How to securely share your Microsoft Dynamics NAV data with Validis
To share your data, log in to the Validis portal and start a new share from your engagement. You'll then be prompted to download and install vClient, the application that connects to Microsoft Dynamics and shares your data securely. The steps below walk through the whole process, starting from your engagement.
Before you start
Check these things before you begin. Sorting them out now avoids getting interrupted partway through the upload.
- Make sure you're online. Your data is sent while the process runs, so a stable internet connection is needed throughout.
- Have your accounting package open and accessible, with the data you want to share ready. vClient connects directly to it to read your accounts.
- Have an account that can read the company data, and know the sign in details. You'll enter these directly into vClient later in this process, not into the Validis portal.
- If you have more than one installation or company, know which one holds the data you're sharing. You'll pick it during setup.
A few things are specific to Dynamics. You need to know which version you are sharing from, the SQL Server Instance Name, the Database name, and which Company holds the data. Your IT team can give you these if you are not sure.
Step 1
Get started with your engagement
Log in to the Validis portal, select the relevant Engagement, then select Share Data Now.
Step 2
Choose your accounting package
Search for or select your accounting package from the list. If not already selected, choose Microsoft Dynamics NAV, then select Next. The panel on the right confirms your choice and shows what happens next.
Step 3
Download the application
Select Download to download vClient, the trusted application Validis uses to securely connect to your accounting package.
Step 4
Open the downloaded file
Your browser downloads vClient.application. Open it from your downloads folder, or from your browser's download history, to start the installation. If you need help finding it, follow the guide for your browser: Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
Step 5
Confirm the download
Depending on your browser and computer setup, you may see a security warning. Select Keep to continue.
Step 6
Install vClient
Once the file has finished downloading, open it to begin the installation. Select Install to continue. The URL shown may differ from yours depending on your region. vClient is a small application and is removed from your computer automatically once the sharing process is complete.
Connecting with Microsoft Dynamics
vClient opens automatically once installed and tries to find your SQL Server instance, filling in the instance name for you. What happens next depends on your setup.
If you have one installation with one company loaded, vClient starts sharing that company straight away, without asking you for anything. Skip to Step 9.
If more than one compatible database is found, you are asked which one to use. Carry on with Step 7.
Step 7
Enter your server and database details
Enter the SQL Server Instance Name and the Database Name.
The Next button appears once both are filled in. Select it to continue.
Step 8
Select your company
Choose the Company you want to share, then select Next.
Step 9
Data extraction
vClient begins extracting your data, with a progress display. This can take a few minutes depending on the size of your database and how many entries it holds. Once everything has been read, the data is compressed, encrypted, and sent securely to Validis. You can carry on with other work while it runs, but do not close the vClient window or interrupt the extraction process.
Step 10
Complete
Once the share finishes, a success message is displayed. Select Close to exit vClient. There is nothing more to do. Your Engagement Manager or Client Manager will be notified by email that you've submitted a new share.
After you've shared your data
Your data now queues for processing in the Validis central system. You can switch off your computer and disconnect from the network at this point if you want to.
You can track progress in the Validis portal, where the status moves from Processing to Completed. You may need to refresh your browser to see updates.
Troubleshooting
If vClient won't install, or can't see your company data, these will help you work out why:
- List of Accounting Package's Validis Connect Permissions, if vClient can't see your company data.
- Validis Connect Requirements, to check your computer and accounting package are set up correctly.
- Validis Connect Technical Specifications, to send to your IT team if your computer is centrally managed.
A firewall or antivirus blocking vClient is a common cause and usually needs your IT team to resolve.