a long grid. | |
| Objective | Going through fields and tabs in a form |
| Description | To go through all the fields in a form, also the fields on the next tab, use the ENTER key. Any buttons behind the input fields are passed over. | |
| When | This key can be used when a form is used that consists of several tabs, so that all fields can be gone through. | |
| | Objective | Going backwards through fields and tabs in a form |
| Description | To return to a previous field in a form, also to fields in a previous tab, you can use the Shift and ENTER key combination. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to move through an input field when a form is used that consists of several tabs. | |
| | Objective | New line in a text field |
| Description | To start a new line in a text field the key combination Alt + Enter should be used. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to start a new line in a text field | |
 | Objective | Previous tab |
| Description | To return to a previous tab in a form the key combination Ctrl + PgUp can be used. | |
| When | Within a form the previous tab can be selected with the shortcut Ctrl + PgUp. For example, during the input of a form it is useful to return to a previous tab to re-check the data. | |
 | Objective | Next tab |
| Description | To go to a next tab in a form it is possible to use the shortcut Ctrl and PgDn. | |
| When | Within a form select the next tab using the shortcut Ctrl + PgDn. For example, during the completion of a form it is useful to go to a following tab to check which data must still be entered. | |
 | Objective | To form input tab |
| Description | To move quickly between tabs. | |
| When | When a form has several tabs a number will appear behind it so that this tab can be quickly accessed. | |
| + click on menu item | Objective | Open new document |
| Description | To re-open an already opened screen. | |
| When | By opening the same screen it is possible to open several screens with the same data. For example when a relation is updated and during the update the user wants to reference another relation. | |
 | Objective | Copy to the clipboard to then paste into another program |
| Description | It is possible to copy data from a grid to the clipboard. By selecting the rows that are required to be copied from the solution. If the rows are consecutive and it is necessary to select several rows, than it is possible to hold down the Shift key. If thie rows are not consecutive then it is useful to hold the Ctrl key. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to copy specific data to another program. | |
| | Objective | Automatically resize grid columns |
| Description | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to automatically give all columns on the screen the required width. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible, when a column has too little space, to completely display the data that is in this column. For example with a long street name that does not fit in the field it is possible to automatically adjust the width for all columns so that the long street name becomes completely visible. | |
 | Objective | Switch between components |
| Description | To switch between the various components (Grid, form, tabs) | |
| When | If, for instance, it is necessary to switch between grid and form. | |
  | Objective | Switch between tab levels |
| Description | To switch between the various levels of tabs it is also possible to use the arrow keys, as a faster Alternative for F6. These keys only work when the title of a tab is selected. | |
| When | ||
 | Objective | |
| Description | Send the visible data to the printer by using the key combination Ctrl + P. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to print the screen. For example, the creation of a grid on the work screen with the help of a filter and you want to quickly print this grid for a short consultation with a colleague. | |
 | Objective | Go through fields in row and form |
| Description | To go from one selected data set in a screen to the next data set use can be made of the TAB key. This makes it possible to select input fields as well as the buttons behind the input fields. When using the TAB key the user continues working in the same tab. It is therefore not possible to go through all the input fields, as is possible with use of the ENTER key. | |
| When | At the moment that the user of a row or form wants to jump from one data set to the following data set. | |
| | Objective | Going back through fields in a row and form |
| Description | To return to the previous field in a form. | |
| When | ||
 | Objective | Switch between row and cell selection |
| Description | When data is edited in a grid (for instance after using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + E), it is possible byusing Ctrl + SPACE to ensure that this row is selected, instead of a cell, or vice-versa. | |
| When | With the help of this shortcut it is possible to influence the operation of other shortcuts, while data is being edited. For example: with Ctrl + C the contents of a cell or the contents of an entire row can be copied to the clipboard. If a cell is selected, but it is useful to copy the entire row to the clipboard, then use is made of Ctrl + SPACE and then Ctrl + C to achieve this. | |
 | Objective | Open the look up popup |
| Description | When the user is editing data in the grid or form it is possible with Ctrl + L to open the look up popup of the active field. | |
| When |
Shortcuts for the grid
The grid shortcuts can be in three different situations:
- Read only (non-edit mode)
- Edit (grid edit mode)
- Edit of a field (cell edit mode)
The following shortcuts can only be used in the grid. The action that is subsequently carried out, is dependent on the situation of the grid. These are given on the following page.
