The 4D World Tour Development Day was held on 15 May 2019 at Cliftons Venues in Sydney. The SapphireOne development team attended the event, where 4D v17 was introduced, showcasing key advancements including ORDA, 4D Write Pro, 4D View Pro, and other major enhancements.
The session highlighted improvements that provide developers with more sophisticated tools and innovative approaches to building productive, business-focused applications. As 4D is the core language used in SapphireOne’s client-server application, these developments are directly relevant to ongoing product innovation.
Key Highlights from the Development Day
ORDA – A New Way to Access Data
Object Relational Data Access (ORDA) represents a fundamental shift in how data is accessed and managed within 4D.
As described by Thomas Maul, VP Strategy at 4D:
“ORDA is a new way of thinking. It’s not just a language. It’s about relations, data access, using objects, and much more.”
With ORDA, complex relational structures are internally mapped as objects, allowing developers to interact with the entire database as a single object. This approach simplifies data access, improves code readability, and supports modern application architectures.
4D Write Pro – Powerful and Fully Integrated
4D Write Pro is a feature-rich, programmable text engine fully integrated into 4D and its database environment. It enables users to design letters, generate invoices, produce catalogues, and create reports, supporting a wide range of desktop publishing requirements.
Customisable menus ensure users only access the features they need, improving usability and efficiency. In version 17, enhancements support workflows across order processing, logistics, correspondence, marketing, and document management.
4D View Pro – Advanced Spreadsheet Capabilities
4D View Pro provides powerful, integrated spreadsheet functionality within the 4D environment. Enhancements include improved compatibility with Microsoft Office, allowing reports to be generated offline and exported directly to Excel or saved as PDF files.
Developers can compute reports using 4D View Pro and seamlessly share or distribute them in widely used formats.
Additional Enhancements in 4D v17
The 4D World Tour also introduced a new modern interface designed to improve user experience and customer satisfaction.
Dynamic forms now allow users to build fully adaptable interfaces without writing additional code. Programmers can easily convert existing binary forms into dynamic forms, enabling real-time redesign and greater flexibility.
Security improvements were also highlighted, ensuring stronger protection for data, websites, and server communications, while maintaining system stability and performance.
Click for more information regarding improvements and features within the latest release of SapphireOne ERP, CRM, DMS and Business Accounting Software Application. Alternatively, contact our office on (02) 8362 4500 or request a demo.