| Shortcut | ||
|---|---|---|
| Non-edit mode | Focus on the first field in the current row. |
| Grid edit mode | Focus on the first editable field in the current row. | |
| Cell edit mode | Focus on the first character in current cell. | |
| Non-edit mode | Focus on the last field in the current row. |
| Grid edit mode | Focus on the last editable field in the current row. | |
| Cell edit mode | Focus on the last character in current cell. | |
| | Non-edit mode | Focus on the first field in the first row. |
| Grid edit mode | Focus on first editable field in the first row. | |
| Cell edit mode | Focus on the first character in current cell. | |
| | Non-edit mode | Focus on the last field in the last row. |
| Grid edit mode | Focus on the last editable field in the last row. | |
| Cell edit mode | Focus on the first character in current cell. | |
| Non-edit mode | Go to the next field. At the last field go to the first field on the next row. |
| | Non-edit mode | Go to the previous field. At the first field go to the last field on the previous row. |
| Non-edit mode | Go to the next field. At the last field go to the first field on the following row. |
| Grid edit mode | Go to following field in the current row. At the last field go to the first field on the following row. | |
| Cell edit mode | Go to the next field. At the last field go to the first field on the following row. | |
| | Non-edit mode | See TAB in opposite direction. |
| Grid edit mode | See TAB in opposite direction. | |
| Cell edit mode | See TAB in opposite direction. | |
| | Non-edit mode | Navigate through the grid. |
| Grid edit mode | Navigate through the grid. | |
| Cell edit mode | Navigate in the cell. In the case of a drop down the following or previous value is selected. | |
| | Non-edit mode | |
| Grid edit mode | ||
| Cell edit mode | Opens the selection grid of the current drop down field. | |
| Non-edit mode | Page up, hold same column. |
| Grid edit mode | Page up, hold same column. | |
| Cell edit mode | Page up, hold same column. | |
| Non-edit mode | Page down, hold same column. |
| Grid edit mode | Page down, hold same column. | |
| Cell edit mode | Page down, hold same column. | |
| Single click | Non-edit mode | Select cell. |
| Grid edit mode | Select cell. | |
| Cell edit mode | Select cell. | |
| Double click | Non-edit mode | If the grid is a detail subject, a new screen opens with the current grid as main subject. |
| Grid edit mode | ||
| Cell edit mode | ||
| Non-edit mode | |
| Grid edit mode | If record is changed, cancel changes otherwise go to grid in non-edit mode. | |
| Cell edit mode | Cancel changes. | |
| | Non-edit mode | |
| Grid edit mode | Save the current row. | |
| Cell edit mode | Save the current row. | |
| | Non-edit mode | Place the grid in grid edit mode. |
| Grid edit mode | Save the row. Place the grid in non-edit mode. | |
| Cell edit mode | Save the row. Place the grid in non-edit mode. | |
 | Non-edit mode | |
| Grid edit mode | Delete entire value from the cell. | |
| Cell edit mode | Delete selection or character. | |
 | Non-edit mode | |
| Grid edit mode | Delete entire value from the cell. To cell edit mode. | |
| Cell edit mode | Delete character in front of the cursor. |
Glossary
To be able to work well with the program it is important that you recognize a number of definitions by name and understands what they mean.
This chapter contains a short explanation of the most important definitions
Tree structure menu
The tree structure menu is a menu structure on the side of the screen. This allows the user to navigate to a specific section of the program.
Context menu
The context menu is the menu that appears when the user clicks on the right-hand mouse button in a form, grid, cube or graph. By clicking somewhere in the menu the described action is executed or you can initiate its execution.
Detail tab
The details belonging to a specific record are described on the detail tab.
Form
The data belonging to a specific record is clearly displayed in a form, the user can also edit the data in the form.
Main tab
The main tabs provide the possibility to quickly navigate between various open work screens. The subject of the associated work screen is shown on the main tab.
Button bar
The button bar is positioned at the bottom of a form. Using the button bar and with the help of the mouse cursor the user can navigate, add, edit and delete.
Grid
A grid is a summary of several records presented underneath each other.
Menu bar
The menu bar is the bar with buttons at the top the program. Each contains a number of options.
Maintaining data
Maintenance of data is the adding, editing or deleting of records
Record
A record is a row of data about a certain subject.
Quick launch toolbar
The quick launch toolbar is a menu structure on the side of the screen. This allows the user to navigate to a specific section of the program.
Quick launch toolbar group
A quick launch toolbar group is a collection of subjects in the quick launch toolbar that are associated with each other in a specific way.
Field
A field is a place where information about a specific subject in a record is displayed or can be edited.
Work screen
The work screen is the screen in the application where the user can edit data.